Summer is the perfect time to insulate your house. It’s nice outside, and you don’t have to rush. Insulating your loft is also a very good idea this summer because you’ll get your money back in as little as two years. After that, you’ll start saving up.

Still, before you get to work, there are a few things to think about:

THE TYPE OF ROOF

The kind of roof you have affects many things. Among them is the required U-value and the types of insulation you can use. If you’ve got a pitched roof, rejoice. You’ve got more options than people with flat or dormer roofs.

Don’t worry, though; some insulators work well for any building. Multifoil insulation is a good example. You can use it right under the rafters or above the ceiling. Under the rafters is often a better choice because your loft will be protected as well then.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE INSULATING YOUR LOFT

It’s a good idea to do a bit of preparation before calling the contractors or starting your own project.

Make Room

Empty the loft of anything you were storing there. Depending on the insulator, you might want as much space as possible. If you plan on insulating the floor of the loft, you won’t be able to do it with things lying around.

Another thing is that insulating your loft can make a mess. If you use material like mineral or glass wool, you might leave a lot of dust or debris that could damage whatever you had there.

If you’re using something high performance like multifoil, you’ll have nearly as much space as before. That means that you can bring your stuff back once you’re done.

Make a List of What Needs Insulating

Some things like water tanks and pipes need special attention when you’re applying insulation. The pipes need their own particular material. If they remain uncovered, the water may freeze and burst the pipes.

Remember not to insulate underneath the tank if you’re doing a “cold loft” setup. It might freeze too. Cover it on the sides and top instead.

The loft hatch must be insulated too. Otherwise, it will become a cold bridge, and will allow unwanted cold into your home.

Lastly, think about the light you have installed in the ceiling underneath the loft. Certain materials like collagen produce considerable heat. Putting insulation above it can create a fire risk.

CHOOSING THE MATERIAL FOR INSULATING YOUR LOFT

When picking what insulation to use, you have to think about more than just your budget. Ask yourself several questions before buying something:

• Will the U-value be at an acceptable level?
• Will the material you choose be affected by moisture?
• Will the material have enough breathing space to be effective?
• Will it need any maintenance?
• Can you install it yourself or do you need help?
• What lifespan will the material have?

These are all important questions. To make the best choice, you need to come up with an answer to all of them.

Blankets, foams, and foils all have their advantages. Take your time when picking the one that meets your needs.

WHICH MATERIAL IS RIGHT FOR A DIY PROJECT?

While the homeowner can install most insulators, some are easier to apply. Multifoil insulation has the advantage of being very light and versatile.

Whichever you choose, make sure that you apply it correctly. Poor installation can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the insulation materials.

To see our products in action, order a free sample pack today. It has data sheets as well as multifoil samples. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any question as well.