Thinking about insulating your loft? Insulating a loft space can be a great way to save energy and money, improve the comfort of your home, and increase the value of your property. But it can also feel quite daunting if you've never done it before! In this guide, we take you through the key steps of how to insulate your loft yourself; from how to accurately measure your space, how to purchase the right insulation, how to install the insulation, and much more. Read on for our guide to successful loft insulation!
Measuring Your Space:
Accurately measuring the space of your loft is essential for determining how much insulation you need. Before measuring, it is important to take the time to assess your attic’s structural and environmental conditions, such as roof pitch, ventilation, obstructions, and any other factors that may affect the amount of insulation needed.
To measure the space of your loft accurately, you will need a tape measure. Begin by taking note of the length and width of all four walls and writing them down separately. Once all four walls have been measured, calculate the square footage by multiplying the length x width of each wall and adding all four results together. Make sure to also measure around any chimneys or obstacles so they can be accounted for in the overall calculation of square footage measurement.
Choosing the Right Insulation:
When it comes to choosing the right material for loft insulation, there are a few things to consider:
Your environment:
If you live in a very cold climate, then thermal insulation will be the best choice. Alternatively, if you live in a more humid environment, then moisture-resistant materials such as foil-backed boards may be preferable.
The cost:
Different types of insulation will have varying costs, so it is important to choose an option that will fit within your budget while still providing adequate protection from heat loss and reducing your energy bills in the long-term.
Ease of Installation:
It is important to think about the ease of installation, as some types of insulation require professional assistance while others can be installed quite easily by yourself or with a few simple tools.
If you’re looking for more information on choosing the right insulation, explore our Loft Insulation Buying Guide.
Cutting the Insulation:
When it comes to insulating a loft, one of the most important steps is to cut insulation correctly. Although cutting insulation may vary depending on the insulation type, we’ve created an easy step-by-step process on how to cut insulation:
1. Measure the area that needs to be insulated:
Use a measuring tape for accurate measurement. It’s important that all measurements are exact so that when you cut the insulation, it will fit perfectly in the space provided.
2. Select an appropriate cutting tool:
The most common tool used to cut insulation is an electric saw. However, other cutting tools like straight shears and scissors can also be used. Make sure you wear the appropriate safety gear including goggles and gloves to minimise any risk to yourself.
3. Start cutting:
Begin by laying out your piece of insulation on a flat surface such as a tabletop or flooring board. Using your measuring device, mark off where the cuts should be made and then begin cutting along those lines with your chosen tool. When making curved cuts for corners or odd-shaped spaces, use a sharp pair of scissors instead of an electric saw for more precise results.
Installing the Insulation:
Although installation methods will vary depending on your chosen insulation type, for the most part, the fundamental steps remain the same. (PLEASE NOTE: This is a rough guide to installing loft insulation. It is important you follow manufacturer’s guidelines on installation.)
1. Make sure you have all the necessary supplies:
Gather the equipment you will need to install your loft insulation, including your chosen insulation, an electric stapler, safety goggles and gloves, scissors, and a measuring tape.
2. Attach a vapour layer:
Using the staples, attach a vapour barrier on top of the insulation layer. This will help keep moisture out and improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through conduction. It is important that this layer does not overlap any seams or joints in the joists below, as this could lead to air leakage.
3. Secure the insulation:
When it comes time to install your chosen insulation, start at one end of the space and lay it flat against one side wall. Secure it firmly with electric staples – either directly into joists or on top of battens fixed across them – making sure that there are no gaps which could allow heat loss. If using rolls of mineral wool or loose fill fibreglass insulation, fill any voids between joists before adding more rolls or layers until you reach the desired depth.
Make sure you are aware of the local building regulations to ensure you use the appropriate insulation thickness.
4. Protect the insulation:
Once you've finished installing all materials in their intended positions, cover them with plastic sheeting or foil bubble wrap to help protect them from moisture damage. Finally, check that all fittings are secure and that no gaps remain where heat might escape.
For more information on loft insulation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team for reliable and professional assistance.