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How to insulate a ceiling

A bag of insulation batts and the tools required to complete this project

Overview

Good insulation in your ceiling keeps your home warm in winter and cooler in summer. It can also help you save on energy bill. We'll teach you when is the best time to install insulation, how to cut it to size and some handy hints to make the job easier and safer.

Steps

1Tips before you start insulating your ceiling

Make sure the power is turned off before you start insulating your home. You should also work well away from any electrical wires in the ceiling space. Keep the insulation away from any lights to prevent it from catching fire. It's best to install insulation in the morning before it gets too hot in the roof space. Always wear coveralls, gloves, dust mask and safety glasses because some insulation can be irritating to your skin.
A bag of insulation batts and the tools required to complete this project

2Measure and cut the insulation

Wearing your safety gear, use your tape measure to measure the distance between the ceiling joists. Remember not all of the distances between the ceiling joists will be the same, so check them all. Using these measurements, cut your first piece of insulation to size with the utility knife and straight edge.
A person measuring the distance between joists in a ceiling

3Installing the insulation

Standing on your step ladder, feed the first piece of insulation between the ceiling joists until it is laid flat. Make sure to keep it away from any lights. Keep measuring, cutting and installing until all of your roof has been covered. Keep any of the insulation off-cuts until you have finished the job, they can come in handy to fill in small gaps between the joists.
A person wearing protective gear standing on a ladder to install an insulation batt between joists in a ceiling
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.