Quality of existing loft insulation

[Longshanks]

Hi

Have been living in present house for a good few years and ain't got around to replacing insulation in loft. House is freezing from Nov to March despite double glazing and cavity wall. I know the insulation needs to be attended to and will address in the summer. Like most lifts it's boarded and, apart from having to remove, I wondered whether that would offset the heat loss?

Many thanks

 

[Longshanks]

Lest there be any confusion:

I'm not asking if loft board can somehow replace insulation but whether it can offset the existing poor insulation pending replacement of said insulation?

Many thanks

 

[IJWS15]

Just get some rolls of insulation, remove the boards, and add it on top of the existing.

You will notice a difference straight away, and it is much better working in the loft in winter (you work hard to keep warm) than in summer (You sweat a lot doing nothing).

 

[AronSearle]

agreed, you really really do not want to do it in the summer.

The loft board will make a tiny difference in that it might stop some airflow through the insulation below it, rather than actually having much of an insulative effect.

 

[Longshanks]

Ok many thanks.

 

[Longshanks]

Sorry, slight variation on a theme now. I know one isn't supposed to lay insulation and then just put board over it (need to raise board by putting batons across joist etc etc). However, it would be easier if I could lay the insulation over the baord. Is that an option?

Many thanks again.

 

[Longshanks]

Hi

Sorry if this has been done to death etc. Am hoping to start insulating loft this weekend so any advice re query on laying on top of boards would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Lucasdemoley]

HI,

You can lay it on top of the boards, that doesn't really make a difference. The only problem you will now have is that you will no longer have a boarder floor in your attic.

Personally I would cross board your existing floor joists to raise the floor up so that you can fit insulation underneath, you can then put back your existing flooring.

 

[Longshanks]

Thanks

Since posting this read that laying on top of boards can create air pocket and cause condensation, damp etc!!

 

[Lucasdemoley]

I would be surprised - not really any different to laying ontop of your ceiling plasterboard really!