Check home insulation

BooJewels

That's the sort of thing I want putting in when I have work in the bathroom @EssexHebridean- a much larger loft hatch that comes down, complete with its own ladder - there's probably just about enough room for it to span the bath and allow you to get on it at the bottom.  But that's job 32 in a list of stuff I want doing and I'm still stuck trying to get tradesmen for jobs 1 and 2.

Spoonie_Turtle

EssexHebridean said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

BooJewels said:

macman said:

Loft-go up there and see how deep the insulation is. If inadequate, top it up, it's a half day job if you can do simple DIY.
If you have cavity walls, you can drill pilot holes outside to see if any insulation is present.
Double glazing: I think you can work out for yourself.
There's really no need to call for thermal cameras or consultants.

It's very easy to say that if you're able bodied and able to shin up ladders, reach the loft hatch etc., not everyone is or has easily accessible loft hatches. 

I have no idea what's in my loft, because whilst there's a hatch, it's above the bath in a high ceiling and the hatch was sized when they sent up Victorian urchins to do that sort of work - I don't actually know anyone thin enough to get through it and you certainly wouldn't get a roll of insulation up there through it.  It's certainly not a climbing job I'm willing or able to tackle myself. I'm going to get it addressed when I get the bathroom remodelled, but for now, it will remain a mystery.  Maybe the OP faces similar issues.

Our loft hatch is sized just fine, but it's right next to the stairs.  One wrong foot and … yeah.  Last time anyone went in the loft we were all nearly two decades younger, much healthier and more sure-footed.

This is where a properly fitted loft-ladder comes in. Mum’s loft is located similarly - her ladder complete with guard-rail integral on the stair-facing side means the risk of accessing it is massively reduced.

The rails idea crossed my mind when I was posting, although we've never had a fitted ladder or hatch, just Dad putting a standard ladder up whenever he needed to go up in the past.  The hatch is an unattached board, needing two hands to reposition it closed (and ideally two hands to open).

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

We're evaluating our situation re insulation. I'm not sure I'd trust ANYONE to come and tell me what the shortcomings were as you'll never really know whether they're telling you what's best for you, or what's best for them (what they're paid to push/sell).

I really feel sorry for you reading all that you post here.  It must be terrible to live in such a constant state of fear, assuming that every person that you ever speak with is a moment away from some horrendous mistake that is going to ruin your life and that each company you deal with is intent on scamming you or causing some other form of lasting harm.

FreeBear

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

We're evaluating our situation re insulation. I'm not sure I'd trust ANYONE to come and tell me what the shortcomings were as you'll never really know whether they're telling you what's best for you, or what's best for them (what they're paid to push/sell).

I really feel sorry for you reading all that you post here.  It must be terrible to live in such a constant state of fear, assuming that every person that you ever speak with is a moment away from some horrendous mistake that is going to ruin your life and that each company you deal with is intent on scamming you or causing some other form of lasting harm.

When you have companies cold calling to tell you that fibreglass loft insulation has been "deemed unfit for purpose" as a precursor to flogging spray foam insulation, I can empathise with scarter - Having been on the receiving end of one of those phone calls and following through to its conclusion (the sales pitch), I drew some comfort in sending the salesman away with a very sore backside.

We are fortunate in having the internet available where we can research the options available and make informed choices.

[Deleted User]

FreeBear said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

We're evaluating our situation re insulation. I'm not sure I'd trust ANYONE to come and tell me what the shortcomings were as you'll never really know whether they're telling you what's best for you, or what's best for them (what they're paid to push/sell).

I really feel sorry for you reading all that you post here.  It must be terrible to live in such a constant state of fear, assuming that every person that you ever speak with is a moment away from some horrendous mistake that is going to ruin your life and that each company you deal with is intent on scamming you or causing some other form of lasting harm.

When you have companies cold calling to tell you that fibreglass loft insulation has been "deemed unfit for purpose" as a precursor to flogging spray foam insulation, I can empathise with scarter - Having been on the receiving end of one of those phone calls and following through to its conclusion (the sales pitch), I drew some comfort in sending the salesman away with a very sore backside.

We are fortunate in having the internet available where we can research the options available and make informed choices.

Oh, no doubt, there are some absolute cowboys out there.  And I don't think I'd ever use a company that cold-called me.

Do your research, independently, of course.  Then, if there is a task that you do not feel comfortable doing yourself, choose and approach a company to do it for you.

FreeBear

Deleted_User said:

FreeBear said:

Deleted_User said:

Deleted_User said:

We're evaluating our situation re insulation. I'm not sure I'd trust ANYONE to come and tell me what the shortcomings were as you'll never really know whether they're telling you what's best for you, or what's best for them (what they're paid to push/sell).

I really feel sorry for you reading all that you post here.  It must be terrible to live in such a constant state of fear, assuming that every person that you ever speak with is a moment away from some horrendous mistake that is going to ruin your life and that each company you deal with is intent on scamming you or causing some other form of lasting harm.

When you have companies cold calling to tell you that fibreglass loft insulation has been "deemed unfit for purpose" as a precursor to flogging spray foam insulation, I can empathise with scarter - Having been on the receiving end of one of those phone calls and following through to its conclusion (the sales pitch), I drew some comfort in sending the salesman away with a very sore backside.

We are fortunate in having the internet available where we can research the options available and make informed choices.

I was born in 1963.

1963 was a monumental vintage against which many others are now judged. Power, dimension and real character are all hallmarks of this most memorable vintage. https://vintageportsite.com/vintage-years/1963

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

I was born in 1963. 

Congratulations?  It is no longer the 60s, not the 70s, nor even the 80s.  We have moved on.

