Layer up this bank holiday weekend with Space Insulation

With the bank holiday around the corner, thousands of people up and down the country are set to dabble in a spot of DIY. Installing your own loft insulation is one popular job which can be completed in a day, no matter how amateur your DIY skills.

Installing loft insulation is a cheap, simple and satisfying job which can save time and money.  The average home loses 25% of heat through the roof and a properly insulated loft can reduce energy bills by as much as £145 per year*, whilst instantly boosting a property’s green credentials. 

Space Insulation is a range of sustainable loft insulation products designed for simple and fuss-free DIY insulation.   The range consists of Space Board, a high performance polystyrene insulation board and a selection of glass mineral wool products – Space Blanket, Space Roll and Rafter Roll. All insulation is made from recycled glass bottles and bound with ECOSE Technology, a unique bio-based, formaldehyde-free binder. 

Developed with the DIYer, in mind all of the products in the range are free from petrochemicals, artificial colours, bleach and dyes and are odourless and easy to handle - whether you are draught proofing your rafters or laying insulation between ceiling joists.

Here, energy saving advice website thinkinsulation.com proves just how simple it is to install loft insulation with a five-step plan.

1. Prepare - Before you start, work out how much insulation you’re going to need by measuring the loft space and the required thickness and take into account any existing insulation.  The government recommends installing insulation to a depth of 270mm to ensure optimal performance.   Don’t forget to measure the size of loft hatch, checking that the loft is properly ventilated and consider pipes and wires within the space to ensure there are no potential dangers.

2. Dress for the job – Sustainable insulation solutions such as Space Insulation’s glass mineral wool insulation are free from petrochemicals which means they are virtually itch free and easy to lay.  However it’s still important to protect yourself against potential irritants. Wear old clothes, gloves and a dust-proof breathing mask. 

3. Start Insulating - Now you’re ready to begin insulating! Start at the corner furthest away from the loft hatch ensuring that the wall plate is covered and work towards the centre of the loft. Tuck the ends of the roll into the eaves but don’t completely block them. You will need to leave an air gap of at least 5cm to ensure that there is sufficient airflow to prevent condensation.

4. Layer Up - After the initial layer of insulation, lay a further 150mm at right angles at the joists – this is called ‘cross layering’ and really makes a difference to the thermal performance. At this stage take extra care, working across the loft in a line. It’s also important to remember that you will be covering joists, so be careful not to lose your footing as you go!

5. Review your work – Once the insulation is laid stand back and critique your job.  Make sure the insulation fits properly around cables and pipes to avoid the risk of over-heating and possible fires. If you have a water tank in the loft make sure that there isn’t any insulation underneath it - instead wrap around a tank jacket to form a draft-proof seal.

All Space Insulation products can be purchased from major retailers such as B&Q, Homebase, Focus and Wickes for around £15 per roll.