HOW TO INSULATE RAFTERS – We all use energy to heat and cool our homes and heating is expensive. You can cut down on your fuel bills and save energy by insulating the rafters in your attic space. It’s a very easy DIY that anyone can do and this useful guide will show you how.
Step 1
There are two ways you can insulate the roof in your attic and that is to either place rock wall or foam between the rafters or fix a foil based insulator, that comes in rolls, across the rafters. You could if you wanted to do both for added insulation.
Step 2
Foam – You can buy foam slabs from most DIY stores. You will need to measure the inside distance between each rafter and make a note of this. When buying foam you’ll need to make sure that the width is the same or bigger that your measurements. You can easily cut the foam to size when installing. When fitting the foam, make sure you have a really good tight fit. This will save you from having to use adhesives, nails or screws to hold it into place. Work your way across the roof rafter making sure that the pieces you insert are fitted tightly together. Any gaps and joints can be masked over with insulation tape.
Step 3
Rock Wool – This product comes in rolls and is as easy to fit as foam. Remove the packaging and start from the top of the rafter and work your way to the bottom. You can use either one or two layers if you have sufficient depth in the rafters.
Step 4
Foil Based Insulators – As with Rock Wool this comes in rolls and is very lightweight. Start from the top and work across the rafters horizontally. Secure the foil into place using a staple gun placing staples at the top, middle and bottom. You can buy foil insulation tape that can be used to cover the joints when each layer is butted up against the next as you work from top to bottom.
Acknowledgements: Video – B&Q
