The idea of insulating a loft is to keep your home warmer, not to create problems. So read the following tips and avoid the pitfalls, while also gaining more benefits:
- Air vents must be left clear to avoid problems with condensation or damp
- To prevent overheating – keep electric cables, wiring and light fittings uncovered
- If your loft has better insulation, your water pipes are at more risk of becoming frozen so ensure that they are well lagged
- Install a board walkway to the water tank to avoid damage caused by walking on the insulation
- Protect insulation between joists if anything is to stand on it – boards beneath the item prevents the insulation from becoming squashed and less efficient, and
- As you look back at a job well done and close the loft hatch – was it insulated and draught-proofed as well?
Insulation tips to help you save time and money
- Shop around for an accredited or approved installer.
- Apply for a grant for cavity wall and loft insulation.
- When looking at external wall insulation for sold walls check with your local authority planners to see if it objects to any kinds of cladding, especially if you live in a conservation area.
- If you plan to take on loft insulation work yourself in your home check first how that affects grants.
- If you live in a house less than 10-years old check out your paperwork, as there is every chance the house already has things like cavity wall insulation
- Ensure that ventilation is good so that you don’t cause problems with damp.
Loft insulation
- Keep electric cables, wiring and light fittings uncovered to prevent overheating
- Ensure water pipes are well lagged, as it will be a colder place after loft insulation has been installed
- Install a board walkway to the water tank to avoid damage by walking on and crushing insulation on the floor, and
Don’t forget to insulate and draught-proof the loft hatch.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Improving your home efficiency with insulation will help you to save hundreds of pounds every year on heating bills.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]As heat naturally rises, loft lagging acts as a superb insulator to retain warmth in the home.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]20% of heat can be lost through inefficient walls, so consider wall cavity and solid wall insulation.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]You could be wasting £200 a year on heat with inefficient windows. Consider replacement double glazing.[/tweetable]