More Insulation Questions - type, regs & fitting

cgray25

I recently got my new place and it's a pretty big project, not been touched since 1950! It's needing totally gutted and needs insulating throughout - I'm converting the small loft into a bedroom but due to lack of budget (my previous place has not shifted yet) I'll need to tackle as much as possible myself. I've been reading about insulation on here and on google but there doesn't seem to be much agreement on what's best and what's up to regulation.

At the moment I'm thinking of going for the rigid sort to go between the loft rafters, something like Kingspan/Celotex (was actually going to go for Seconds and Co if anyone could confirm the product is up to the job). I'd looked into the other foils but there was some controversey over their effectiveness and also that some building regulators only allowed it in conjunction with other products. But I'm guessing something like Kingspan/Celotex would be up to current regs on it's own?

Also, what thickness? I see different figures banded around varying from 30mm to 180mm but I'm guessing these are relevant to the type of product you use?

I understand for fitting the insulation in rafters you leave a 50mm gap from the sarking, then you're ready to get the gyprock ontop. Would the Kingspan be used for the walls as well (and how would they be fitted in conjunction with the attic's internal shell)? Would I then use a different type for between-floors insulation, maybe something loose like Warmcel?

If anyone can provide any info or useful links that would be great :beer:

Doozergirl

If all else fails, Kingspan technical advisory service - 0870 850 8333
[EMAIL="techline.uk@insulation.kingspan.com"]techline.uk@insulation.kingspan.com[/EMAIL]

There are U-values that you have to meet depending on the job you are doing - thicknesses will vary with product. That number should help you with virtually all your questions.

Canucklehead

Good afternoon: Useful guides on insulation etc. are available on the Energy Saving Trust website... http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/housingbuildings/publications/index.cfm?mode=listing&selTopic=101&topicTitle=Insulation%20&currentPage=1

HTH

Canucklehead

cgray25

An 0870 number on MSE!? :eek:;)

Thanks for the info. I'd be interested on hearing from anyone who has done similar themselves recently - would feel more comfortable being clued up at a layman's level before speaking to the big boys

Edit: just reading some of the Trust's documents - if they're looking for a U-value of 0.2 on a pitched roof, according to achieve that with the insulation I've been looking at, it states 145mm would be required. So I gather this would meaning buying 2 layers of ~75mm sheets? Adding the required 50mm airflow gap, if the combined 200mm was deeper than my rafters then I'd need to create battons to hold them?

Doozergirl

cgray25 wrote: »

An 0870 number on MSE!? :eek:;)

Hence I gave you the email address as well! You can do some of the legwork yourself :rolleyes:

Yes, if your rafters aren't big enough, you build out with batons.

nelly_2

Dont tangle with the Doozernator......she'll be back

Anyway

There arnt regulations as such they are more guidelines, but generally the more the merryer.

Kingspan is fantastic stuff, easy to handle, cut and fit too.

There is somert else on the market now its a very thin roll of something google it.

Dont google 'that thin roll of stuff nelly's on about' cos that probably wont get you a result

cgray25

Now, now, I gave the wink didn't I?

Thanks Nelly, I have a feeling that'll be one of the miracle foils I came across in my readings though, building inspectors didn't seem too confident of them.

phill99

Ring up your local council and speak to the Building Control Dept. They will give you free up to the minute advice. Its what you pay council tax for.

cgray25

On a related note, is there any point in looking into the government subsidies if you're not on low income and plan to DIY it? I mean, would the council say 'we'll give you £500 quid off' but then you need to use a specified installers who is £500 more?

cgray25

Bump! I've spoken to the local building control - they said I'd be looking at 100mm Kingspan on the pitched roof, 250mm wool on flat part of roof and 150mm of wool on the walls.

However, they weren't able to tell me about grants - could anyone tell me if they're worth pursuing compared to self-fitting?

Doozergirl

vansboy said in one post that he got his insualtion done for £250 with one of those grants!