Loft insulation advice required

Loft insulation advice required

11:22 AM, 11th May 2015, About 9 years ago 8

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I’m looking into topping up loft insulation in a couple of BTL properties in Essex. The current tenants would not qualify for any grant, as they are not in receipt of qualifying benefits, are of working age, and currently have at least 100mm of insulation.

Both properties are 2 bed terraced built approx. mid-1990’s. Loft insulation advice required

Does anyone have any recent experience or have you had any dealings with any of the energy companies offering grants, that have had a survey which reveals that they do not qualify for a grant? Have you then gone on to pay for the work via they energy companies.

I would be looking to increase insulation from current 100mm to 270mm.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Paul


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Comments

Rob Crawford

15:49 PM, 11th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Hi Paul, I have taken advantage of a grants offered by BGas and NPower. The loft and in some cases cavity wall insulation were installed for free satisfactorily. I have also had properties checked that did not qualify for a grant. On these occasions an estimate was sent to me. The estimates were extremely high when compared with doing it yourself or getting an independent tradesman to do it direct.

Paul Hawkins

16:37 PM, 11th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Thanks Rob, I suspected as much. Did you use a general handyman or a specialist tradesman?

Thanks,

Paul

Sagar Patel

17:37 PM, 11th May 2015, About 9 years ago

After years of reading and learning i am glad to say this is going to be my first reply to a topic!

Cavity wall and loft insulation grants do still exist, i used Summit Insulation (0800 374 663). They installed both types at no charge and did a fantastic job.

Regards

Sagar

Paul Hawkins

20:46 PM, 11th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Thanks Sagar, I'll give them a call to see if they work in my area.

Rob Crawford

20:59 PM, 11th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Paul Hawkins" at "11/05/2015 - 16:37":

Hi Paul, I do it myself but an experienced handyman should be ok. It's worth waiting for the B&Q or Wicks deals and cooler days. Rock wool tends to be best value. Purchase the insulation yourself and just pay an agreed labour rate £20 ph. A two bed should only take a two or three of hours, assuming the loft space is clear.

Ed Atkinson

22:09 PM, 17th May 2015, About 9 years ago

When adding insulation be careful not to block the air flow from the eaves into the attic space. I made this mistake and humidity built up and condensed on the underside of the roof felt. It dripped back onto the tenant's items stored in the attic. Fortunately it was reported in time before serious damage was done. I pulled back the extra insulation from the eaves and all now seems fine.

Nick Pope

23:15 PM, 17th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Also remember

1) If there cold water storage and central heating header tanks do not insulate beneath them so as to allow a little heat to prevent them freezing and

2) if you have lights set into ceilings these should not be covered as they will overheat.

On another point I request that tenants do not use the loft space for storage as they can overload the ceiling joists which are not designed to take any appreciable weight. Also they can forget to take stuff when they go (on purpose I suspect) leaving you with their c**p to dispose of.

Rob Crawford

7:28 AM, 18th May 2015, About 9 years ago

Having gaps between the eaves as recommended in some of the earlier responses is common practice but not necessarily the best approach as it exposes the tops of walls to the cold. This is often a contributor to cold spots and hence condensation and then mould forming on the inside surface of walls. Ideally insulate to at least 270mm thickness and install roof ventilation tiles to provide ventilation on the loft. For reroofing projects you can now get breathable felt.

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