What's the best loft insulation material to use?

Question

I am going to insulate the loft (floor-not between rafters) and subsequently board up the loft to use it as storage (not loft conversion). I am getting confused by all the choice of materials? Glass fibre? Thermasafe(polyester)? Airtec/Airflex/Alububble? How do they compare for thermal insulation value relative to their thickness? What's easier to work with? What more cost-effective (I need to insulate a loft space of approx 90m2). How do I board up the loft space afterwards? Any advice on what boards to use? Please help!

Answer 1

Glass fibre is probably the cheapest option as you can do it yourself very easily, then just nail boards over the top of it for storage space. It's very effective if done properly, if you've ever been up in such an insulated loft space it's usually pretty cold while the room downstairs can be piping hot.

Wear old clothes though, I hate that stuff.

Answer 2

Best Loft Insulation

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the best loft insulation material to use?
I am going to insulate the loft (floor-not between rafters) and subsequently board up the loft to use it as storage (not loft conversion). I am getting confused by all the choice of materials? Glass fibre? Thermasafe(polyester)? Airtec/Airflex/Alububble? How do they compare for thermal insulation...

Answer 4

Airflex Insulation

Answer 5

Fiberglass batting and blown in are widely accepted in the trades; as a standard. R values are very easy to find in a general WWW search using keywords. With Fiberglass you can approximate 1 inch equals 3 - 4 R. Certainly efficiency is not ONLY determined by the material, but factors involving the structure itself.

If the loft is dry; "Drywall" will do the job; just as it does in living areas. IT has a slightly higher insulation property than Plywood; or paneling; although certainly for walls and ceilings; NOT flooring material.

Since this is merely for storage I have to ask; is the loft area closed off from the rest of the structure? If not; it should be. If not; that might mean other levels of construction.

Steven Wolf

Answer 6

I can't answer the insulation part but I just put down some boards to add storage to my loft. I got the materials from Wickes. I got the type 5 18mm thick chip board. They carry 3 sizes. One was WAY too big to fit through the loft hatch. I got 10 of the mid size panels (£ 6.49 each) and 3 packs of the small size (3 per pack £5.00) plus a loft ladder (£29.99). Took me 2 days ( about 2 hours per day) to get it put in. Real easy to do...Getting the panels up was a 2 person job and they are a bit heavy.
PS - I will try your distilled Vinegar answer this weekend.

Answer 7

Ideally you would need fibreglass/rockwool installed deeper than the joists which means that you've nothing to then fix the boards to, without crushing the insulation.

Just fill the space between the joists with whatever depth of insulation that you can 4"/6" and then use "Supadeck" boards to 'floor' the loft.

Answer 8

There are many variety's out there some better than others. Don't scrimp on the bugdet you need insulation at least 200mm/8" deep. Knauf are a big manufacturer and I used their 250mm space blanket with silver reflective backing . It has a thin plastic covering around it to make it easier to lay and less itchy.

Answer 9

hi ..first check with your local council .. you could be eligible for a grant to insulate your loft .. therfore somebody else could do it for you ... as you have respiratory problems i would stay away from insulation materials .. celotex is very good but the dust from cutting this is a problem as well as fibreglass ..hope this helps .......

Answer 10

Mineral wool is easier to work with than glass type.
Large stores sell packs of chipboard (particle) for flooring, it's a doddle to lay as they have interlocking ribs, and they go through the hatchway.