Reducing Heat Loss Through the Roof of your Property
For step-by-step instructions on DIY installation of loft insulation, click here
If you would like to undertake this work yourself and you are looking for suitable materials, you will find these at Wickes – click here to browse or buy loft insulation materials. Loft insulation is bulky and can be tricky to transport – fortunately Wickes offer FREE DELIVERY on many orders!
If you would prefer to have this work done for you, B&Q also offer a professional loft insulation delivery and installation service in conjunction with British Gas along with a variety of other companies.
Due to the fact that hot air rises, another major area of domestic heat loss is that lost through the roof of your property. Figures show that 25% of the heat that you generate may be lost through the roof of your property and this can be dramatically reduced with the correct installation of loft insulation.
Ideally, loft insulation should be installed by experts to ensure that it is fitted safely and correctly. Where loft insulation is added, it is important that all wiring is dealt with safely and it is essential to ensure that all pipe work and tanks in the loft space are lagged (insulated) correctly, since there will no longer be the same amount of heat escaping into the loft space to protect pipes from freezing.
It is possible to fit loft insulation yourself, though it can be a messy and unpleasant job. Care should be taken to ensure that the insulation does not interfere with the ventilation of the loft space, since this could lead to condensation and this in turn could cause problems with the various timbers that make up the roof structure.
There are 3 types of British Standard loft insulating materials:
- Mineral Wool Quilt
This is a roll of mineral wool which is unrolled and they laid flat in the loft. Ideally it should be laid in between the joists initially and then another course laid on top running across the joists. This will ensure the best possible levels of insulation.
- Blown Mineral Wool
Using the same material as above but as loose fibres rather than in quilt form, this granular or ‘loose fill’ insulation is blown into place with specialist equipment and is ideal for use in areas where access is difficult or the use of mineral wool quilt is impractical.
- Blown Cellulose Fibre
Another type of granular or loose fill insulation that is blown into place with specialist equipment and is ideal for use in areas where access is difficult or the use of mineral wool quilt is impractical.
Blown materials may not be suitable for draughty loft spaces as the insulation may be disturbed by high winds.
It is important to ensure that the loft hatch is also insulated – it is obviously impractical to do this with blown materials and it is possible to buy polystyrene sheets of various thicknesses (the thicker the better the insulating properties) and these can be cut to size with a sharp knife and stuck to the top of the loft hatch with a suitable adhesive.
Loose fill insulation can also be installed as a DIY project.
Further Information
The National Insulation Association Ltd can provide you with the details of an Association member in your area who can give you more information or a quotation.
It is possible to obtain grants and subsidies for loft insulation and The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (0800 512 012) should be able to assist you with this. They will also be able to help you locate a suitable contractor if required.
For step-by-step instructions on DIY installation of loft insulation, click here
If you would like to undertake this work yourself you will find suitable loft insulation materials at Wickes, with FREE DELIVERY on orders over £45 – click here to view the available loft insulation materials.
Professional loft insulation installed
If after reading our loft insulation diy guide you have decided that you are not confident enough to complete loft insulation work yourself and would instead prefer a professional to complete the job for you, B&Q also offer a professional delivery and installation service in conjunction with British Gas.