If you’re planning to fit your own loft insulation then there are safety aspects that need to be considered.

Safety

Mineral wool can be hazardous and it is imperative that you handle it with care as it came irritate the skin and throat. So don’t open the packaging until you are in the loft and open it slowly to stop the wool fibres escaping from the material. And at all times keep the loft hatch closed to ensure that no fibres which do escape get into the living area.

Also, wear a close-fitting facemask and goggles to prevent the fibres from being inhaled and irritating the eyes. And wear clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, again to stop the wool fibres from irritating the skin. Once you’ve finished you should throw away the mask and any items of clothing you’re not that attached to. Any clothing you don’t throw away should be washed thoroughly and separate to your normal washing.

Once you’ve finishing installing the insulation, all left over material should be packed into airtight bags before being taken through the living space.

Techniques

There are two different insulation techniques – Quilts, which are rolls of mineral wool and loose-fill insulation also known as-loose fill.

Before attempting either, removed anything from between the joints and seal any large gaps with wiring or cables running through the ceiling into the loft.

If you’re fitting quilts you should unroll the insulation material starting from the eaves. You should roll the material very slowly without stretching it and leave enough of a gap at the eaves for ventilation.

Once you’ve finish rolling out the first piece of insulation, start with another piece of material at the other end of the loft and roll it towards the first laid piece. When the two meet the material should be cut so the two pieces sit together. This process should be repeated so the entire loft area is covered.

If you’re fitting loose-fill insulation the first thing you need to ensure is that all gaps between the joints are sealed underneath the eaves so the insulation stays in the loft.

Once you’ve done this, pour the loose-fill insulation between the joints to the required depth. Like the quilts insulation, all cables and wiring should remain on top of the insulation and not be covered.

If you’re having Blow loose-fill insulation you have to use a professional who has the relevant machinery and equipment for the job.

_{*Please research further or contact a specialist before installing your own insulation.}