Different Ways Of Insulating A Loft Hatch
Insulating a loft hatch is a very simple as well as economical DIY process that helps to keep the heat in and the cold out of your property. This is particularly true for your loft insulated at joist level only, instead of rafter level. Draught-proofing the loft hatch simultaneously will also help make sure you gain the maximum savings on your energy bills, too and helps in insulating your home. Additionally, insulating a loft hatch can keep you away from issues with condensation in the loft space. If you are not able to insulate the loft hatch properly, then warm, moist air will be drawn into a loft space. When the hot air hits cold surfaces, for instance, roof timbers, it will condense. This, in turn, can cause wood to rot as well as decay, instigating damage to your roof’s structure over time. Insulating a loft hatch is entirely dependent on the type of loft hatch in your home. There are two main types:
- The hinged loft hatch is a kind of loft hatch that fold downs into the living space, and it could come with or without a ladder. This option is now the most preferred option in new homes because of the ease and accessibility they offer.
- Lift-out loft hatches are well-known in older homes and are often uninsulated.
Way 1: Insulate A Flat Loft Hatch Using Blanket Insulation
In order to insulate a loft hatch, you need to cut the blanket insulation exactly to the same width as well as the length of the loft hatch. The depth of the insulation should calculate or compute 270mm in line with current government guidance. As soon as you cut to size, you simply need to stick or affix to the loft-facing side of the hatch door with your choice of adhesive.
Way 2: Insulate A Flat Loft Hatch With Loose-fill Insulation
You will need to secure or affix a container to the hatch in order to take hold of the insulation in, for instance, a carrier bag. This can then be filled to the needed depth with the loose-fill insulation.
Way 3: Insulate A Hinged Loft Hatch
Existing drop-down hatches having attached or fixed ladders can be treated exactly the same way as above, however, you need to take extra care in order to make sure that the insulation does not intervene with the mechanism of the ladder. Foil insulation, which amounts from around £10 per m2 could be a great material to use in this scenario, as only a thin layer is needed to meet the same thermal efficiency in comparison to other insulation materials. Cut the sheet to size before fixing it to the topside of the hatch, with sufficient overhanging to make sure it lines up tightly with the insulation around it.