How to Report Loft Insulation With Blocked Access
One of the common pitfalls in domestic energy assessments is incorrectly reporting loft insulation with blocked access. Many assessors fall into the trap of ignoring the conventions and fall foul of the SMART Audit rules. In this article we explain the correct approach, why making assumptions is risky, and how the latest RdSAP conventions (v12.1) must guide your decision. Remember to follow best practice when inspecting loft insulation.
Understanding the Conventions: Access vs. Insulation Unknown
The RdSAP Conventions (v12.1) clearly set out what to do when loft access is not possible on the day of the inspection. If you have a loft hatch or other means of access, but on that day it is obstructed (locked, painted shut, blocked by stored items, boarded over, or access prevented for health‐&‐safety reasons), the correct entry is “access, loft insulation unknown.” You must not enter No Loft Access in this scenario as it will trigger a smart audit. .
Similarly, if the loft is fully boarded or storage obstructs the insulation layer, you should also enter “pitched, access, loft insulation unknown,” unless the homeowner can provide documented evidence (e.g. installation receipts or photos) or can remove the obstruction to allow you to inspect.
When This Triggers a SMART Audit
Under the SMART audit rules, if there is no loft access to the main building, the EPC will automatically be flagged for an audit. This is because auditors need to confirm that the lack of access was genuine and that the correct conventions were applied. In this situation, assessors must provide clear photographic evidence showing the lack of loft access.
A SMART Audit will not be triggered if you have an access hatch that you are unable to enter as long as you report it correctly. Entering “access, loft insulation unknown” is fully compliant when legitimate access barriers exist — as long as you have documented the limitation properly. What matters most is that your report clearly explains why access was restricted and includes supporting evidence. This transparency allows auditors to verify your decision and ensures your EPC remains robust and defensible.
Steps to Follow If Loft Access is Obstructed
- Document the obstruction — photograph the hatch, stored items, or anything that prevents entry, along with a note in your site log
- Report correctly — follow the Convention, 3.03b, instructions and enter the correct details into the software, DO NOT ENTER NO LOFT ACCESS
- Make a clear note — in your assessment notes, explain the barrier,
How to Handle Boarded Areas That Can Be Proven Insulated Beneath
If a loft is partly boarded, but you can see insulation under the boards at edges or through gaps, you may treat the boarded area as insulated to the thickness you can reliably verify. The Convention allows that if evidence is present.
However, if you cannot reliably confirm the thickness beneath the boards, you must treat that area as unknown rather than guessing. The objective is always evidence‐based reporting, not estimation.
Documenting in the Site Notes for Auditor Review
Your site notes are crucial when access is obstructed. Include:
- A clear description of what prevented access (storage, locks, boarding, etc.)
- Photographs of the obstruction or locked hatch
- Any documentary evidence provided by the client (photos, invoices, warranties)
- Whether any limited inspection was possible (e.g. under edge boards)
- That you are following the Conventions v12.1 standard approach for “insulation unknown” in such cases
Conclusion
When the loft hatch is obstructed, locked, or otherwise impossible to access on the inspection day, the correct approach is to report the loft as “pitched, access, loft insulation unknown” as per RdSAP Conventions v12.1, 3.03b. Doing so protects the integrity of your EPC, aligns with conventions, and won’t trigger a SMART audit. Always document your evidence thoroughly.
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