Installing Attic Insulation
Attic insulation is a necessity if you want to save on heating bills. If you do not have any type of insulation in your attic then you will be losing around 15% of your heating, which can amount to a considerable loss of the course of a few years. The most common forms of loft insulation are fibre glass and mineral fibre. Both of these come in large rolls and they work by trapping air between the fibres to stop it rising and escaping. The rolls are usually 4 to 6 inches thick and around 16 inches wide. The reason is because this is the standard distance between ceiling joists in most homes. Most home stores will stock these rolls or other retailers like argos online have a good selection at affordable prices.
If you going to install the insulation yourself then first clear out anything stored in the loft such as unwanted rubbish or old bits and pieces that have found their way up there. You will need to stand in the loft so get a piece of wood at least long enough to cover the width of 3 joists The joists are not meant to carry weight, so make sure you are safe. Ventilation is also important, and you should have small gaps where the eaves meet the roof. You do not want to cover these gaps with the insulation or you will create condensation.
Remember to wear protective clothing as the fibres are very irritating to the skin and eyes. Roll out the insulation and make sure you get it into the areas between the joists and right up to the eaves. You want the depth to be around 20cms, so it may need two or three levels building up. Move all power cables on top of the insulation. If you cover them they can become too hot and will be a fire hazard. You can get more specific details on installation from argos or from some of the many home improvement web sites on the internet. The advice is also free and easy to follow.
You can hire professional services if you want loose fill insulation which is blown into the loft. Rockwool is the usually choice for blown insulation and has the added bonus of being very soundproof. It also has slightly better insulation properties, although it is more expensive.