Preparing loft
1: Prepare the loft
Step 2 : Watch out for cables and fittings
Cables
Light fittings
Never cover any light fitting which penetrates the ceiling such as recessed spotlights and downlighters with insulation, otherwise serious overheating may occur! Keep insulation 75mm away from light fittings for air circulation.
Fit a light guard
Recessed light covers (“witches hats”) or a physical guard as illustrated, is required to keep recessed light fittings free from insulation.
Step 3 : Laying Rockwool Rollbatt
Insulation must be installed as per ‘Energyefficient Refurbishment of existing houses’ (CE83/GPG155) published by the Energy Savings Trust.
Wear protective gloves, face mask and clothing when handling loft insulation. When laying loft insulation we recommend that you work from crawler boards that span across the loft joists.
Laying Rockwool Rollbatt
Starting at the eaves, lay the 100mm thick Rollbatt roll between the joists pressing it down lightly as you go. Work from both sides of the loft and butt-fit where the two lengths of roll join at the centre The insulation should completely fill this space between the joists, without any gaps.
Maintaining Loft Ventilation
It is important that a minimum 25mm air gap is maintained around the eaves to allow for ventilation and to prevent condensation occurring within the loft space
Hatch doors
Don’t forget to insulate the hatch cover that leads into the loft space. Cut a piece of insulation the same size as the loft cover, minimum 100mm thick, wrapped in polythene. Securely fix with staples or tape to the loft hatch cover. The contractor should provide hooks & eyes to secure the loft hatch from lift as part of loft insulation work.
Note! Where loft access ladders are fixed to the hatch the insulation may be omitted. Fit draught excluder around the perimeter edges of the loft cover.
Water tanks and pipework
Always insulate water tanks and pipework, but never insulate directly under the water tank as a small amount of warmth from the ceiling below can help to prevent water tanks freezing in cold weather. All pipes in the loft must be insulated - except those already under loft insulation or within the tank casing.
The easiest method is to use pre-formed, pipe insulation which is split along its length so that you can slip it over the pipe.
Loft safety guidance
Loft boarding
In every roof space where cold water tanks or other fitted appliances occur ,boards should be permanently installed at the end of the job to provide safe access to the appliance location. The boarded access walkway shall be constructed of minimum dimensions of 50x50mm soft wood battens laid across and screwed to joists .Lay18mm thick by 450mm wide flooring grade chipboard over battens and fix with screws. Do not compress the loft insulation nor notch the ceiling joists.
Wear safety equipment
Before you start, it is recommended that you wear a face mask, gloves and goggles to avoid any mild irritation that may occur when working in an enclosed loft space.
Accessories you may need
All the items you need to carry the job out safely are available at your local Builders Merchant branch.
- Ladder
- Personal protection equipment (face masks, goggles, gloves)
- Tools (tape measure, saw, knife)
- Loft boarding
- Portable lighting
Warning sign
With the insulation in place, the loft becomes a particularly hazardous place, especially as all joists are covered. You must attach the warning sign supplied with the insulation guide to a rafter so that it is easily visible from the hatch.
This sign is designed to provide warning of the hazards posed by a loft, particularly those with covered ceiling joists. Danger is posed by cables and fittings overheating when covered by insulation. With the insulation in place, the loft becomes a particularly hazardous place, especially as all joists are covered. You must attach the warning sign supplied with the insulation guide to a rafter so that it is easily visible from the hatch. This sign is designed to provide warning of the hazards posed by a loft, particularly those with covered ceiling joists. Danger is posed by cables and fittings overheating when covered by insulation.
