Installing Insulation Panels Into A Loft Area
Installing insulation panels into a loft is one of the easier DIY jobs for homeowners to carry out. It is also very important. Insufficient insulation can result in a loss of heat, costing you money. Additionally, if you use panels instead of insulating blankets, you can cover the panels with chipboard and then use the loft for storing items that you don't use. This gives you a little extra storage space. Let's look at the procedure involved in insulated panels installation for your loft.
Preparation
You will have to transport the insulating panels up into the loft, so make sure you can easily – and safely – do this. The safest way is by installing a loft ladder, but a step ladder will also work. Take a disposable breathing mask, a hand saw, a ruler or straight edge, a marker pen and a pair of work gloves with you into the loft. This saves you from having to make numerous trips up and down.
Mark The Boards
Lay the boards across the gaps in the joists of the loft. Mark the width of the gap on the boards, and extend the line all the way down the insulation board using the marker and the straight edge. Repeat this for all of the panels you wish to install.
Saw The Panels
Next, take the hand saw and begin to cut the boards into the correct size. It is a good idea to leave a tiny bit more than required on either side of the panel; this makes for a nice, snug fit. It is important to remember to wear the mask at this stage of the job. The boards can kick off dust and other particles that you don't want to breathe in. As you are sawing in the loft, ensure that you have an open space to make the cuts; don't cut near any pipes or cables.
Fit The Panels
You can now pop the correctly sized panels into the gaps between the joists. If you have cut them correctly, they will require a firm push into place. Make sure they are even, and continue to fit all the insulating panels into the gaps.
Fix The Chipboard
Once the panels have been slotted into place, lay sections of chipboard over them. Mark where the center of the joists are, and drill pilot holes through the chipboard, then secure with screws that are long enough to go through the chipboard and into the joist. Once in place, you can place moderately light items on top of the chipboard, and will still have the loft area insulated with the correct amount of insulating material.
If you have downlights in the loft, mark where they meet the insulation panels and cut out housing for them.
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