If your loft hatch isn’t properly insulated, it could become a cold spot in your otherwise insulated loft. Without completely protecting the loft area, including the hatch, you may find that warm air funnels through the hatch space, thus making the rest of your insulation relatively ineffective.
How to Insulate a Loft Hatch: The Why’s & How’s
The opening to the loft space can be a weak point in lots of buildings. This is because of where it is located - i.e. between the warm living space of your home and the colder attic space above.
By insulating your loft hatch, it is possible to reduce the U value for a ceiling by as much as 20%. Paying attention to the sealing around the hatch is particularly important. If sealing is poor, the loft hatch can act as a sort of chimney funnel and pull up warm air out of your home into the unheated loft space.
Even if the rest of your loft has been fully insulated, it is important not to forget the loft hatch. Insulating your loft hatch can massively improve your overall insulation levels, lowering heating costs and carbon footprint and keeping your living areas warm and cosy. Read on below to find out how to insulate your loft hatch, for a warmer and energy-friendly loft space.
How to Insulate your Loft Hatch: 3 Easy Steps
What you will need to insulate your loft hatch:
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Tape and measure
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Insulation
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Stanley knife
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Rubber tubing
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Superglue
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Hook eyes (if necessary)
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Ladder
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Eye protection
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Gloves
Step 1:
Start by cutting a thick piece of styrofoam or wool insulation to size, if you don't know the size of your hatch, you will need to measure it before undergoing more steps. Glue the measured insulation to the back of the panel. Once the styrofoam or wool insulation is firmly in place, then you can start sealing the opening using draught-proofing strips.
Step 2:
Draught proofing strips are inexpensive rubber tubing. You can buy it in a continuous roll and cut it yourself or pre-cut straight strips. Fix these around the hatch panel to create a tight seal that prevents air from escaping.
If your loft hatch is very light, creating a tight seal may be more problematic. If you find this is the case, a good tip is to add a hook eye to each side of the hatch to keep it held down tight.
Step 3:
If the loft hatch is hinged, the compression seal or the foam strip must be placed on the exterior perimeter on the top of the loft hatch. Once you have done this, you should then put an equivalent strip on the interior of the hatch frame. Make sure that the two strips meet, as this will create an airtight barrier to prevent air from escaping.
Being Safe in the Loft
As with any DIY job, your personal safety should be taken seriously. You will need to use a ladder to complete the job, and if you feel unsafe or unsteady doing so, it might be better to employ the services of a certified installer instead.
*Please note that Loft Centre do not provide services to install a loft hatch, we only supply the product.
Alternative Ways to Insulate your Loft Hatch
You may also wish to consider insulating the top of the loft hatch as an added protection measure. All you need to do is to attach the insulation to the top of the loft hatch. One simple and inexpensive method is to stick a plastic bag over the top of the hatch (without going over the edges, as this would prevent you from opening it). Stuff the bag full of insulation and seal it closed, making sure the seal won’t break when you open and close the loft as this could result in you inhaling the fibres or them getting on your skin.
The Benefits of Insulating your Loft Hatch
Some of the benefits include:
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Reduction in heating bills
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Condensation risk reduction – on the hatch surface and in the loft itself
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A more comfortable temperature in the living space of your home
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Reduced carbon footprint
How to Insulate your Loft Hatch: A Round Up
Insulating your loft hatch will prevent cold draughts from entering the living space of your home. If your loft space is currently uninsulated, this can make a big difference to the temperature of your home and your energy bills. However, even if your loft space is insulated, this can still be a wise move.
How can Loft Centre Help with Loft Hatch Insulation?
While Loft Centre dont fit loft hatches, we sell a range of quality loft hatches, shop yours today!
