ᐅ Planning an Attic Conversion in a New Build – Heating, Ventilation, Insulation?
Created on: 3 Apr 2014 18:37
K
Kazazi
Hello,
our attic is planned to be used as additional living space in the short to medium term and should be included from the start within the thermal envelope (a standard staircase up to the attic).
We are currently in contract negotiations and I am still unclear about many aspects. Maybe someone can help?
1) Insulation: As I understand it now, insulation should be done in the attic from the beginning—right? The general contractor has suggested 20–24 cm (8–10 inches) of insulation between the rafters so far, but we have already received some advice to increase this to at least 26 cm (10 inches). What would be the best and most cost-effective way to do this? Adding extra insulation boards on the inside of the rafters? Or on the outside? Or differently? And which parts could/should we (as complete novices) possibly do ourselves? Any experience?
2) Ventilation: If we have a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, should it also ventilate the attic from the start? And what difference does a centralized versus decentralized mechanical ventilation system make in this context?
3) Heating: The current offer includes a radiator for the attic; the rest of the house will have underfloor heating. We were already warned against an additional heating circuit, but we were also advised against underfloor heating in the attic due to costs and structural concerns. What recommendations do you have, or based on which criteria can I find the most suitable solution for us?
What else should I consider to prepare the attic use later on as cost-efficiently as possible? The current offer includes insulation, drywall, floorboards, radiator, staircase, and a partition wall with a door.
Thank you in advance for your advice and best regards, Kazazi
our attic is planned to be used as additional living space in the short to medium term and should be included from the start within the thermal envelope (a standard staircase up to the attic).
We are currently in contract negotiations and I am still unclear about many aspects. Maybe someone can help?
1) Insulation: As I understand it now, insulation should be done in the attic from the beginning—right? The general contractor has suggested 20–24 cm (8–10 inches) of insulation between the rafters so far, but we have already received some advice to increase this to at least 26 cm (10 inches). What would be the best and most cost-effective way to do this? Adding extra insulation boards on the inside of the rafters? Or on the outside? Or differently? And which parts could/should we (as complete novices) possibly do ourselves? Any experience?
2) Ventilation: If we have a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, should it also ventilate the attic from the start? And what difference does a centralized versus decentralized mechanical ventilation system make in this context?
3) Heating: The current offer includes a radiator for the attic; the rest of the house will have underfloor heating. We were already warned against an additional heating circuit, but we were also advised against underfloor heating in the attic due to costs and structural concerns. What recommendations do you have, or based on which criteria can I find the most suitable solution for us?
What else should I consider to prepare the attic use later on as cost-efficiently as possible? The current offer includes insulation, drywall, floorboards, radiator, staircase, and a partition wall with a door.
Thank you in advance for your advice and best regards, Kazazi
Kazazi schrieb:
I have a question regarding this point, building expert: If the attic space is included within the thermal envelope as planned in our case, and separated from the rest of the house only by a drywall partition or not separated at all, do I need to heat it from the very beginning? Otherwise, wouldn’t warm and humid air condense up there during the construction drying phase, potentially causing mold or damage to the building structure?
Thank you, KazaziI would like to bring up my remaining question again, as it is still troubling me... who can offer advice on this? Many thanks!
B
Bauexperte7 Apr 2014 12:56Hello,
No, the insulation is above the top living floor; normal window ventilation in the attic is sufficient.
So you can take your time and approach the finishing work calmly. Just make sure, as mentioned, that all pipes run up there and are fitted with blind caps.
Regards, Bauexperte
Kazazi schrieb:
I thought of a question related to this point, Bauexperte: If the attic is included within the thermal envelope as currently planned in our case and is not—or only separated from the rest of the house by a drywall partition—do I need to heat it from the beginning? Otherwise, won’t the warm, moist air during the drying-out phase condense up there and cause mold or damage to the building structure?
No, the insulation is above the top living floor; normal window ventilation in the attic is sufficient.
So you can take your time and approach the finishing work calmly. Just make sure, as mentioned, that all pipes run up there and are fitted with blind caps.
Regards, Bauexperte
Thank you, that sounds reassuring! Just out of curiosity, why is that the case? My layperson’s thought was that the warm, moist air, especially because it rises, should be urgently vented or kept warm in the attic if the roof is so airtight – but that’s not correct?
Best regards,
Kazazi
Best regards,
Kazazi
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