I've had a quote for loft insulation, £150, but the loft has been boarded, is it worth getting more done?

Question

i've check and there is about 90mm insulation under the boards and the extra insulation with sit on top of the boards, seems a waste of time to me, but not sure.

Answer 1

If you are going to increase the thickness, you will have to remove the boards first - it doesn't go on top of the boards!

Answer 2

Exceeding the recommended amount of 250mm will increase condensation problems, so stick at that. If you have insulation + boards you're probably at your max already.

Answer 3

Hi Jon, I share your doubts.  Wood is a good insulator and I am not sure that a layer of insulation on top of it will achieve anything.

Answer 4

There is a lot of hot air on this one, and some poor suggestions.

Insulation will work above or below boards, but if you then walk on it the insulation will not do the job properly, so this is the real problem. If you go ahead then 300mm is current building regs, but you are not bound to this on an existing property. Don't take the boards up, and put 200mm on top, but add some ventilation to the roof-space, either eaves vents, or a couple of air grates in each gable.

If you then go and use the space for storage then squashing the quilt will cause it to be useless.

Answer 5

250mm is the current recommended thickness of loft insulation.

It makes a massive difference to how warm in winter your house is, and how cool in summer, reduces your heating bills and thus reduces CO2 emissions.

It's a great idea.

Insulation on top of wood is fine.

Answer 6

don't bother , you don't have to have it done just new recommendations .

Answer 7

Why are you thinking of having the loft insulation renewed?

  Has it been there a long time and what sort of insulation is it?

  Lots of variables,do you keep stuff in the loft,in which case you will have a problem laying new insulation over the boards.

  Also wondering why you`re thinking of doing this in the middle of summer,have you just moved into the house or are you thinking of selling?

   A good guide to how effective your loft insulation is working is to take the temperature in the loft and in the rooms below,or the easy way,wait for a hot day,open the loft hatch and it should be like opening the oven door.

   If you`ve had a quote for replacing the insulation,enquire with your local council as to whether they provide a free energy survey or if they can refer you to an agency that does,don`t forget that if you ask for an estimate the company involved are going to do just that.in most cases,and you might find your house is adequately insulated

Answer 8

The question I would ask you, "Does it feel hot during the summer, more so than on the first floor."  The more insulation your have in your loft the better, and you're only talking about $300 for petes sake.  Go for it.

Answer 9

It IS definately worth doing and the price asked seems very reasonable. Go for it.