How to Install Ceiling Insulation
Without ceiling insulation 30% of your home’s heat can be lost through your roof – especially in a lot of the older houses we have in New Zealand. Installing ceiling insulation will help keep your house warmer in winter, and cooler in summer. It can also help reduce your power bills. Follow this guide and you’ll see how to install ceiling insulation yourself, easy as.
Before you begin
- It’s a good idea to get an electrician to check the condition of your wiring – especially if you’ve got an older house. You’ll also want to check for any leaking pipes, and make sure you get any repairs done prior to starting.
- Familiarize yourself with “NZS4246 - Installing Insulation in Residential Buildings” – you can find this online.
- Because you are working close to wires, you’ll need to turn off the power. Take note of how long your fridge or freezer will be off.
- Check inside your pack for exact installation instructions, and to see what safety gear you’ll need to wear.
- Depending on what part of the country you live in will determine your insulation’s R Value. The R Value is simply a measure of the insulation’s effectiveness, and needs to be higher in the colder areas – your local store will stock the correct product for your area.
Measure up
- Work out the total area of your roof space in square meters.
- Check the pack for coverage information. This will help you determine how many packs you’ll need.
- Measure the distance between the joists in your roof. The product is available in different widths, so make sure you choose the right one. It will need to be at least 5-10mm wider than the space between your joists.
Installation
- Clear the roof of any old insulation.
- Clear the area of dust, cobwebs, or vermin.
- Turn the power off if working close to any wires.
- Load your bales of insulation into the roof.
- Start at the furthest corner from your manhole and work back towards it.
- Measure the distance between your joists.
