Stormguard Around Loft Attic Hatch Door Draught Excluder Seal Strip Weather Proofing Insulation. (4 x 685mm, Brown)

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Even when you have a fully insulated loft with boarding you should still have air flowing through the gap between the flooring insulation and the underside of that boarding. This is the setup we always recommend as it’s the best way of dealing with warm, moisture-rich, air that could cause dampness and mould if not handled correctly. How to fix a draughty hatch with an airtight seal 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. There are lots of good reasons why it’s essential to draught-proof your loft hatch. Here we examine why it’s a good idea and what you can do to ensure that yours is draught-free! Draught-Proofing your Loft Hatch - Why Bother? Lower Energy Bills

Using polyurethane foam for loft hatch insulation has several benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent insulator, reducing heat loss and lowering energy bills. Secondly, it creates an airtight seal, preventing draughts and reducing the risk of condensation in the loft space. Thirdly, it is easy to apply, as the foam can be sprayed or injected into the hatch cavity. Finally, polyurethane foam has a long lifespan, providing a long-lasting and durable insulation solution.

Choosing an Insulating Material for Your Loft Hatch

Additionally, installing a foam strip around the frame can help to ensure a tight seal and prevent air leakage. One option is fiberglass wool or mineral wool blown insulation, which is a lightweight, cost-effective material that can be easily installed. Plastic loft hatches are a newer option, often made from lightweight materials and designed for easy installation. Hinged Loft Hatch 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

Carpets are soft underfoot and help you feel warmer than hard surfaces such as stone and wood often do. A carpet underlay will add another layer of insulation to your flooring, helping to cut your energy bills. The same goes for vinyl, wood flooring and rugs. Adding insulation under the floorboards is a better long-term solution for draught proofing – but that’s a bigger job that will probably need a professional involved. Fitting a new surface over your floorboards will help to keep things cosy, which leads onto our next point… 7. Use carpet underlay The foam insulation can be applied to the loft hatch and the surrounding areas to create a tight seal that prevents heat loss and air leakage. One of the advantages of spray foam insulation is that it can fill gaps and cavities of any shape and size, providing a more complete and effective insulation solution. Proper insulation in the loft can prevent up to 25% of heat loss in a home, significantly reducing energy bills and carbon footprint.

An uninsulated hatch has a greater effect in a house with good insulation and draught proofing because it creates a thermal bridge between a warm living space and a cold loft.