Deleted_User said:

For a while, I started getting experts in - but quite frankly, you rarely got a good job done. You always take more care on your own house.  In our last (new) house hubby had to replace half the wiring as it had been done so shoddily. 

I am never going to be as good a plumber as someone who does it every day for their job.  Same would go for a joiner, bricklayer, gas fitter, tax accountant, doctor, or anything else that isn't what I actually do.

What I actually do a lot of the time at the moment, is visit have-a-go-Harrys who think that because they've watched a YouTube video or looked at a book they are suddenly competent to do things like replace their wiring, repair their boiler, service their own car, build their own battery storage system etc.  A little bit of news for you - they are very often not.

matelodave

[Deleted User] said:

Deleted_User said:

I was born in 1963. 

Congratulations?  It is no longer the 60s, not the 70s, nor even the 80s.  We have moved on.

Deleted_User said:

For a while, I started getting experts in - but quite frankly, you rarely got a good job done. You always take more care on your own house.  In our last (new) house hubby had to replace half the wiring as it had been done so shoddily. 

I am never going to be as good a plumber as someone who does it every day for their job.  Same would go for a joiner, bricklayer, gas fitter, tax accountant, doctor, or anything else that isn't what I actually do.

What I actually do a lot of the time at the moment, is visit have-a-go-Harrys who think that because they've watched a YouTube video or looked at a book they are suddenly competent to do things like replace their wiring, repair their boiler, service their own car, build their own battery storage system etc.  A little bit of news for you - they are very often not.

Some can, but it's always a good idea to know your limitations and then Get A Lttle Man In (GALMI) to do it.

I'm reasonably competent at most stuff (or was when stuff was simpler than it is nowadays) but I do know when to get someone in when its beyond me, like brain surgery or my latest very technical motor car.

ariarnia

Spoonie_Turtle said:

EssexHebridean said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

BooJewels said:

macman said:

Loft-go up there and see how deep the insulation is. If inadequate, top it up, it's a half day job if you can do simple DIY.
If you have cavity walls, you can drill pilot holes outside to see if any insulation is present.
Double glazing: I think you can work out for yourself.
There's really no need to call for thermal cameras or consultants.

It's very easy to say that if you're able bodied and able to shin up ladders, reach the loft hatch etc., not everyone is or has easily accessible loft hatches. 

I have no idea what's in my loft, because whilst there's a hatch, it's above the bath in a high ceiling and the hatch was sized when they sent up Victorian urchins to do that sort of work - I don't actually know anyone thin enough to get through it and you certainly wouldn't get a roll of insulation up there through it.  It's certainly not a climbing job I'm willing or able to tackle myself. I'm going to get it addressed when I get the bathroom remodelled, but for now, it will remain a mystery.  Maybe the OP faces similar issues.

Our loft hatch is sized just fine, but it's right next to the stairs.  One wrong foot and … yeah.  Last time anyone went in the loft we were all nearly two decades younger, much healthier and more sure-footed.

This is where a properly fitted loft-ladder comes in. Mum’s loft is located similarly - her ladder complete with guard-rail integral on the stair-facing side means the risk of accessing it is massively reduced.

The rails idea crossed my mind when I was posting, although we've never had a fitted ladder or hatch, just Dad putting a standard ladder up whenever he needed to go up in the past.  The hatch is an unattached board, needing two hands to reposition it closed (and ideally two hands to open).

its a halfway house but we've got a pair like this that are the only set i feel happy using if i need to get something (i'm a short @rse so sometimes need them in the kitchen)

https://www.warriorwarehouses.co.uk/Catalogue/Tools/Ladders/Step-Ladder-3Tread-Non-Slip-Safety-Side-Handles-20BE-12500

EssexHebridean

ariarnia said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

EssexHebridean said:

Spoonie_Turtle said:

BooJewels said:

macman said:

Loft-go up there and see how deep the insulation is. If inadequate, top it up, it's a half day job if you can do simple DIY.
If you have cavity walls, you can drill pilot holes outside to see if any insulation is present.
Double glazing: I think you can work out for yourself.
There's really no need to call for thermal cameras or consultants.

It's very easy to say that if you're able bodied and able to shin up ladders, reach the loft hatch etc., not everyone is or has easily accessible loft hatches. 

I have no idea what's in my loft, because whilst there's a hatch, it's above the bath in a high ceiling and the hatch was sized when they sent up Victorian urchins to do that sort of work - I don't actually know anyone thin enough to get through it and you certainly wouldn't get a roll of insulation up there through it.  It's certainly not a climbing job I'm willing or able to tackle myself. I'm going to get it addressed when I get the bathroom remodelled, but for now, it will remain a mystery.  Maybe the OP faces similar issues.

Our loft hatch is sized just fine, but it's right next to the stairs.  One wrong foot and … yeah.  Last time anyone went in the loft we were all nearly two decades younger, much healthier and more sure-footed.

This is where a properly fitted loft-ladder comes in. Mum’s loft is located similarly - her ladder complete with guard-rail integral on the stair-facing side means the risk of accessing it is massively reduced.

The rails idea crossed my mind when I was posting, although we've never had a fitted ladder or hatch, just Dad putting a standard ladder up whenever he needed to go up in the past.  The hatch is an unattached board, needing two hands to reposition it closed (and ideally two hands to open).

its a halfway house but we've got a pair like this that are the only set i feel happy using if i need to get something (i'm a short @rse so sometimes need them in the kitchen)

https://www.warriorwarehouses.co.uk/Catalogue/Tools/Ladders/Step-Ladder-3Tread-Non-Slip-Safety-Side-Handles-20BE-12500

A stepladder really isn’t suitable for access into to a loft - that’s not what they’re designed for!