Am getting an attic insulated for the first time. Very standard 1950s ex-corporation 3-bed semi, attic is approximately 400 sq.ft. Am also looking for 60-100 sq.ft of flooring for storage, an access ladder, and an electric light installed. Have had four quotes but am confused by differences in options offered, and I am pretty clueless on this stuff.
1) Fibre glass vs. rock wool vs. sheep's wool.
Sheep's wool guy says it's better insulation and less hazardous. But he seems to be offering only 4 inches, which is below minimum recommendation as far as I can tell. I think if asked to double it he'll be priced out of the job. The rock wool guy says he will blow it into the attic direct from van, whereas everyone else will lay by hand. Any downsides? Is there anything to strongly recommend any of these materials over the others?
2) Soffits.
All of them say they will have to drill holes in wooden soffits and install vents. I presume this is normal.
3) Light covers.
The rock wool guy said that existing recessed ceiling lights will have to be covered by protective covers, at about €8 x 7 lights. Two of the others said no covers required, and one said he would use €1 ceramic flower pots! The lights are low-energy LEDs.
4) Access hole.
Apparently to have an installed ladder, the access to the attic has to be widened. However there's limited room for this and may entail moving lights and ceiling smoke alarm. More worryingly, one guy says he'll have to move roof trusses (he called them "hangers" and says they are stopping central roof beam from "dishing", but are not actually supporting weight???). I'm extremely reluctant to let anyone touch these, for fear of turning a €1k insulating job into a €40k roof rebuild. He says he just has to cut it/them and make it/them more vertical. Should I just abandon the ladder/flooring idea?
5) Flooring
Some of the quotes suggested just flooring on top of joists, meaning insulation is either thin or compressed there. Others said floor would be raised using some sort of spacer. What's this all about and what's best?
Any advice much appreciated -- you can see I don't know much about anything. The quotes range from €950 to €1650.
1) Fibre glass vs. rock wool vs. sheep's wool.
Sheep's wool guy says it's better insulation and less hazardous. But he seems to be offering only 4 inches, which is below minimum recommendation as far as I can tell. I think if asked to double it he'll be priced out of the job. The rock wool guy says he will blow it into the attic direct from van, whereas everyone else will lay by hand. Any downsides? Is there anything to strongly recommend any of these materials over the others?
2) Soffits.
All of them say they will have to drill holes in wooden soffits and install vents. I presume this is normal.
3) Light covers.
The rock wool guy said that existing recessed ceiling lights will have to be covered by protective covers, at about €8 x 7 lights. Two of the others said no covers required, and one said he would use €1 ceramic flower pots! The lights are low-energy LEDs.
4) Access hole.
Apparently to have an installed ladder, the access to the attic has to be widened. However there's limited room for this and may entail moving lights and ceiling smoke alarm. More worryingly, one guy says he'll have to move roof trusses (he called them "hangers" and says they are stopping central roof beam from "dishing", but are not actually supporting weight???). I'm extremely reluctant to let anyone touch these, for fear of turning a €1k insulating job into a €40k roof rebuild. He says he just has to cut it/them and make it/them more vertical. Should I just abandon the ladder/flooring idea?
5) Flooring
Some of the quotes suggested just flooring on top of joists, meaning insulation is either thin or compressed there. Others said floor would be raised using some sort of spacer. What's this all about and what's best?
Any advice much appreciated -- you can see I don't know much about anything. The quotes range from €950 to €1650.