Dividing wall in loft

richy999

I have noticed that the dividing/party wall in the loft of my 1960’s semi-detached house does not reach all the way to the top of the roof.


I assume that it doesn’t act as an effective fire wall and will allow noise/air flow to pass between the two loft spaces.

Is this usual?... is it something I need to address?

Doozergirl

It is usual in older houses.

Surveys when buying/selling recommend blocking up as a fire break - you're exactly right.

Mojisola

Doozergirl wrote: »

It is usual in older houses.

Surveys when buying/selling recommend blocking up as a fire break - you're exactly right.

Also for security.

If there is enough space, someone could come through into your house from next door.

London50

As far as I remember may of the houses built in the 60's be it semi or terraced were done in the same way {more than likely to save money bricking up to roof level} . Personally I would put a stud frame up and board it with plasterboard but there must be thousands of property's that are like it in the UK so overall apart from poss heat loss through the roof {either yours or attached property} I do not think you should worry too much

Mojisola

London50 wrote: »

As far as I remember may of the houses built in the 60's be it semi or terraced were done in the same way {more than likely to save money bricking up to roof level} . Personally I would put a stud frame up and board it with plasterboard but there must be thousands of property's that are like it in the UK so overall apart from poss heat loss through the roof {either yours or attached property} I do not think you should worry too much

Having seen a local terrace of houses being severely damaged after a fire started in the middle one, I would get it bricked up. Once in the loft, the fire quickly spread the length of the terrace and a manageable call-out to the fire service became a serious event.

richy999

Just to clarify, the gaps between the top of the wall and the roof are only big enough to fit your hand through.

I assume that unless I actually do any work to this wall then I don't need to worry about current building regulations?!

I am tempted to let it be, especially as it's also a party wall... I have visions of it toppling over into next doors house the minute I start any work on it ;-)

Thanks for all your comments so far.

warmhands.coldheart

what about fire rated expanding foam if only that size?

richy999

warmhands.coldheart wrote: »

what about fire rated expanding foam if only that size?

Thats an idea... a couple of cans of the stuff from screwfix won't break the bank.

Dan-Dan

go easy with it , your neighbours wont thank you if you misjudge and spill a load on stuff in their loft

Furts

richy999 wrote: »

Thats an idea... a couple of cans of the stuff from screwfix won't break the bank.

I would not favour this procedure unless you are used to using gun grade with meticulous care. The foam can expand and perforate your roofing felt which after these years will not be super quality. It could also lift your tiles - particularly if they are slates or light weights.

The construction industry approach would be to put Rockwool in the gap.

richy999

Furts wrote: »

I would not favour this procedure unless you are used to using gun grade with meticulous care. The foam can expand and perforate your roofing felt which after these years will not be super quality. It could also lift your tiles - particularly if they are slates or light weights.

The construction industry approach would be to put Rockwool in the gap.

Funny you should say that as I have some rockwool left over from a previous DIY project. It would certainly be easier to remove than expanding foam should there be an issue... and I won't be picking/scraping it off my person for a week afterwards :-)

I'll have another look at the gap when I get round to putting the christmas decorations up in the loft.

Thanks.