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Don Pedro · 17-04-2009, 09:54

Hi,

I have some guys coming tomorrow to insulate my attic. I have a water tank in the attic and I asked them if they want me to empty it in order to move it during the flooring and insulation process.

They informed me this was not needed as they would floor and insulate around it. I wasn't sure but they said that this was normal practice because some heat was needed to come up through the ceiling to prevent the water tank from freezing during the winter.

To me, this sounds incorrect. I would have thought that this was going to be a source of heat loss.

Can we have a vote from the experts on what is standard practice?

Carlow52 · 17-04-2009, 10:48

If the tank itself is properly insulated, then the ceiling underneath should be insulated as well to the same degree as the rest of the ceiling.

The tank should be covered and fitted with an air vent.

Don Pedro · 17-04-2009, 11:12

Thanks for your response,

So, any reason why they would say what they said? The tank currently is not insulated although I have plans to do thils.

gsxr1 · 17-04-2009, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Pedro

Thanks for your response,

So, any reason why they would say what they said? The tank currently is not insulated although I have plans to do thils.

its common practice to insulate them . I was under the impression that it was to protect the water against the freezing cold . Keeping the water at a higher temp meant less condensation on your toilet and sinks as well.

But this is just a theory I came to. could be wrong.

Don Pedro · 17-04-2009, 12:07

I was actually more concerned about them only flooring and insulating around the tank. I thought it would be better to insulate the whole floor. They assure me what they propose is coming practice.

Who's right?

p.s. I will insulate the tank myself.

gsxr1 · 17-04-2009, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Pedro

I was actually more concerned about them only flooring and insulating around the tank. I thought it would be better to insulate the whole floor. They assure me what they propose is coming practice.

Who's right?

p.s. I will insulate the tank myself.

. the tank need the heat of the house under it to prevent it getting chilled.

if it chills then all your water pipes and sanitary ware down stairs would gather condensation

qc3 · 17-04-2009, 12:52

new requirements are that the depth of insulation in attics be 300mm .as for under the tank,it is not done to allow the heat from the house to take the chill from the tank.just make sure that you have a solid cover over the tank before they insulate it,or you'll be drinking dust.hope this helps

Don Pedro · 17-04-2009, 12:55

Thanks for all your help people.

**Joey the lips** · 17-04-2009, 13:43

Just to back up all that is said. They insulate and floor all around it, They insulate the sides and top of the tank. They do not insulate the underneath. This allows the heat up out of the house to stop the tank freezing as you note.

If you want the tank moved a plumber does this not an insulation company but I would not do this. Tanks are poositioned in particular areas cause of reasons otherwise they would be shoved out of the way.

17-04-2009, 09:54	#1
Don Pedro Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 57 Adverts \| Friends	Attic Insulation and Water tank Hi, I have some guys coming tomorrow to insulate my attic. I have a water tank in the attic and I asked them if they want me to empty it in order to move it during the flooring and insulation process. They informed me this was not needed as they would floor and insulate around it. I wasn't sure but they said that this was normal practice because some heat was needed to come up through the ceiling to prevent the water tank from freezing during the winter. To me, this sounds incorrect. I would have thought that this was going to be a source of heat loss. Can we have a vote from the experts on what is standard practice?

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17-04-2009, 10:48	#2
Carlow52 Closed Account Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2,290 Adverts \| Friends	If the tank itself is properly insulated, then the ceiling underneath should be insulated as well to the same degree as the rest of the ceiling. The tank should be covered and fitted with an air vent.

17-04-2009, 11:12	#3
Don Pedro Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 57 Adverts \| Friends	Thanks for your response, So, any reason why they would say what they said? The tank currently is not insulated although I have plans to do thils.

17-04-2009, 12:07	#5
Don Pedro Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 57 Adverts \| Friends	I was actually more concerned about them only flooring and insulating around the tank. I thought it would be better to insulate the whole floor. They assure me what they propose is coming practice. Who's right? p.s. I will insulate the tank myself.

17-04-2009, 12:52	#7
qc3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: dundalk Posts: 780 Adverts \| Friends	new requirements are that the depth of insulation in attics be 300mm .as for under the tank,it is not done to allow the heat from the house to take the chill from the tank.just make sure that you have a solid cover over the tank before they insulate it,or you'll be drinking dust.hope this helps

17-04-2009, 12:55	#8
Don Pedro Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 57 Adverts \| Friends	Thanks for all your help people.

17-04-2009, 13:43	#9
Joey the lips Stealing Hugs Chasing Kisses Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Frankfurts way Posts: 9,877 Adverts \| Friends Mod: Plumbing & Heating	Just to back up all that is said. They insulate and floor all around it, They insulate the sides and top of the tank. They do not insulate the underneath. This allows the heat up out of the house to stop the tank freezing as you note. If you want the tank moved a plumber does this not an insulation company but I would not do this. Tanks are poositioned in particular areas cause of reasons otherwise they would be shoved out of the way.