This project investigates the thermal performance of the insulation in cold-pitched roofs of standard construction using a combination of in-situ monitoring, visual inspection and infrared thermographic surveys.

Estimated U-values based on measured heat flux and temperature data are compared against predicted U-values based on standard assumptions about the thermal conductivity of the installed building materials to determine whether or not the expected energy and cost savings associated with loft insulation are realised in occupied dwellings where the condition and extent of loft insulation coverage can vary.

The project also seeks to characterise the effects of solar gains and ventilation in roofs and test the validity of a statistical-based dynamic method for the estimation of the thermophysical properties of building elements using in-situ measurements.