Quality of existing loft insulation

Longshanks · 27 Jan 2015

Hi

Have been living in present house for a good few years and ain't got around to replacing insulation in loft. House is freezing from Nov to March despite double glazing and cavity wall. I know the insulation needs to be attended to and will address in the summer. Like most lifts it's boarded and, apart from having to remove, I wondered whether that would offset the heat loss?

Many thanks

Longshanks · 28 Jan 2015

Lest there be any confusion:

I'm not asking if loft board can somehow replace insulation but whether it can offset the existing poor insulation pending replacement of said insulation?

Many thanks

IJWS15 · 29 Jan 2015

Just get some rolls of insulation, remove the boards, and add it on top of the existing.

You will notice a difference straight away, and it is much better working in the loft in winter (you work hard to keep warm) than in summer (You sweat a lot doing nothing).

AronSearle · 29 Jan 2015

agreed, you really really do not want to do it in the summer.

The loft board will make a tiny difference in that it might stop some airflow through the insulation below it, rather than actually having much of an insulative effect.

Longshanks · 29 Jan 2015

Ok many thanks.

Longshanks · 1 Feb 2015

Sorry, slight variation on a theme now. I know one isn't supposed to lay insulation and then just put board over it (need to raise board by putting batons across joist etc etc). However, it would be easier if I could lay the insulation over the baord. Is that an option?

Many thanks again.

Longshanks · 3 Feb 2015

Hi

Sorry if this has been done to death etc. Am hoping to start insulating loft this weekend so any advice re query on laying on top of boards would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

Lucasdemoley · 5 Feb 2015

HI,

You can lay it on top of the boards, that doesn't really make a difference. The only problem you will now have is that you will no longer have a boarder floor in your attic.

Personally I would cross board your existing floor joists to raise the floor up so that you can fit insulation underneath, you can then put back your existing flooring.

Longshanks · 5 Feb 2015

Thanks

Since posting this read that laying on top of boards can create air pocket and cause condensation, damp etc!!

Lucasdemoley · 6 Feb 2015

I would be surprised - not really any different to laying ontop of your ceiling plasterboard really!

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Quality of existing loft insulation

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