Old Loft Insulation - Replace or not?

[dk1uk]

Hi - my loft insulation is very old (thin and brown) and so I'm thinking of replacing it.

I'm not sure I can face removing the old insulation, so I'm thinking of just sticking some new onto the old. I don't suppose this is a bad idea?

Also, I'm keen to try and make the space up there a bit more useable for storage, but I've read before that putting boards over insulation reduces the usefulness of the insulation - if this is the case, are there any other options?

Many thanks.

 

[JohnD]

It's OK to lay new over old.

However if there is a lot of irritant dust up there, you might want to vac it out. Modern mineral quilt by some makers is treated with "Ecose" which makes it pale brown and prevents it shedding much dust or fibres. It will say on the wrapping, if it is. Most Knauf is treated, and some own-brands.

If your loft is unfelted it will always be filthy so not much point trying to clean it.

You must not squash insulation down with flooring, for two reasons. If money is not too tight, lay quilt between the timbers, lay rigid insulating foam slabs on top of the timbers, and lay ply (preferably) or chipboard on top. The rigid foam will transmit the load the the timbers below. Foam costs more than quilt.

 

[dk1uk]

Cool - thank you. I haven't come across rigid insulation slabs before. Do you mean this type of thing: http://www.diy.com/nav/build/insula...-Insulation-Board-1-2M-X-0-6M-HHW-IB-10397543

Thanks again.

 

[JohnD]

I meant something like Celotex, Kingspan or Knauf.

or this which I think is a Knauf product http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/161280