About eighty percent of the homes in the UK have a loft. These homes are often more expensive because lofts provide invaluable storage space for growing families. Unfortunately, they can also be quite costly.
The reason for this is simple: heat rises and lofts are often poorly insulated. In fact, about fifty percent of structural heat loss is lost through the loft. What can homeowners do? That is easy! Add extra insulation to the loft.
Even if you are not an experienced do-it-yourselfer, adding insulation is an easy and affordable project. The most important concern is of course your own safety. That is why you should ask a friend to lend you a hand. Also, remember to lay down boards with Fasteners so that you can safely move around the loft space.
Safety Tip: When using fibreglass insulation, be sure to wear a protective mask. Fibreglass can release tiny fibres that can enter the lungs and irritate the skin. Goggles and gloves are also a must.
Next, you will need to measure the length and the width of the surfaces that must be insulated. Once you have all the measurements, add them up to determine exactly how much insulation you need. After a quick trip to your local home improvement centre, read the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging — it will tell you exactly how much insulation you need to use.
Now it is time to start laying out the insulation. Begin in an area farthest from the door. (You do not want to insulate yourself into a corner!) Use a utility knife to cut the strips of insulation to length and do not cover up the soffit vents! Many do-it-yourselfers make the mistake of covering the soffits. But they are a necessary part of home ventilation.
