Super thin & efficient insulation i suggestions anyone?

[masochists-r-us]

Hi everyone,
We're building a dormer to house new staircase to second floor, but headroom is super tight. Clearly we want the roof to be well insulated. Apart from the old space blanket stuff, have we missed out on any other innovative ideas?

 

[Roger H]

Aerogel? http://www.lowenergyhouse.com/aerogel-insulation.html
Invented in 1931 though so not new as such, but worth investigating.

 

[biffvernon]

Apart from the old space blanket stuff,

Why apart from that? Isn't it exactly what you want in such a situation? http://www.proctorgroup.com/products/thermal-insulation/spacetherm

 

[masochists-r-us]

Thanks guys. It appears that the Aerogel and you recommended are the same kind of product. What I meant by Space blanket was more the foil stuff which although very thin we've been told is quite difficult to apply and when you factor in req air gaps not much of a saving in thickness versus Celotex type insulation.
For others that may be interested, general rule of thumb according to the supplier is a 1/3rd saving in thickness for similar performance to Celotex.Good news,but not as much of a saving as we would like.Also, very expensive I.e. £250 per sq metre.
Still, needs must so we probably will go down this route.
Thanks for the advice

 

[biffvernon]

Which route? Aerogel or mulitfoil? Aerogel/'Spacetherm' is good - multifoil is a con.

 

[agbagb]

I've similar issues but have decided just to well as I can with cellotex in the space available. It might not be "regulation spec" but if I beef up with more insulation in other areas (cheeks and walls) the overall heat loss will be about the same.

Another thought I had was to use tile backing board instead of plaster board so that 1/2" would be insulation.

 

[AMc]

I would look at kingspan/celotex/ecotherm and pay very close attention to detailing - taping joins and foaming gaps. Just a 1mm gap has a significant impact on the heat loss efficiency.
I would also suggest if you're using plasterboard then insulation backed plasterboard is a simple way of adding extra insulation.
Also pay attention to sockets and switches. I have some cut through the board and when you take the faceplates off you can feel draughts - not good.

 

[biffvernon]

Or sheep's wool? It could inspire you to count sheep as you try to sleep under it.

 

[NT]

The best of the usual materials is PIR foam, sold as kingspan, celotex etc.

If you really want better, you're looking at aerogel or VIP (vacuum insulated panels), but don't expect either to be cheap.

Sheep wool and multifoils are poor products compared to PIR, and foil insulation manufacturer claims have been called into question by testing

NT

 

[Lime]

Welcome back NT.

 

[Flyfisher]

Indeed. That was a long holiday . . . been anywhere nice?

 

[MdB]

Welcome back NT! so what have you been up to in the last 4.5 years?

 

[NT]

thank you

Life has so many demands....

NT

 

[Matt Green]

Welcome back NT.

Seconded.

 

[Penners]

I used to know a forum contributor called NT - but he was much younger. :wink:

Welcome back!

 

[Schoolmarm]

Awww NT I have missed you so much!!! I even sent you a message and looked on other forums!

Penalty for absence is you have to join facebook and add us all. 8)

 

[LadyArowana]

Awww NT I have missed you so much!!! I even sent you a message and looked on other forums!

Penalty for absence is you have to join facebook and add us all. 8)

And talking of absent friends, where is Mr Watts and why has Moo not posted lots of pictures for us?

 

[Penners]

I can't speak for Nigel, but my guess is that Moo's place looks a bit like this, at the moment:

 

[LadyArowana]

I can't speak for Nigel, but my guess is that Moo's place looks a bit like this, at the moment:
]

I don't think that is a good excuse :lol:

 

[Bash_Bash]

This thread is now 12 years old - has technology changed much since then please? From reading this through, I think there’s 2 ways of solving this problem, albeit still not meeting the 270mm loft insulation threshold.

1. Spend big money on Aerogel / Spacetherm (like 5-10 layers of the stuff), keep the lathe and plaster plasterwork, but have a breathable but insulated roof space.

2. Reduce the space considerably. Make it a sealed box underneath the existing plaster / timber, and use Kingspan as well as gypsum plasterboard directly on top.

I might be able to put in a bit more insulation if we removed the very tired original lathe and plaster, which would make the building much more efficient - but it’s hard to say it’s a good thing to do if we will then have to put more period plasterwork on top.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance