New Loft Insulation, Lake District

The Brief

A stone-built Lake District cottage had an effectively bare loft, the original felt still visible between the rafters, with only a thin skim of very old insulation sitting directly on the ceiling boards. The owners had just replaced their boiler and wanted to stop giving the new heating system a hard time by losing warmth straight through the roof. A full new install to current regulations, done in a single visit, was the target.

What We Did

The work included:

• Free survey and written quote: Checked loft dimensions, access, joist layout, existing downlighters, and eaves ventilation. Agreed a fixed price for 300mm of mineral wool across the full loft area.
• Light strip of the existing material: The thin skim of old insulation was lifted out and bagged. The ceiling plaster was vacuumed clean before new material went in.
• Downlighter clearance: The cottage had four recessed downlighters in the kitchen extension below. Each was fitted with a proper fire-rated clearance hood before insulation went over so the lights can breathe and stay safe.
• Eaves ventilation path: Installed eaves baffles along the full perimeter so air can still move freely from the soffit vents up into the loft space. No insulation rammed into the eaves.
• First layer between joists: 100mm mineral wool fitted neatly between each joist pair, tucked in at ends but not compressed.
• Second layer cross-laid: 200mm mineral wool laid at 90 degrees over the top of the joists, bringing combined depth to 300mm while closing joist-edge cold bridges.
• Hatch insulation: Fitted a simple insulated hatch cover so heat doesn't escape through the loft access itself.

The Result

A loft fully insulated to 300mm with all ventilation and safety margins respected. The owners reported a noticeable change in upstairs warmth on the first cold evening and said the boiler was cycling less by the end of the first week. The same-day turnaround meant no disruption to anyone staying in the cottage.

Job duration: One day on site, in and out within normal working hours, with all old material taken away.

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