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Housing - Renovation: best options for insulation on Victorian Semi re-roof

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorZarty
    • CommentTimeMar 17th 2008
     
    I have Victorian semi build just before 1900 and I have to get it re-roofed. The quotes I get specify a breathable membrane on top of the rafters then batons, and tiles as usual. I would just like to check my assumptions with regard to thermal insualation here if I may.

    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
  2.  
    as far as i'm aware quilted insulation is the best cost effective solution for the situation you describe
    not so good if you want to store stuff up there though.
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeMar 17th 2008
     
    Insulate the "floor of the loft" - yes

    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.
  4.  
    When the roofers take your tiles off, then will cover your insulation in dust, soot, broken tiles etc. You might want to consider sheeting over it first so can just scoop all the debris up in the sheets and carry it down the scaffold before the roof is re-tiled. I recently had to remove all this material from a loft through the house in buckets. The house had been reroofed 10 years ago and the debris had just been left in there sat on the insulation... a very dusty job!

    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.
    • CommentAuthorZarty
    • CommentTimeMar 18th 2008
     
    Thanks for the feedback.
    •  
      CommentAuthorali.gill
    • CommentTimeMar 21st 2008
     
    i think its wrapped up nowadays as its not allowed in u.s to be sold freeform - as a measure against potential future contamination as happened with asbestos.
    i have a document on refurbing victorian housing - is small enough to email if you whisper me your address.

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