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King_Bruno20 Dec 2022 12:06Dear everyone,
We recently purchased an old building (built in 1907) and are now considering how to approach the insulation of the roof.
Condition: According to the surveyor, structural engineer, and architect, the roof covering is in good condition. The roof is supported by relatively narrow rafters, about 14cm (5.5 inches) wide. Between the rafters, in the attic, there is old insulation (possibly glass wool), which is partially damaged. On the top floor, which has some sloped ceilings, there is likely a (thin) layer of insulation beneath the plaster (see attached sketch).
First of all: The most reasonable solution would of course be a complete renovation of the roof, but we have to postpone this project for the future. The estimated effort from the architect (new roof frame, crane required, etc.) is currently beyond our means. According to the local regulations here (Belgium), any work on the roof must bring the entire roof up to the latest standards, so a partial renovation is not possible.
The question now is what we can do in the time before the full roof renovation. Should we just continue to heat inefficiently through the roof, or is there a way to improve energy efficiency somewhat?
The part marked in red is the attic with the exposed, partially damaged insulation. Is it worth replacing this insulation? Or does that not make sense because the blue part (top floor) cannot be easily “repaired”?
An easy measure would be to insulate the attic floor (marked in yellow) – but this would still leave the problem with the blue areas (top floor).
Would it perhaps be a solution to insulate the next-to-last floor ceiling (marked in green)? However, this area is open upwards via the stairwell.
We would be very grateful for any helpful advice!
Best regards
Bruno König
We recently purchased an old building (built in 1907) and are now considering how to approach the insulation of the roof.
Condition: According to the surveyor, structural engineer, and architect, the roof covering is in good condition. The roof is supported by relatively narrow rafters, about 14cm (5.5 inches) wide. Between the rafters, in the attic, there is old insulation (possibly glass wool), which is partially damaged. On the top floor, which has some sloped ceilings, there is likely a (thin) layer of insulation beneath the plaster (see attached sketch).
First of all: The most reasonable solution would of course be a complete renovation of the roof, but we have to postpone this project for the future. The estimated effort from the architect (new roof frame, crane required, etc.) is currently beyond our means. According to the local regulations here (Belgium), any work on the roof must bring the entire roof up to the latest standards, so a partial renovation is not possible.
The question now is what we can do in the time before the full roof renovation. Should we just continue to heat inefficiently through the roof, or is there a way to improve energy efficiency somewhat?
The part marked in red is the attic with the exposed, partially damaged insulation. Is it worth replacing this insulation? Or does that not make sense because the blue part (top floor) cannot be easily “repaired”?
An easy measure would be to insulate the attic floor (marked in yellow) – but this would still leave the problem with the blue areas (top floor).
Would it perhaps be a solution to insulate the next-to-last floor ceiling (marked in green)? However, this area is open upwards via the stairwell.
We would be very grateful for any helpful advice!
Best regards
Bruno König
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