Much of the expensive heating you pay for during the winter months can disappear through your roof if your loft isn't properly insulated. Installing loft insulation is a simple job that you can complete in just a few hours, saving yourself money and keeping your home cosy too. Here's how.
What you'll need
- loft insulation rolls (available from good DIY and hardware stores)
- string
- gloves
- dust mask
- goggles
- tape measure
- craft knife
- loft lamp (if you don't have electric lighting in your loft)
How to do it
When working in your loft or roof space, always use crawl boards so that you don't damage the ceilings below. Lay any electrical wiring over the top of the insulation so that it is easily accessible for maintenance. Always wear goggles, gloves and a dusk mask to protect you from dust and any stray fibres from the insulation material.
- The first thing to do is work out how much loft insulation you will need. To do this, measure the length of your loft and the width, and then simply multiply these figures out. This will give you the total area to be insulated. When you buy your loft insulation, always choose the thickest type available. Although this may be slightly more expensive, it will save you money in the long term by keeping more of that expensive heat inside your home.
- Your next job is to insulate your cold water tank if you have one in your loft. This helps to prevent the tank from freezing up in very cold weather. Just wrap the insulation around the tank and secure it in place with string.
- Clear your loft so that the floor space is clear of obstructions.
- Begin the installation in the corner of the loft that is furthest away from the access hatch. Unroll the first length of insulation so that it fits between the ceiling joists. As you go, press the insulation down lightly, but be careful not to over-compress it as this will reduce its effectiveness. There's no need to try to stick the insulation down; it will stay in place naturally.
- As you finish one roll, start another and place the two ends together without any gaps. When you reach the end of the loft, use your craft knife to cut the insulation material.
In conclusion
You can save yourself lots of money on winter heating bills by installing loft insulation in your home. Just follow these simple guidelines or consult a local contractor if you're not confident to tackle the job yourself.
