Insulation

[clairesmith58]

Hi,

We moved into our 1950s upstairs flat 2 and a half years ago, we laid a couple of rolls of fibreglass insulation in the loft that we found in the shed. Not really sure what insulation was already in place before that but I don't think it was too good.

I'd like to insulate the whole house (wall cavities and loft) but not sure where to start. We're planning to floor the loft so obviously I want to insulate first but the stuff that was there before is so manky and the fibreglass seems to get stuck in your throat and lungs.

Will I have to pull up the existing insulation or can I put more down on top. What insulation would you recommend? Also is there an easy way to clean up the dirty filthy loft or will laying some boards down help?


Oh also...

...I heard mice scratching in the cavity walls the other night (we live right next to a field) so I assume this would suggest that there's either no or not very much cavity wall insulation. How wide is the cavity in a wall anyway?


Mod 3, next time use the

Thanks
Claire

 

[Richard C]

200mm or thicker insulation in the loft; don’t bother to remove the old stuff, it’s nasty & is more of a health hazard to remove it than to let it be. If your laying loft boards for storage then you need to consider this before laying the loft insulation i.e. don’t lay it across the rafters. Loft boards & any junk you put up there will also help with insulation! Cavities vary 50 – 75mm, yours are probably 50mm & insulating them is a specialist job but contact your council office as there are local grants available that can reduce the price considerably, even free if your over 60! But get a certificate to say it’s been done properly or you could have problems in the future.

Re the mice; they don’t make very much noise so it’s probably rats you can hear! We’ve had them & once you block up their escape route, the stink & flies in the loft are something to behold but once there gone, there gone!

 

[clairesmith58]

Oh my god please don't say rats!!!!! Cute wee field mice I can cope with but I'm feeling physically sick at the thought of rats!!!!

Think I'll phone the council this avo to see what they suggest re the insulation and the rats. The flat below mine is still council property so I'd imagine they'd have to contribute to the cost of cavity insulation.

Thanks for your help!

Claire