Insulating the attic floor

[ramandeep2008singh]

Hello Experts,

This is my first ever post here. I have never done insulation before and have no knowledge of insulation at all.

I live in Germany. I have bought an old house in Soltau.

This house has no insulation in the attic.
The attic has the roofing felt (Dachpappe in German).

In next spring, I am thinking to insulate my attic floor, because I am never going to use the attic for any usage.

I have following questions:

- Should I also apply vapor barrier after the roofing felt?
- Should I also apply radiant barrier?
- what other things should I consider to make my house cosy and warm in winter?
- In the attached photos, how can I insulate the yellow pipe?

Thanks in advance and looking forward to some nice suggestions.

Kind regards,
Raman

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

In the UK you would typically have three layers of rockwool insulation (each layer is about 100mm), it looks like you already have a layer of some insulation above your ceiling so you would then add the next layer on top perpendicular to the existing, then add another layer on top perpendicular to the last. Ensure the ventilation at the eaves is unrestricted, no need for any other vapour barriers or membranes. What is that pipe, an extractor fan of toilet vent or something else?

 

[ramandeep2008singh]

Thanks for your suggestions.
Yes it’s a vent drain pipe .

 

[robinbanks]

what other things should I consider to make my house cosy and warm in winter?

Set the thermostat to a level you consider to be "cosy warm".
Insulation doesn't necessarily make a house warmer, but it lowers the gas/electricity bill when the heating system makes the house warmer

 

[ramandeep2008singh]

Is it required to insulate the vent drain pipe in the attic?

 

[robinbanks]

It's not going to bring you much benefit. If it's a busy drain and draws a lot of cold air in it might help prevent condensation on the outside of the pipe if you insulate it inside the thermal envelope of the house (ie not in the attic but in the house)

 

[blup]

Germany will have strict rules on these things so ask your local Council. I believe all builders have to be fully qualified in Germany.