Non Stag Related - Insulating a roof

[SwissSteve]

Is there anyone one on the forum in the building trade who would be preparedto give me some offline advice on how to insulate a house roof to use the spacein the roof as living area?Sorry to write such a request on this forum but I am sure there will be someonehere who is prepared to offer such advice.Please contact me on steven@hawkes.ch

TIA

[Stevekid1]

Hi SwissSteve,

This is not a simple question of insulation, creating living accomodation in the roof space brings into play many other aspects such as fire precautions and means of escape together with additional strengthening to carry the increased live and dead loads such as people and furniture. You should consult with your local authority or building standards agency. Better still get a local architect or building surveyor to advise you. I am sure Piscean57 will be along later to endorse this.

Regards, Steve

[SwissSteve]

The place in question is a small holiday home and we are just planning a couple of beds in the loftto extend the sleeping arrangements and a staircase for access. however your comments are appreciated

Hi SwissSteve,This is not a simple question of insulation, creating living accomodation in the roof space brings into play many other aspects such as fire precautions and means of escape together with additional strengthening to carry the increased live and dead loads such as people and furniture. You should consult with your local authority or building standards agency. Better still get a local architect or building surveyor to advise you. I am sure Piscean57 will be along later to endorse this.Regards, Steve

[Guest]

Hello SwissSteve,

Stevekid is spot on. A lot of people take a half thought out approach on loft conversions in ignorance or with the mindset that it's just for occassional use etc etc so building regulations are ignored. You could never forgive yourself if that was the route you took and fire / structural failure harmed a family member and, as you mention a holiday home which could perhaps be rented out, the consequences take on a whole new level of risk.

I know that's not the approach you would take as you are sensibly asking for advice, so feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss further.

regards,

Ian

[Stagdad]

The building regs on the insulation part of this question is 90mm celatex or kingspan between the rafters and a further 40mm under the rafters to stop cold bridging.Well that what we have to comply with in the Wokingham area.
And make sure you dont need stuctural calcs from an engineer to beef the floor up etc also concider fire escape routes.

Cheers Steve

[Guest]

The building regs on the insulation part of this question is 90mm celatex or kingspan between the rafters and a further 40mm under the rafters to stop cold bridging.Well that what we have to comply with in the Wokingham area.
And make sure you dont need stuctural calcs from an engineer to beef the floor up etc also concider fire escape routes.

Cheers Steve

Dealing with just that one issue Steve, remember that insulation and ventilation go hand in hand. It is a topic which has all sorts of differing "solutions" depending on the BI's interpretation / understanding of the risks - even when the type of roof felt (breathable / non-breathable) is known.

[Stagdad]

Good point Ian,does anyone use non breathable anymore?havent seen it for years.

Cheers Steve

[Bob Heritage]

I think we need to know what Swiss building regs are, I suppose they have some.

[DJT]

I think we need to know what Swiss building regs are, I suppose they have some.

1. Plenty of wood
2. A bird box in the gable end
3. Funny music when you open the roof

Dave