Loft Inspections in Middlesbrough & the North East

A loft inspection is a proper look at your loft by someone who knows what to look for. It tells you how much insulation you have, what condition it is in, whether the loft is dry and well ventilated, and what, if anything, needs doing. It is the first step in every job we take on, and it is free.

Many people have not been into their loft for years, or have just bought a house and have no idea what is up there. Others have noticed something, such as cold bedrooms, a musty smell, scratching at night or a damp patch on the ceiling, and want to know why. A loft inspection gives you a clear answer and a written recommendation, with no obligation to go ahead.

Who a loft inspection suits

• Homeowners who want to know whether their loft insulation is deep enough.
• New buyers who want to understand the loft in the home they have just moved into.
• Anyone who has spotted damp, mould, condensation or a musty smell in the loft.
• Households who have heard or seen signs of mice, rats or birds.
• People thinking about boarding the loft for storage or fitting a loft ladder.
• Landlords who want a clear picture of the loft in a rental property.

What we look at

Access and layout

We check the hatch, the ladder or lack of one, headroom and how easy it is to move around safely. That affects what work is practical and how it would be carried out.

Insulation depth and condition

We measure the existing insulation in several places and identify what it is. The recommended depth for mineral wool is 270mm, so this shows how far short it falls. We also check whether it is dry, clean and evenly laid, or whether it has been flattened, disturbed or spoiled. That is the difference between a simple top-up and removal and replacement.

Ventilation and moisture

We look at the underside of the roof, the felt or membrane and the roof timbers for condensation, staining, mould or signs of a leak. We check whether the eaves are clear so air can flow through the loft, and whether a bathroom or kitchen fan is venting into the roof space. Insulation and ventilation always need to be judged together. See loft ventilation and mould and condensation.

Signs of pests

Droppings, gnawing, nesting, tunnelling through the insulation and gaps at the eaves all point to rodents or birds. If we find them, we explain what we have seen and where they may be getting in. See rodent proofing.

Structure

We look over the joists and roof timbers for obvious damage, sagging or previous alterations. If you want storage, we check whether raised loft boarding is practical and how much of the loft could sensibly be boarded.

Tanks, pipes and wiring

We note cold water tanks, pipework, cables and any recessed downlights in the ceiling below. Pipes and tanks need protecting from frost once the loft is colder, and cables and downlights need to be kept clear of insulation where appropriate. We are not electricians, but if we see wiring that looks damaged, we tell you so you can have it checked.

What you get afterwards

After the inspection we explain what we found in plain words. Where work is needed, you get a written quotation setting out the scope, the materials and the price. It might recommend a top-up, a full installation, removal of spoiled insulation, ventilation work, boarding, or a mix. Sometimes the honest answer is that very little needs doing, and we will tell you that too. Nothing goes ahead until you have the quotation in writing and are happy with it.

What can and cannot be judged from photos

A phone call or a few photos can give a rough idea of a loft and help you decide whether it is worth having a look. But photos cannot reliably show the depth of insulation, hidden damp, the condition of the timbers or how well air is moving through the loft. For that reason we base recommendations and quotations on an inspection in person.

Getting ready for the visit

• Make sure the hatch can be opened and there is space beneath it for a ladder.
• If the loft is very full, clear a path from the hatch if you can, so more of the floor can be seen.
• Note anything you have noticed: cold rooms, smells, noises or damp patches on ceilings.

Who carries out the work

Inspections and any work that follows are carried out by The Insulation Company or an approved installation partner. Eligible installations come with a written guarantee of up to five years; the terms are set out in your quotation.

Areas we cover

We cover Middlesbrough and Teesside, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and York, and parts of West Yorkshire and the East Riding. See all the areas we cover, or call 0800 229 4668 to book your free loft inspection.