Roof insulation questions

[Ken Sington]

We could do with upping the amount of roof insulation we have in our loft and I have been looking at the alternatives available. Firstly, does anyone have any experience of the natural products like sheeps wool insulation which is more expensive vs the standard glass fibre stuff which is cheaper but horrible to handle and secondly, on the basis that more is better, is it worth using a layer of thin foil insulation in conjunction with the glass fibre stuff?

[foggy]

Regarding the horrible to 'handle aspect' of glass fibre, over last weekend I cleared out the old, flat 80s glass fibre mattng insualtion from my loft that had broken up and replaced it with 200mm of fresh from Wickes. Granted I only had around an 8 by 4.5 metre area to cover with 2 layers, but by wearing jeans, t-shirt and fleece and taping up my sleeves and trouser legs, then wearing an old mechanics overalls over the top, decent gardening gloves gloves (with cuffs taped up) and a mask, I didn't get any irritation whatsoever.

Good time to do it when it's cold outside too - I was sweating like a good'un climbing around the trusses when it was low single figures temperatures outdoors, It'd be a like a sauna in summertime!

[eps]

Remember not all woolen insulation is the same. I would avoid multi-foils where you are suggesting, due to possible condensation issues. Remember to cross lay layers and don't squash it down either.

You should aim for 270mm+ but this can be reduced if you use a higher quality wool. The cheap stuff isn't as good as the more expensive stuff.

It's the best way to save money and you will recoup the cost.

As mentioned I think I wore jeans + t-shirt + boiler suit + gloves. Also as mentioned, you will get extremely hot, even atm.

[anonymous-user]

Sheeps wool is nicer to handle as is cellulose, but both can still be quite dusty.