Attic insulation project

Diemos

This will be my first proper DIY job, so I'd like some advice please.

I'd like to better insulate the attic and add panels so I can walk around up there and store things up there.

I'm using this as a rough guide.

House details:
- Semi d
- built in the early 70's
- in good condition, no signs of damp
- attic is roughly 5.5m x 8m
- little and mostly no insulation on the piping and cold water tanks (which have been replaced with newer plastic tanks, the old metal ones are still there, I'll need to cut it up to get it out.)
- the existing insulation has been changed n half the attic, 1 half is brown (looks original) the other half is yellow.
- the existing insulation looks sunk, at least 3cm below the top of the joist in most places.


Through my research I'm planning the following:
- insulate the piping
- put a jacket on the water tank
- ripping out and replacing the existing insulation - is this necessary?
- placing a rows of timber (at least 100mm tall) perpendicular to the existing joists
- placing another layer of insulation between this lattice.
- screwing the floor boards to the lattice.


Potential pitfalls:
- I don't see ventilation in the eve's or anywhere else.
- people seem to recommend at least 50mm between the top of the insulation and the floor boards to prevent damp
- no insulation under the water tank to prevent freezing
- 75mm space left around electrical wiring


So I would appreciate any advice before I dive straight in.
What is the best insulation to use etc.
Cheapest place to buy the raw materials etc.

Tombo2001

I did a combo of rolling out the wool between joists, and then over it in some parts of the attic; and rolling wool between boards, and putting insulated board with plywood on other parts, so I could store stuff.


I purchased from UValue insulation in Ballycoolin; they can deliver or you can collect. Rather than telling you which product to buy, I would advise you to phone them and discuss. They have a good sales team.

Calahonda52

- ripping out and replacing the existing insulation - is this necessary?
NO
no insulation under the water tank to prevent freezing
no longer a recommended approach

https://www.nsai.ie/S-R-54-2014-Code-of-Practice.aspx

back later

Diemos

Calahonda52 wrote: »

- ripping out and replacing the existing insulation - is this necessary?
NO
no insulation under the water tank to prevent freezing
no longer a recommended approach

https://www.nsai.ie/S-R-54-2014-Code-of-Practice.aspx

back later

Well, my understanding was that you are not supposed to squash the insulation.
And the stuff that is there is just ancient.
I figure when I'm doing it I may as well do it properly.

Thank you for the info re the water tank.

Shefwedfan

Dont buy in woodies is a good start.

For insulation shop around. I bought some recently in Goodwins. But Build4less had offers and normally your local builder providers will have offers on if you are buying in bulk. Price around.

Make sure you are pricing the same width. Something might look cheap and you find out it is only 100MM. You need at least 200MM between joists.

You can leave the old in, save you dragging fibers thru the house. Plan then is? Put in new insulation between joists, running timber, putting insulation between gap and then flooring? instead of timber you could look at Loft legs? https://www.loftleg.com/loftleg?gclid=Cj0KEQjwzpfHBRC1iIaL78Ol-eIBEiQAdZPVKv4uPyQWa-pzMjf6UWHyf1MzF-WhNUS3O0w3tt0zJVUaAhcw8P8HAQ I have never used loft legs but a few people have recommended them.,....there is a couple of suppliers so you need to google

When you are doing all this work the first job I would do is put in attic stairs. It will save you considerable amount of time and lifting effort longer term. I did a similar job a few years back and the attic stairs was a god send. Also the additional opening space is great

Most loft insulation you will end up getting is a f**king killer on your body. Doesn't matter what you do. Once you start it do a good bit at one time and then jump in shower straight away and throw clothes into wash. Otherwise your skin will be at you. Dont do a bit, start something else, then do another bit. Otherwise you will be ruined.

If using flooring dont buy the woodies/etc attic boards. Buy plywood and use that. The bigger sheets work out cheaper but you then need to cut to size. Depends if you have skill saw really. If you don't I wouldn't bother with handsaw. Just buy the smaller sheets. You will need attic stairs opening to get these up.....

Sleeper12

Shefwedfan wrote:

Make sure you are pricing the same width. Something might look cheap and you find out it is only 100MM. You need at least 200MM between joists.

OP don't squash too much in either. 200mm is 8 inches. If you want 200mm the joists need to be at least 200mm if you are flooring it. Also your attic needs to breathe so don't go all the way into the eaves. Leave space for ventilation