Loose fill loft insulation

[do_it_yourself]

Ok, due to the space in the loft I have to use loose fill stuff.

Questions is - do I have to keep it away from the spot halogens or is it ok just to pump it in.

 

[Symptoms]

Yes you do - couple of reason. First, as they get very hot they need to dissipate some of this heat; covering them with any insulating material is bad practice. Second, if they are the 'open' type, the next time you attempt to change a blown lamp you'll get a face full of falling bits.

You need to form a barrier around the fittings. For each fitting form an equalateral triangle of hardboard (cut so they stand a good deal higher than the proposed depth of your loose fill), the corners of which are held with gaffer tape, they are then positioned centrally over the fitting. Then loose fill to the required depth. The reason for the trianglar form is that it is rigid.

As an additional point, if you wanted to board a loft and sheet over halogens then it is good practice to bore a hole, say 25mm dia, above the fittings.