Where can I get 'sealed' loft insulation / is it suitable?

Pandilex

I say sealed loft insulation, does anyone know what it's actually called so I can google it?

I heard someone mention it on the forums a while back. Basically it means you just pop into your loft and roll it out and don't have to worry about wearing a mask or anything, as it's completely sealed and you don't remove the outer bag.

If anyone has any opinions on it too I would be interested to know. My loft has literally no insulation at all(!) so I want to get something up there.

My plan was simply to go into the loft and roll it out using a sweeping brush handle, as the loft space is very small just a couple of feet high, too small in height due to health & safety to qualify for free loft insulation too.

Would that work? Is there anything I need to consider?

MX5huggy

This is the stuff, http://www.diy.com/departments/space-insulation-space-blanket-l4m-w1140mm-t200mm/182138_BQ.prd

This is 200mm thick which is good, but watch out for other stuff that may be called space blanket which is thin multi foil product which is no use despite claims from manufactures.

The only disadvantage is the price over the stuff not in a bag.

Mojisola

Pandilex wrote: »

My loft has literally no insulation at all(!) so I want to get something up there.

Could you get it done under one of the free schemes?

EssexExile

Do they still do those bags of loose fill that you just pour out & spread with a broom? That was simple but it was a while ago.

Chris25

Pandilex wrote: »

Is there anything I need to consider?

some of the reviews complain about finding condensation inside the wrapper making the insulation material damp. Might need to check them carefully when buying or having them delivered.

Pandilex

Cool, thanks. I'll check that out, it looks like the stuff, not sure what I'm being warned away from as that link says Space Blanket unless there's another type that is rubbish?

I don't mind paying a bit more to make the job easier, but thoughts on whether or not it's worth it and if I am good to just bung it up in the loft and forget about it are welcome.

I can't get free loft insulation as I mentioned in my post because my loft height doesn't meet the health and safety requirements of the free schemes.

ds1980

You're looking for rock wool. Cheapest place at present is wickes as 4 for 3. They do 100mm, 170mm and 200mm. Regs for a new roof are 270mm I think.

Pandilex

ds1980 wrote: »

You're looking for rock wool. Cheapest place at present is wickes as 4 for 3. They do 100mm, 170mm and 200mm. Regs for a new roof are 270mm I think.

That doesn't look like's sealed? Or do you think I should just get a mask and gloves and go for it and not bother with stuff that's wrapped up?

WestonDave

Mask and gloves on at this time of year isn't too bad a job - don't whatever you do install unwrapped loft insulation on a hot day - it'll take ten years to stop itching! To be fair as well as the mask and gloves, wear old clothes you can bin afterwards and preferably a couple of layers to stop the fibres getting into your skin. Even with the wrapped stuff you still have to cut it to length so you will be exposed to it then.

27col

I've been using it for several years. Had no problem with it at all. I can't remember what it is called, but I think that mine came from B&Q, or if not, then Wickes. A lot easier to lay than the un-bagged stuff.

Ectophile

I've used the Space Blanket stuff before. Bear in mind that it's still glass fibre, just in a long plastic bag. Unless your loft is exactly the right size, you'll still end up cutting it to length, so I would still recommend gloves and a basic face mask.

You can cut it using a large pair of scissors, so that's reasonably simple.