loft insulation query?

eyeofthetiger999

Hi guys, this is my first post.

I have recently had my loft insulated free of charge by a government funded ghs( global heat save) in manchester. My total loft area was 60m2 and they have covered around 50m2 and have left a strip in the middle which is boarded and being used for storage space. I have been advised that loft insulation should not have objects placed on top of it. My dilemma is this: Would my loft insulation be more complete if this final 10m2 was cleared of storage, then insulated, and then used for storage on top of the insulation rolls( i know insulation would not be as effective but surely is some insulation better then none?). Or should i leave it as it is and assume that the storage might provide some level of insulation.

If you feel it is worth insulating final 10m2 will i be eligible for free top up of 10m2 remaining or will i have to purchase myself?

Any advice appreciated

Btw the house aleady feels warmer and using heating less which is great!

eyeofthetiger999

Anyone??? I think I may have to purchase the last few rolls

Jonesya

How much insulation is under the boarded area - is it already insulated between the joists?

Assuming it's already got 100mm of insulation between the joists and you just need to add 170mm there's several options:
- you can get rigid foam insulation with boarding already on top and lay directly over the existing joists.
- you can get plastic 'feet' which can be used to lift boarding up by 170mm so you don't crush the insulation.
- you could install cross battening, additional timber beams installed in the opposite direction to the existing joists to spread the load and lift the boarding off the insulation.

The above are DIY, self funded options, not sure what you'd get through a subsidised provider.

Kernel_Sanders

Jonesya wrote: »

Assuming it's already got 100mm of insulation between the joists

If so, wouldn't that be too much to qualify for free insulation? I've not had mine done because I have around 3" of 1970s brown furry stuff up there.
Didn't know about the plastic feet; are they strong enough to walk on?

spannerzone

I got around this by using a couple of old tables in my loft, their thin legs were sitting on some boards that sat above the joists and original insulation, I could then lay more insulation with the table legs not really getting in the way of the new insulation and I could store things on the tables.... obviously don't over load things!

A.Penny.Saved

There are metal legs available to allow boards to be placed on top so that insulation can be fitted to the required depth. Some are not suitable for walking on or at least not for habitation usage. Cross battening can also be done.

Search for "loft legs" there are many for sale on eBay, and other places.
Toolstation have 12 for £11.94 with free delivery.

Kernel_Sanders

spannerzone wrote: »

I got around this by using a couple of old tables in my loft, their thin legs were sitting on some boards that sat above the joists and original insulation, I could then lay more insulation with the table legs not really getting in the way of the new insulation and I could store things on the tables.... obviously don't over load things!

I laughed at this suggestion when I first read it as I imagined you sawing the legs off and maybe the table too in order to get it though the loft hatch! However, I have now thanked it because it prompted me to think of wallpapering tables, which are narrow, have folding legs and are very light, so perfect for the job! Also, you'd always have tables that you could bring back down for decorating, boot sales or kids' parties