Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:24:25 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16547#Comment_16547 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16547#Comment_16547 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:41:26 +0000 Zarty
First of all, I don't have any plans to convert the loft space into living space. Currently there are two layers of that nasty glass fibre insulation between the joists. The existing roof doesn't have any membrane between the rafters and the batons.

The questions...
Given the fact that I don't have plans to convert the loft space in any way, is my best insulation option to leave it as a 'cold loft'? ie. just insulate the floor of the loft? If so, what are the best loft floor insulation options from a thermal insulation perspective? I have a feeling that layering fibre-glass or other similar materials perhaps isn't the best solution compared to the same layers being covered up on top of the joists with softboard or similar?

With a 'cold loft', is there any benefit at all in going for something with more insulation potential than a basic 'breathable membrane' above the rafters? If so, what?

Other suggestions?

Thanks,
Zarty]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16549#Comment_16549 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16549#Comment_16549 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:46:15 +0000 jamesingram not so good if you want to store stuff up there though.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16573#Comment_16573 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16573#Comment_16573 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:37:34 +0000 tony
You should be being advised by the roofing companies that you must upgrade you loft insulation to current regs as part of the job

If it was mine I would go for min 300mm quilt and no gaps or misses and then dont store junk up there either -- strong will needed for that though.

If you ventilate the loft you dont need to use breathable felt so there is a possible saving to be had there.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16594#Comment_16594 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16594#Comment_16594 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:58:19 +0000 Chris Wardle
Remember also that grants are available through utility companies to insulate lofts. Generally, they will do the job for less than what you could buy the insulation for but if you already have some up there it might not pay. I saw loft insulation on BOGOF in B&Q a few weeks back. It was covered in foil so easier to handle/no fibres to breath in. Also, draft proof and insulate the back of the loft hatch.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16630#Comment_16630 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16630#Comment_16630 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:15:41 +0000 Zarty https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16828#Comment_16828 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=1434&Focus=16828#Comment_16828 Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:40:48 +0000 ali.gill i have a document on refurbing victorian housing - is small enough to email if you whisper me your address.]]>