Rolled loft insulation material
Introduction
Matting (or quilt) loft insulation is installed by rolling out in the loft space, and can be applied both between the joists and on top of them. The rolls are available with a variety of thicknesses to meet your particular need, be it topping up existing insulation to the modern 270mm standard or applying from scratch to a bare loft.
- Note though that the rolls are usually only available in 16in wide lengths, which is ideal for modern lofts with even joists but not necessarily for houses built before 1930.
Thicknesses of rolls commonly available generally range from 100mm (4in) to 200mm (8in), remember, in the UK the total thickness of the insulation when laid should be at least 200mm (8in) and ideally up to 270mm (11in). The thinner insulation rolls are ideal for laying over existing insulation to achieve a greater resistance to heat loss.
Measuring the amount of material required
First measure the distance between the ceiling joists, if this greater than the width of the roll of material, or less than 50mm (2in) under the width of the roll then it will be necessary to consider a different means of insulating your loft space.
- Tearing or cutting the material length-ways is not recommended.
If you are satisfied by the width of your joists, next measure the length of the joists in your loft and count the number of spaces between joists that you need to fill. Loft length multiplied by the number of spaces will give total space to be filled. Remember to include the loft hatch in your calculations
Lengths of roll vary by manufacturer, however once you have decided on the product you wish to purchase, simply divide your total space by the length of the roll to give an idea of how many rolls you will need. Tip, it helps to round this figure up to ensure that you don’t run out of material before the job is finished.
Remember this is for one layer only, if you require more than one layer of material to reach your desired depth of insulation, then you will need to at least double up the number of bags you have calculated above.
- Also try to account for insulation needed around pipes and water tanks – this is a great way of using up any excess you may have over.
Safety
Mineral wool insulation can irritate the skin and throat, therefore when working in the loft space always;
- Wear a suitable dust mask to avoid throat irritation, and protective gloves to prevent irritation to hands.
- Wear long sleeve clothing and trousers to protect your skin. This should be the case even on warm days when the loft space can become very hot!
- Close the loft hatch when laying the material.
- Open the loft insulation packaging in the loft.
- Unroll or pour the material carefully to avoid creating dust clouds.
- Place any off-cuts and other waste into bin liners in the loft before removing.
- Wash any clothing used separately to regular washing to avoid contamination of non-work clothes.
How to install rolled loft insulation
Further information and useful links
- Find a Insulation Installer near you
- National Insulation Association
- Energy Savings Trust (est.org.uk)
- Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (ciga.co.uk)
- Party Wall Guidance (rics.org)
- Impact of the Party Wall Act 1996 (communities.gov.uk)
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