Loft insulation is necessary to prevent buildup or release of heat within a building. This helps keep the loft or building comfortable to live in by controlling heat loss and gain which makes the warm and cold seasons more bearable. Insulation may also be used to prevent sound and fire from escaping the room and also helps absorb impact.
You can install loft insulation by yourself as long as you understand how the process goes. The first thing to do is to get the measurements necessary for you to determine how much insulation you need. Whip out a measuring tape to get the dimensions of your loft. If there is previously installed insulation, you can also get its width for you to have a better idea on how much you have to purchase. You also need to measure the spaces between joists or the beams that are parallel or run from wall to wall to support the ceiling or floor, if you plan on installing insulation on them.
For the first layer, begin with the corner farthest from where the loft hatch is. When tucking the end of the roll into the overhang or eaves, don’t forget to leave a gap of about 5 centimeters. This is necessary for air to flow through.
Then add the next layer by laying it 170 millimeters across the first one. It should be at right angle from the joists.
Along the way you may encounter obstructions like cables and pipes. Cut the insulation according to the obstacles’ shapes. Be careful not to damage the cables by pulling on them.
When you reach the loft hatch, use staples or nails to keep the insulation firmly in place on the back of the hatch.
It is important for your loft to have proper ventilation to avoid the buildup of condensation which may lead to rotting wood. Make sure to include ventilation in your plans.
