Between 15 and 25 percent
of the heat lost from homes across the UK is lost through the
roof.
In order to combat this, the best solution is to fully insulate
loft spaces in order to fill that massive void and help minimise
any heat from escaping.
The reason for this is because loft insulation helps to trap
rising hot air and keep the warm air in the home.
The total recommended thickness level of insulation in our lofts
is a massive 270mm - you may find that your own home probably has
roughly 100mm of loft insulation at the moment so you will more
than likely require a top-up.
However, it will be well worth it in the long run as the average
household saving on annual heating bills can be more than £150 -
multiply this by a few years and you'll realise just how much you
can save.
Protection Equipment
 |  |  |  |
| Mask | Goggles | Knee Pads | Gloves |
| Make sure that your arms are
covered as the fibres on the insulation can be quite
irritating. It is also a good idea to
place a board across the joists to work from as just standing on
the joists is quite risky - better safe than sorry! |
Fitting Equipment
 |  |  |
| Insulation | Knife or Scissors | Tape Measure
|
Loft Insulation Laying Process
Step 1: Preparation
The very first thing you should do is clear your loft of
anything that is stored in there and clean up any dust and debris
lying around.
Once this is complete you should measure the gap between the
joists to find out what width of insulation you require.
Once you know this, measure the length of the joists and count
how many gaps you have between the joists.
Use these figures to calculate how many square metres or packs
of insulation you will require to fully insulate your loft.
Once you know this it's time to purchase your insulation and
make sure the packs will fit through the loft hatch - it's no use
if you can't get it into the loft to install it!
| Please make sure you have
adequate lighting in your loft, you don't want to trip over any
wires and fall through the ceiling after all. |
Step 2: Laying the Insulation
Begin at the furthest end
of the loft at the eaves and unroll the insulation between the
joists towards the centre and gently press down. The reason for
this is because it is easier to cut the insulation at the centre of
the loft instead of trying to cut the correct length under the
eaves.
Repeat this process from the opposite side of the loft - from
the eave into the centre until you meet the first piece. Cut the
second piece where it meets the first and press the two parts
together.
Keep doing this for all the spaces between the joists and you
will be finished in no time.
Remember to leave a 25mm gap at both ends to make sure the
insulation doesn't block the ventilation from the eaves.
This is to try and prevent condensation from building up and
causing a damp problem. If you can see daylight near the eaves then
ventilation is probably not an issue.
| Never lay insulation over
electrical wires - always feed the insulation under the wires
making sure the wires run along the joists or that they are on top
of the insulation. If this isn't possible then just leave a gap
where the wires are. Do not insulate under any
water tanks - warm air from below will keep the chill off the base
of the cistern to help prevent the water from
freezing. |
Step 3: Insulate the Loft Hatch
Fit an off-cut piece of insulation to the loft hatch itself by
simply cutting a piece off and attaching it to the hatch using PVA
glue.
<td>Insulation</td>