Attic insulation - replace or keep. Depth of insulation?

Jojo153 · 02-12-2017 2:18pm #1

My house is about 80 years old and is freeeezing. The insulation in the attic is 10 year old fibreglass solution. It is fitted between the joists. I think parts of it are compressed and no longer doing the job. Should I remove the stuff that’s there between the joists and replace it with new insulation or keep it and cover it with new insulation.

Also, I know the recommended depth is 300ml now for attic insulation but because my house is so cold is it possible to put down 400ml or 500ml or even 600ml?

I have heard that fibreglass insulation is the best for insulating.

Would love to hear some opinions.

Sleeper12 · 02-12-2017 2:26pm

I'd usually recommend replacing as with decades of dust it becomes compressed. 10 year old insulation should be fine

gillad · 02-12-2017 4:39pm

I would leave the old insulation where it is,,,its a dirty job removing it and it is keeping in some heat .Just roll out the new insulation over it.300 will be fine but put in more if you want as it all adds up in the end.I dont think their is a limit,,, just what you can afford
removing the old insulation may cause problems with electric cables

Jojo153 · 02-12-2017 4:53pm

This is my first time posting to boards.ie and it’s great to get other opinions on it. I think I will leave the current stuff there and just roll over a further 300ml. I have bought safety caps for the recessed lighting. Once all the insulation is down my plan is to build a small raised platform for storage.

SCOOP 64 · 02-12-2017 4:57pm

My was redone last year, house is 13 years , they just put new on top of old,don't see a problem with it.

Sleeper12 · 02-12-2017 5:07pm

If you have an electric shower you need to make sure that the cable is sitting on the insulation and not under it. There is real danger in it overheating otherwise

Jojo153 · 02-12-2017 9:05pm

One other question..... currently there is chipboard in the attic for storage. It is nailed into the joists. Underneath it (between the joists) there is 100ml of insulation. Is it possible to pull up the chipboard and replace it with insulated panels that you can walk on or store items on? I just don’t think the 100ml is doing the job but also need storage space.

Attic insulation - replace or keep. Depth of insulation?

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