freezing bedroom above garage - can I dot it myself

attila_

We've moved into a mid 90's detached with a bedroom above an integrated garage. The garage is single and has fuse box and boiler inside.

The room above the garage is absolutely freezing and you can feel the carpet is cold.

I'd like to insulate is as soon as possible. Ideally I'd like minimal disruption in the bedroom so i was thinking whether I could fix something to the garage ceiling?

The garage ceiling is finished with plasterboard and artex (!)

Could I just fit some 40mm celotex such as this:
http://www.insulationgiant.co.uk/Celotex-PIR-Insulation-Board-40mm-TB4040-2400mm-X-1200mm-%282-88m²-Sheet%29/p/778038?gclid=CjwKEAiAt_K0BRCzjtv92_HGoR0SJAA9QNn_wZsnN89k85eOVXr4JBJr2D6Dcj6ZirBDSHpSNBbupBoCPdjw_wcB

It won't look great I admit as I'll need to finish it with plasterboard or paint over it but would this do the trick or is it a better job to tackle it by taking the floorboards off and going from there?

I've also read a lot about fire risk and building control. Is this a job I can do myself or would I have to get someone certified in? I don't want to have issues should we come to sell the house.

Thanks very much!

MisterBaxter

As it's only a garage using thermal boarding boarding will be fine, if you use the type that is finished with plasterboard (https://www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk/product/gyproc-thermaline-basic-tapered-edge-wallboard-24m-x-12m-x-22mm.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAt_K0BRCzjtv92_HGoR0SJAA9QNn_irYoZheF5-GqB2rWzwKKB77fsmlwN0Qvdr_2shpR0hoCEaPw_wcB) to one side you can fill the joints and paint over it to get a reasonable finish. It should make a noticeable difference and as you say it won't disrupt the bedroom. Just leave the old ceiling in place and go over the top. It wouldn't require Building Regs. The only things to watch out for are that it will reduce the overall height in the garage and if you have a ceiling mounted light fitting you may need to alter the wiring to take account of the thicker ceiling.

You will need to screw it to the ceiling joists and you will need help as they are heavy and unwieldy.

stator

It would work if you do a proper job. But taking up the floorboards and laying down some insulation seems like it would be easier to me.

TheCyclingProgrammer

If rip down the existing garage ceiling and insulate from below. You'll want to put a bit more than 40mm though.

Have you checked the radiator in the room is correctly sized, in good working order and that there are no drafts from the windows that could be making it cold?

googler

Fill the gaps around the garage door with weatherstrips to start with, to stop cold and draught getting into the garage in the first place. We have a double garage with the door facing into the prevailing wind, and that made a world of difference to the room above.

Whatever you do with the insulation of the floor/ceiling, don't forget to go around the edges in the garage with intumescent (fire-retardant) mastic. I don't see why adding a layer to your ceiling increases any fire risk, but the mastic is supposed to resist fire and smoke penetration into the room above, if a fire does start there.

I have read recently of someone in a similar situation to you, and they found that the builder had skimped on insulation, not fitting any between the garage and room above. Might be good policy to establish this first, before fitting extra boards over what's there already.

Bear in mind some folks caution against disturbing artex, as it can/does contain asbestos (or some types of it do.... do your research)

It would certainly be easier working from above, as gravity will be working with you rather than against you.....

attila_

thank you all for the very good responses - some really useful points.

I'll start with the garage door that is something that I had noticed too actually.

I think I will see how thin I could get away with in terms of insulation on the ceiling and if it doesn't impact the height too much.

Thanks again!

googler

This is what I used for the garage door top

http://www.jaseals.co.uk/p-top_seal_brown.htm

chappers

IMHO the least disruptive method would be insulated board from below as MisterBaxter suggests and also this will probably be the most effective as it will eliminate any thermal bridging caused by the floor joists. I lived in such a bedroom as a kid and remember my Dad adding just two inches of polystyrene and boarding over and even that made a big difference.
Celotex is far more efficient and 40mm should make a noticeable difference, fix with some decentplastic anchors designed for the job and don't forget to fill any gaps with foam and tape joints.

Davesnave

googler wrote: »

Bear in mind some folks caution against disturbing artex, as it can/does contain asbestos (or some types of it do.... do your research)...

Surely "Mid 90s " artex should be OK?