What's the best type of loft insulation?

Question

My Victorian terrace has very thin glass wool loft insulation and I want to upgrade to beat the chill! But I'm confused by the different types of insulation and whether I should buy glass wool again, or some of the reflective foil insulation instead. What's the difference / advantage of either?

I suppose whatever I buy, I should lay it directly over the top of the old insulation? Thanks

Answer 1

Fiberglass is easier to work with. The rolls can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses and cut to length. You should wear goggles, a mask, gloves, and long sleeves as the fibres are an irritant to your skin, eyes, and repiratory system.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Rockwool (glass fibre) insulation is ghastly stuff both for the fitter and for the environment. It contains all sorts of nasties and the fibres can be inhaled and cause all sorts of trouble... best suggestion is to steer well clear.

For a more environmentally sound and healthy option I would use Sheep's Wool, Flax or recycled clothing insulation. The prices have dropped dramatically over recent years and they are the only sensible option these days.

As for the insulation that's already there... well, it's already there and can probably just be left in place - more hassle and discomfort to remove than to leave there. Just top up to a good level with some of the good stuff.

Answer 4

There might be some advantage to using a faced insulation to help retard vapor movement. If you install faced material, be sure to apply the facing toward the heated side. There are two reasons for that: 1) the facing is a "vapor barrier" (not really a barrier, but that's what it's called),and must be placed toward the heated space and, 2) the facing is combustible and Building Codes require that it be installed in "substantial contact" with a wall, ceiling or floor material. There would be no harm is using an unfaced product if you'd rather. In either case, the attic should be well vented.

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Answer 5

As thick as possible, and made from the best stuff you can afford.

As heat rises you will be able to stop an enormous amount of heat (money) being lost through your roof.

If you can't afford to do it all in 1 go, you can just layer up as and when you can. Don't dispose of your old, unless it has wasted or would stop you putting in new stuff, which is likely to be much better,

Fibreglass rolls are cheap and very effective. Many people can get grants, so look at this too. Why miss out? Ask the citizen advice bureau or local authority, as there are local and national schemes. Most offer grants to low income, disabled etc, or just as good environmental measures.

Good luck! Rob

Answer 6

You can get many different types.... Some are in polythene cover bags, its like a flat glass fibre (like the normal) but, encased in polythene. Much nicer to work with, no itching.....
However, when you have finished insulating, why not board the loft out, use loft boards 'customised' with cooking foil stuck on the inside side. But, But, do not lag under your cold water tank, lage over it, keep the tank warm from the house.

Answer 7

How much room do you have for additional insulation?

Available materials have different ratings ("R" rating) depending on the material and it's density. To me, the easiest (and therefore the best) DIY material is rolled fiberglass bat insulation. You buy it to fit the width of the space between your rafters, and you are only limited in "R" factor by how much space you have available.

By all means, apply it over ehat you already have, unless the existing insulation has been compromised by water leakage, etc.

It's an easy DIY project. Just suit up (coveralls, gloves, and a filter mask) and go for it!

Answer 8

I've just been investigating this for myself and have found that if you contact you electric or gas supplier they usually have special deals or grants, someone will come and do this for you for less than you can buy the insulation for. I had a quote of £195 for a 3 bed semi... They also do wall insulation too...

Answer 9

I agree with all the other answers - don't forget to put all your electrical cables/wires over the top of the insulation, not under it.

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Answer 10

You should have aleast 10 inches of insulation in the ceiling for the best results. I would have more blown insulation added to make sure you have aleast 10 inches (evenly) across the area to get the best results.