attic conversion - insulation questions

inabina

Hi all.

I am currently getting my attic converted and have a few questions I hope you can help with

1) What insulation would you recommend for the attic? my builder wants to use LOW-E and nothing else (http://www.build.ie/company_489573.htm).

2) Do you recommend we maintain our existing insulation in the attic floor? This would prevent the heat from getting into the attic from below but would, I guess, insure our house stays warm when the attic is not in use.

3) Someone suggested if we use LOW-E we should still fill between the rafters with ROCKWOOL and use therma boards. Would this be a good solution?

4) I hear spot lights are not good in the attic because they allow heat escape. Is this true? Are there other solutions that would allow me to have some type of spot light?

Thanks!!

MicktheMan

inabina wrote: »

Hi all.

I am currently getting my attic converted and have a few questions I hope you can help with

1) What insulation would you recommend for the attic? my builder wants to use LOW-E and nothing else (http://www.build.ie/company_489573.htm).

2) Do you recommend we maintain our existing insulation in the attic floor? This would prevent the heat from getting into the attic from below but would, I guess, insure our house stays warm when the attic is not in use.

3) Someone suggested if we use LOW-E we should still fill between the rafters with ROCKWOOL and use therma boards. Would this be a good solution?

4) I hear spot lights are not good in the attic because they allow heat escape. Is this true? Are there other solutions that would allow me to have some type of spot light?

Thanks!!

1. Ask for the iab cert for the product and also ask how the proposed complies with the b-regs. As regards what to use, get the advice from a good/experienced heatloss engineer / ber assessor or arch tech as looking at insulation in isolation without condiseration of airtightness and ventilation will result in regret.
2.Leaving the insulation in place will deaden somewhat the sounds from upstairs. Leaving it in place will also aid the the heating control if upstairs is to be a seperate and independent heating zone.
3. Again seek advice as the detailing is important from moisture control / and condensation risk
4. Converting roof spaces into habitable spaces can be disasterous from an airtightness point of view. Don't confuse airtightness with insulation. Both need to be specified right and workmanship is vital for success.

Finally, consider an appropriate ventilation system.

BryanF

1. http://www.bbacerts.co.uk/CertificateFiles/48/4819PS1i1.pdf this product should not be used in isolation. it is not a substitute for conventional insulation
2. leave it in place
3. additional insulation is a must + an air-tightness/ vapour control layer
4. the devil is in the detail. spots are fine. have you the height in the attic to do without them? will the workmen ensure air-tightness and insulation is correctly installed around the lights? judging on your first comment i would suggest they need guidance.