User friendly loft insulation?

[CopperBolt]

Is there a loft insulation that can be handled/cut/put down without requiring putting a dust jump suit, a respirator mask and goggles on to do it?

I hate the glass fibre bits that come off and go everywhere (including your lungs probably) when in the loft.

Cheers all.

[V8RX7]

All the modern stuff is 100x nicer to work with than the old stuff.

Wickes tend to be the cheapest unless you're ordering in bulk

[Aluminati]

Thermafleece.

[bobtail4x4]

dont use lambswool unless you like maggots

rockwool is ok, none itchy

[Peanut Gallery]

V8RX7 said:

All the modern stuff is 1000x nicer to work with than the old stuff.

Wickes tend to be the cheapest unless you're ordering in bulk

What he said, in spades. I am currently laying new stuff ontop of old. The difference is chalk and cheese!

[Equus]

Google 'non-itch' loft insulation (yes, Thermafleece is one brand). It uses polyester quilt (the sort of stuff you get in cheap quilts or sleeping bags) rather than glass fibre.

Some other forms of loft insulation (eg. PIR or sheeps wool) are also non-irritant.

As above, though, even the glass fibre stuff is a lot better now than it used to be.

[Black_S3]

Was in b and q earlier and they've got it on multibuy - 3 rolls of Knauf for £16 each down from £25 each iirc.

[CopperBolt]

Black_S3 said:

Was in b and q earlier and they've got it on multibuy - 3 rolls of Knauf for £16 each down from £25 each iirc.

Is the Knauf stuff safe to handle and breathe without any protective gear on?

[BaldOldMan]

CopperBolt said:

Is the Knauf stuff safe to handle and breathe without any protective gear on?

It’s never the most pleasant job, but as above, its far better than it used to be.

Pop into B&Q and stick your hand into a roll of it if you’re not sure ?

[Equus]

CopperBolt said:

Is the Knauf stuff safe to handle and breathe without any protective gear on?

Depends on your definition of 'safe'.

The manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet still recommends full protective gear, including face mask, goggles and gloves. It's not going to kill you or give you cancer, though.

The other issue with lofts is that they are enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, and are invariably full of all sorts of other dust and crap that you will disturb as you are installing, so it's a good idea to wear a face mask and eye protection regardless.

[Black_S3]

^ yeah, given the dust and crap it will kick up from the old stuff you still want a mask, long sleeves and gloves.

[V8RX7]

The cheap masks with the valves are far more comfortable to wear than the ones without.

[Peanut Gallery]

Talking of masks, not the cheapest, but I like my Trend Stealth half air mask. Does not fog up my glasses and lets me breath (ok, puf and pant as I crawl under the floorboards).

I do not bother with gloves, sorry hse people!

[Black_S3]

I didn’t used to either. Am a certified fairy since a splinter went all the way under my nail and through the skin on the top of my thumb.... more gear less pain seems good

[Mr Pointy]

Black_S3 said:

Was in b and q earlier and they've got it on multibuy - 3 rolls of Knauf for £16 each down from £25 each iirc.

I was looking at this & Homebase are doing 4 rolls for the price of 3 at £17 each which is equivalent to £12.75 per roll.
https://www.homebase.co.uk/knauf-earthwool-loft-ro...

It seems to be the same stuff, 8.3sqm 100mm thick & the 44 type. They are doing the same deal on the 200mm top-up stuff as well although the rolls aren't as big as the Wickes ones so the price per sqm isn't much better on this thickness.

[TwistingMyMelon]

As above unless it's a modern clean house I'd always wear a mask , gloves and jumpsuit for biggesh job like that

Decent shoes aswell , hidden nails and screws are a hazard lol

Some lofts are ok , some are hell on earth with lots of hidden surprises ...asbestos ...rats.....dodgy insulation ...