Before you get started on any of our ‘how to’ guides, please take a moment to read through our DIY safety tips and always follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
What You’ll Need:
1. How much loft insulation will I need?
When it comes to saving cash this is a no-brainer. The thicker your loft insulation, the more energy and money you save. The recommended minimum thickness of 270mm can cut your heating costs by a healthy 15%. Follow the simple steps below to see how much loft insulation you’ll need.
Depth
- Measure the depth of your current loft insulation.
- Subtract your current depth from the recommended minimum of 270mm to find out how much new insulation to buy. You may need more than one layer of insulation to get the right depth.
Area of your loft
- Measure the size of your loft: Total area required = length x width
Joist gap
If your existing loft insulation is level with the joists, skip this section and go straight to Section 2: Insulating your cold water tank.
But if your current insulation isn’t level with the joist, carry on with this section:
- Most joist gaps are between 400mm and 600mm wide. Measure the distance between your joists to work out what type of loft insulation roll you need.
Safety guide
Make sure your loft is safe to work in before you start! Use crawl boards to avoid damaging the ceiling below. Lay electrical wiring over the top of the insulation. Leave a 75mm gap between the insulation to prevent a fire hazard. It’s also a good idea to wear a dust mask, goggles and gloves during this job.
2. Insulating your cold water tank
- Before you insulate your loft we suggest you insulate the cold water tank first. That’s because loft insulation prevents heat escaping through your loft – so there’s a chance the water in the tank could freeze.
- You can use ordinary loft insulation. Wrap it round your tank and tie with string to keep it in place.