Do you need a gap between insulation and loft boards?

Publish date: 2024-06-19

Whatever form the insulation takes, it is vital that there is an air gap of at least 5cm between the face of the insulation and the roof covering. To avoid condensation problems, this space must be well ventilated so vents may need to be installed in the roof and at the eaves and ridge.

Should there be a gap between loft boards and insulation?

Position the crawling boards in the furthest corner of the loft. You'll need to start laying with a minimum gap of 25mm between the eaves and the insulation to ensure a suitable air gap. Maintain this gap along two opposite sides of the loft.

Do you need an air gap for insulation?

Insulation is technically a solid with a lot of air in it therefore, it is NOT an air gap. You literally must have a VOID, nothing in the air gap except air itself. So if you are installing under a roof or in a wall, you must create an air gap.

Can you put loft insulation over loft boards?

Yes you can most certainly overlay and additional layer of insulation over the chipboard. I would leave the insulation short at the eaves though to ensure there is adequate ventilation in the loft space. This would most certainly improve you homes thermal performance during winter months.

Can you lay loft boards directly onto joists?

You can still board directly on to the joists if you want, but it is worth noting that this would not pass a building control inspection, because you wouldn't have the full 270mm depth of insulation required by regulations. Whatever you do, make sure you put as much insulation beneath the boards as possible.

How to Board a Loft | ADVICE | Homebuilding

Is it OK to squash loft insulation?

Increases heat loss – the money you spent to improve the energy efficiency of your home will be wasted if you install standard boarded – squashing insulation stops it from working. Some installers will even remove installation to make way for boarding.

Can I cover my attic insulation with plywood?

Once the insulation is down, you can turn your attic into valuable storage space by covering the floor with plywood. It will also make the attic a safer place in which to walk.

Can I lay loft insulation over cables?

Yes, you absolutely can. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Making sure that the insulation is of a fiberglass material will not only ensure a fireproof setup but also reduce airflow from the home through the attic.

Can I use loft insulation under floorboards?

Solid insulation board (as in the picture below) or rolls of mineral fibre (like that used to insulate lofts) can be fitted between the flooring joists. If your floor is above an unheated cellar or basement you will need to fit the insulation snugly between the joists and secure in place with netting if required.

Should insulation touch wall?

Solid walls, however, must be faced with an insulation product, so they can often eat into floor space depending on the thickness of the insulation as an air gap is needed to prevent condensation and moisture build-up. Insulation with a moisture barrier means you don't need to leave an air gap during installation.

Do you need an air gap with Kingspan?

The timbers must be deep enough to allow the desired thickness of Kingspan Kooltherm K112 Framing Board to be fitted between them along with a 25 mm (min.) air gap between the insulation layer and the brick wall.

How much space should be between roof and insulation?

1 address the requirement for a minimum 1-inch clearance between the insulation and sheathing to provide proper airflow. Note that most building scientists will recommend at least 2 inches of clearance for best performance (i.e., more than the code minimum).

Can I put insulation between roof rafters?

The general advice we give is that you should always insulate between and above the rafters (warm roof) or between and under the rafters (cold roof).

Can insulation touch hot water pipes?

There is no hazard of any kind to have either type of insulation tight against hot or cold water lines of any type nor ABS, PVC or copper drain pipes.

Can you put loft insulation over downlights?

The loft lid creates a barrier between the downlight and the thermal insulation. The insulation can then be laid over the loft lid and packed to the sides if necessary. Loft caps or loft lids for downlights can be used with either fire rated or non fire rated downlights.

Can junction boxes be covered with insulation?

“Junction boxes can be covered by insulation in such a manner that it can be removed without damaging it to access the box. Foamed-in-place insulation isn't removable and therefore not permissible.”

How do you insulate attic floor boards?

This could be accomplished by boring holes in the floorboards and inserting the nozzle of an insulation blower machine into the holes. The insulation will fill up the cavities. This would yield the best bang for the buck, as it would place the insulation immediately above the area where it is needed most.

Can an attic be over insulated?

Can you over insulate your attic? The answer is yes! Past a certain point, insulation in a vented attic will do more harm than good. In most of the United States, achieving an R-Value of 38 is more than sufficient.

Do you need loft board legs?

The main use promoted for "loft legs" is to allow for the 270mm of insulation noted as Building Regulation in a normal domestic property (if laid in the ceiling joists). As if the 270mm insulation is squashed it does not provide the thermal rating it is there to create.

How thick should loft boards be?

Standard loft boards come in two different sizes; 2,400mm x 600mm and 1,220mm x 320mm; both of which are 18mm thick. Remember to make sure that the boards you decide on will actually fit through your loft hatch!

Does boarding your loft cause condensation?

Does Loft Boarding Cause Condensation? Yes, it can. Before the amount of insulation changed it wasn't so much of a problem. However, now, if standard boarding is placed on top of your deep insulation, the material below won't be able to breathe or take in the moisture.

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