What is the Correct & Proper way to lay Loft insulation.Criss Cross or straight line?

Frank_Sebem

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Hi all

I am currently renovating a run down house (which some of you may be already aware of with some of my previous questions). My Joiner has just rang me and said the following

"OK, they have finished doing your Dot & Dabbing in the Bedroom Ceilings, so you need some loft insulation now. Ring Travis Perkins and get them to give you some Loft insulation. The area is 4.2 x 8.2. Cheap stuff will do, but don't get the itchy stuff. Also, how do you want me to lay it? In straight lines between your joists or criss cross (between Joists & then criss crossed over)"

Ok, so I am now baffled a little.... I need to know which insulation to order and how much I need. I will also need to know what is the CORRECT & PROPER way of laying Loft Insulation?

Thanks all

A.Penny.Saved

Do you intend paying him to lay it? If so, he shouldn't be asking you how to do it. I suggest you find someone else to do the job. The electrical wiring needs to be considered because insulation should not be laid on top of power cables. Light fitting cables are less of a problem and are usually okay due to their lower power but shower power cables should not be overlaid with insulation. If you still use him, make sure he does not bury shower cables or anything else that should not be covered. I'm no electrician by the way.

Many power companies will lay loft insulation for either free or for a small charge. They also practically give the stuff away. £1 @npower.

Most/all of the glass fibre wool is itchy. It's the more expensive blankets which get around that.

To answer your question, I believe the insulation should be criss crossed. First between the joists and then across them at right angles. But do yourself a favour and make an excuse and get someone else to do it because he doesn't sound competent.

Hintza

I wish more tradesmen asked before they boxed on. Sounds a resonable question and the answer will depend on how much insulaton the OP buys.

kaylee*

A.Penny.Saved wrote: »

Many power companies will lay loft insulation for either free or for a small charge. They also practically give the stuff away. £1 @npower.

I've just tried to order some, but the website won't work for me.
The price is not showing as a £1

Has anyone successfully ordered online from them?

A.Penny.Saved

kaylee* wrote: »

I've just tried to order some, but the website won't work for me.
The price is not showing as a £1

Has anyone successfully ordered online from them?

Why not try phoning them?

npower loft insulation website

It seems to be working for me and the price is correct, it does however say a higher price in the greyed out boxes but the correct price in the total and after submitting. Do you have any script blocking active? It should transfer you to the shop.build-centre website.

Some fitting instructions supplied by the build centre. It says that no cables should be covered, however I have read that it should be safe to do so although it does reduce the current carrying capability of the wiring, especially in hot weather which means making allowances. Normal wiring for single lights should be fine. With low energy bulbs that are commonly used, there should be no problems.

elver_man

People lay insulation in many ways but I have always started with a thinner layer on the bottom running between the joists ie 100mm and then crossed the thicker (170mm)layer over the top, but it also depends on what else you intend to put up ie loft boards for walking on or storing stuff ontop of. If this is the case then you would'nt be able to cross over the insulation in that area.

Dont go for the "space" blanket rolls as they are exspensive, just get the normal loft roll.

I'm not sure what else you have in the loft (water tank or pipes) but dont forget that they will need to be insulated also.

Many of the "sheds" sell insulation fairly cheap but do not assume that all rolls cover the same area, because you'll find lengths vary with suppliers. For example Wickes 170mm covers 8.1m2 whilst B&Q 170mm covers 5.5m2


Wouldn't dream of asking a customer to get their own materials unless we've agreed this upfront and then I'd be specific about whats wanted.