How to Insulate an Attic

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Woodie's DIY will show you how to insulate your attic. This is the best way to save money and energy in your home.

How to do it

Some insulation materials irritate your skin and throat so wear a mask, rubber gloves, and goggles and tuck in your clothes when handling these materials. Stretch a long board across two or three joists to walk and kneel on. Do not stand on the section between the joists or your foot is likely to go through the ceiling.

Step 1

Make sure the attic is clear before starting. Most homes will have the basic amount of insulation installed. It fits neatly between the joists, is easy to install and saves energy.

Step 2

It’s great though if you can top-up your attic insulation to save even more heat and save money. This high density top-up insulation features a soft tissue facing with easy-to-follow grid lines to make sizing, installing and cutting even easier.

Step 3

Keep the wrapping on when transporting the rolls of insulation into the loft. Open one pack at a time as and when you are ready to install it.

Step 4

Start at the eaves furthest from the attic door. Roll out the top up insulation in the opposite direction to the existing insulation. Make sure to leave a gap at the eaves so that air can flow through the attic via the soffit. Take care to stand only on the joists when working.

In hard to reach areas use a sweeping brush to push the insulation into place.

Step 5

If you are joining two rolls, cut the second roll to measure and make a butt joint by pressing the ends tight to each other. Do not leave any gaps.

Step 6

For added energy saving, use a foil top up quilt. This multi layer insulation offers great thermal benefits. It works most effectively by reflecting infra-red radiation. That means that not only is the quilt effective in winter by reflecting heat back into the building and cold out, it is also just as effective in the summer for keeping your home cooler.

Step 7

Attach this directly to the rafters with a staple gun.

Step 8

Finish any seals using a foil tape.

Step 9

It is also essential to insulate water storage tanks and pipes to prevent them from freezing. For your cold water tank, you need to install a cold water tank cover. This can help prevent water from freezing during adverse cold weather.