Loft insulation - Bin old insulation or keep it and put new layer on top?

ahfh1

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Hi,

The house I'm buying has (what looks like) very old loft insulation. I assume that new loft instulation should be 'fluffy' in appearance, but this existing insulation looks stale and 'saggy'.

Is it better to to throw out the existing old loft insulation and do a straight replacement with new insulation? Or keep the existing insulation and just put a new replacement layer on top?

If I should throw out the old insulation, what's the best way to dispose of it (as there will be lots of it and it'll be very dusty). I'm assuming a tradesman will know how to dispose of it appropritely.

Thanks

Thanks

Chippy_Minton_2

Wickes have it buy one get three free if the £1 offer has finished at B&Q.

The_Economist

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Is it better to to throw out the existing old loft insulation and do a straight replacement with new insulation? Or keep the existing insulation and just put a new replacement layer on top?

I would get rid of the old stuff and replace with new. It will give you a chance to see whats lurking under it if anything. Remember safety first get all togged up in overalls, goggles and a face mask.

27col

Why go to the bother of removing it. Especially if it is fibre-glass. It is very difficult to destroy, so is likely to go into landfill where it will not rot down. Just lay the new stuff over the top and save yourself a lot of unpleasant work.

Swipe

Why create unnecessary work? Also why pay a tradesman to dispose of it when you can put it in your wheelie bin?

FilthyLuka

I would keep the old and top up with new - even if the old stuff is somewhat compressed and dust laden it will still have some thermal value (maybe half of what it was) and as mentioned before it would only end up as landkill

dampdaveski

hi ahfh,
In an ideal world it would be good to remove all the old, wrap it and get rid at the local tip / or your bin over a few weeks, and stick some shiny new stuff down.
even though it is saggy and tired it will still be contributing to warming your home a little bit, I suggest getting new, work on 2 layers of at least 100mm thick and lay cross ways in your loft, ensure your eaves stay clear to allow air movement and don't block any air vents.
stick it down on top of the old as others have said, less hassle, less mess and more environmentally friendly (kind of)

DD

996ducati

We had our loft professionally "topped up" and the old 1970s insulation was left sitting underneath. It all adds to the overall insulation value of the house.

:cool:

jonesjw

Don't even think about throwing out the old. The purpose of the insulation is to trap air.
It still does that if old or brand new, so keep the old stuff.

The benchmark subsidised cost is about £6~7 for 2 big rolls these days. B&Q, Homebase & Wickes have all had such offers for short periods in the last 6 months.

JackRS

Hate to gate crash but I have a related question:

Which is the best DIY shop to buy from? My research shows they all seem fairly similar, unless you catch a 10% off day.

Does anyone have any recommendations/experience to share and indicate what I should be paying and which type/thickness to go for?

totalsolutions

I'd get rid of the old, you want to see under for damp/condensation, etc. Also its just not working as an insulator if its compressed down, not allowing the new to work.
That's my bit....