London Loft Conversions
London Loft Conversions
In the last blog Modern Attics took you through the process of insulating your loft conversion and what it entails. We started with the basics and what question to ask before commencing the work or bringing in contractors.
Now it’s time to talk safety. Safety is always the name of the game. No loft conversion or home extension is worth serious injury, so here’s where we get into the meat of the matter – installation and safety.
If using mineral wool insulation – DO NOT open the insulation packaging in living areas. Only open the packaging once you are in the loft space itself and open it very slowly so that loose mineral wool fibres do not become airborne and present a breathing hazard.
Whenever wool insulation is installed the people doing the installing always wear protective gear such as a tight fitting facemask, safety goggles and protective gloves. Mineral wool can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. It’s an abrasive material.
All contractors who practice loft insulation as a skillset will keep the loft door/hatch firmly sealed shut. You must separate the house from the loft. Too many hazards too risk spreading into the house. The same goes for any waste insulation material. It should be placed into airtight bags in the loft space before being taken for disposal. You don’t want it over your house.
Always make someone aware that you are up in the loft in you are doing a DIY job on the insulation just as a precautionary measure.
Installation
To begin with remove any debris between the joists and clean the area. Seal any large gaps where pipes or cabling run through the ceiling into the loft. Decorator filler is often used to do this. Be sure to fit any ventilation panels in advance.
Unroll the insulation material starting with the eaves and between the joists to the centre of the loft very slowly and continue to the wall plate. Try to ensure that the mineral wool is not stretched! There needs to be a small gap to allow for ventilation. Remember, insulation needs to be fed under any cabling and roof members that go across the joists. Insulation can be pushed around connecting pipes and cables.
Water tanks should ALWAYS be insulated separately.
Roll out the insulation pieces so they meet and butt the pieces together in the middle. Repeat this process until the entire area is completed and covered!
The one thing that DIY insulators always forget is to insulate the HATCH DOOR. This is so important as if it goes un-insulated then most of the hard work will be compromised. Don’t forget it! Cut an appropriately sized piece of insulation that fits properly and make sure that the edges are sufficiently draught proofed.
Installing loose fill insulations are slightly different.
You have to pour the loose fill insulation between the joists to the required depth. DO NOT simply pour over the joists – RAISE THEM.
If this all sounds like complicated hard work that’s because it is. If you don’t feel ready to take on the responsibility of your loft insulation then call in the experts. Start with us by getting a loft insulation or loft conversions quote and we’ll get the ball rolling for you.
