Insulating your loft can save up to 20% on your energy bill, so it is definitely a job worth doing. There are various types of insulation and it is a quick and easy job, whichever method you choose.

 

 

Blanket Insulation

 

This is fitted in between the joists and is probably the most popular type of insulation.

 

Granular Insulation
Cork, vermiculite or mineral wool are available for use as granular insulation. This is an extremely easy insulation to use, especially in awkward to get at places. However, I wouldn’t advise using it in draughty lofts as it tends to get blown about.

 

Sheet Insulation

 

Especially useful if you intend on converting the loft into an extra room. The insulation sheets are fitted between the rafters; ensure adequate space is left between the sheets and the roof tiles, allowing for ventilation.

 

With blanket insulation the most popular choice, this is the method detailed below.

 

Before starting to install your insulation, clear the loft space and note any possible hazards such as electrical cables or pipes.

 

Ensure the loft has adequate ventilation from spaces in the eaves or roof ventilators, if there isn’t, this will have to be rectified before continuing.

 

If using fibreglass/mineral fibre you must cover your arms and wear gloves as these can irritate your skin; a dust mask should be worn when handling these materials. If there is no permanent lighting in the loft, use an extension cable and lamp.

 

Only stand on the joists and use a number of boards, supported by the joists for walking and kneeling on. Standing between the joists will result in you putting your foot through (or falling through) the ceiling.

 

 

1. Kneeling on a board laid across the joists, begin unrolling the insulation between the joists at one end of the loft, close to the eaves. Don’t push the material too tightly into the eaves, allow space for ventilation.

 

2. Continue unrolling across the floor, when you reach the opposite end of the loft, cut the material to fit loosely as before (again allowing for ventilation). Do not push the insulation down at any point, in awkward corners, cut to size maintaining a constant depth across the floor. Where one roll ends, make sure the new roll is butted against it, do not leave a gap.

 

3. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the whole of the loft floor is insulated. Move the kneel boards across the floor as you move around the loft.

4. If pipes or cables cross the joists, cut the quilt with a knife fit the insulation under the obstruction, butting the cut ends together. Be careful not to bend or pull wiring.

5. Do not insulate underneath the cold water tank. Instead, take the insulation up the side of the tank and cut, wrap the tank jacket over the top of the insulation ends.

 

6. Finally, fit insulation to the inside of the loft door. This can be held in place with adhesive or double sided tape. Ensure the loft doors fits snugly, if there are gaps, fit insulating tape between the frame and the loft door.

 

With all materials gathered, this is a job that will take no longer than a few hours yet save you a lot of cash in the long term. Easy to do, cuts energy costs and creates a warmer home.