To get the best coverage for our roof insulation, we had to make sure that we could get the insulation in to as many places as possible.
In our roof, this posed a bit of a problem. When we first moved into our house in 2000, one of the first things we did was install R80 style downlights. Effectively, we cut holes in our ceiling creating gaps in the air tight integrity of the home, allowing heat to escape in winter and enter in summer.
So before the installers arrive (due on 15th September) we installed downlight mitts over each of the light fittings. We sourced them from this online store; http://efficiencymatrix.com.au/product/loft-mitt/. This is the 120mm version.
They look a bit like the sorting hat in Harry Potter! These mitts cover the downlight fitting so that the insulation can be placed around it tightly. They also stop draughts emanating from the light fittings as well.
Just a word of caution if installing these in your roof over downlights. You cannot fit them over halogen downlights because these types of lights are just too hot and may cause the mitt to smoulder. You can only use them if you use compact fluorescent lights or LED. We have a mixture of both, which emit very little heat. There is a different type of downlight mitt for halogen downlights, which are much smaller and designed for this additional heat.
I will post further updates as they occur over the next two weeks. Kim and I are very excited and hope it all goes to plan.