How to Fit BreatherQuilt Insulation over Rafter

This step by step guide will show you how to install YBS BreatherQuilt over the rafters of a pitched roof.

BreatherQuilt is a high performance 2 in 1 insulation and breathable roofing membrane, allowing you to add insulation while replacing the need for a separate breather membrane. It contains 11 layers of reflective foils and wadding, with a breathable outer layer designed for external roof applications.

Start at the Bottom of the Roof

Begin at the bottom of the roof and roll the BreatherQuilt horizontally across the rafters.

Position the first length across the rafters and secure it using a heavy duty staple gun with minimum 14mm staples. Fix the insulation at approximately 300mm intervals as you work across the roof.

Allow the BreatherQuilt to drape slightly between each rafter rather than pulling it tight. Once the tile battens are installed, maintain approximately 10mm clearance between the top of the BreatherQuilt and the underside of the battens.

Cut and Secure the BreatherQuilt

Continue rolling the BreatherQuilt across the roof and staple it securely to each rafter. When you reach the end of the roof, cut the insulation to size using Multifoil Insulation Scissors or a sharp cutting knife

Keep the insulation neatly positioned as you work, ensuring the breathable outer layer remains facing towards the roof covering.

Install the Next Length and Overlap

Position the next run of BreatherQuilt above the first, maintaining a 100mm overlap between the two sections. Use the printed guideline on the product to help maintain the correct overlap. Peel away the backing from the built in double sided tape and press the overlapping sections firmly together to create a secure joint.

Staple the new section to the rafters in the same way, maintaining approximately 300mm fixing intervals.

Seal Vertical Joints

Where two separate rolls meet across the roof, finish each roll in the centre of a rafter and begin the next roll from the same timber. Butt the two sections together, staple them securely to the rafter and seal the joint using Thermaseal Weatherproof Tape. This helps create a weather resistant seal where separate sections of BreatherQuilt meet.

Continue this process across the roof until the entire area is covered.

Finish at the Eaves and Ridge

At the eaves, install a suitable eaves carrier before fitting the BreatherQuilt. Allow the breathable membrane to run over the eaves carrier so that any moisture can drain towards the gutter. Continue installing the BreatherQuilt towards the ridge. At the top of the roof, the insulation can either be taken over the ridge with a minimum 100mm overlap onto the BreatherQuilt on the opposite side, or cut at the ridge and securely sealed using Thermaseal Weatherproof Tape.

Install the Roof Battens

Once the BreatherQuilt has been completely installed and all joints are securely sealed, the roof battens and roof covering can be installed in the normal way.

When using the draped installation method, ensure the required clearance remains above the BreatherQuilt. If you prefer to install BreatherQuilt taut across the rafters, counter battens should be installed before the tile battens to create the required cavity.

Disclaimer – Ecohome-Insulation cannot be held responsible for any losses financially or physically from advice provided in this How-To-Guide.

Recommended fixing materials and good building practice should also be used.