Hello,
We are considering buying a bungalow built in 1968. Overall, we like the bungalow quite a bit, especially the location, which is great. However, almost all the ceilings are covered with wood paneling. This makes the ceiling height very low. Since the wood paneling no longer looks good and the rooms feel quite low because of it, we would like to remove it. According to the plans and what we can tell, the ceiling construction from bottom to top is: wood paneling – thin boards (drywall?) – joists with glass wool insulation in between – wooden floor above. When tapping lightly on the paneling or the boards in the bathroom, it sounds hollow.
We would like to remove the wood paneling and the boards above it to expose the joists. Then, we would have the actual thermal insulation installed on the wooden floor above. However, I am not sure if this is a good idea and what problems might arise from doing so.
I would be very grateful for any advice.
Good luck! Anja
We are considering buying a bungalow built in 1968. Overall, we like the bungalow quite a bit, especially the location, which is great. However, almost all the ceilings are covered with wood paneling. This makes the ceiling height very low. Since the wood paneling no longer looks good and the rooms feel quite low because of it, we would like to remove it. According to the plans and what we can tell, the ceiling construction from bottom to top is: wood paneling – thin boards (drywall?) – joists with glass wool insulation in between – wooden floor above. When tapping lightly on the paneling or the boards in the bathroom, it sounds hollow.
We would like to remove the wood paneling and the boards above it to expose the joists. Then, we would have the actual thermal insulation installed on the wooden floor above. However, I am not sure if this is a good idea and what problems might arise from doing so.
I would be very grateful for any advice.
Good luck! Anja
In our house, we had also covered all the ceilings with wooden planks and some walls as well. We found it really ugly, with a dark garden shed vibe. Under the wooden planks on the ceiling, there is particleboard, and above that, 6x4 cm (2.4x1.6 inch) beams to which the boards are attached. Directly above that is the mineral wool insulation of the attic.
My husband wanted to remove the particleboard too, but I firmly opposed the idea. You wouldn’t be able to deal with all the dust, dirt, mouse droppings, and mineral wool fibers. The floor below is actually lived in. We wanted to keep all that mess up in the attic. So, in the end, we only tore down the planks and screwed gypsum fiberboard panels in their place.
I have to admit, I’m a little concerned that two layers of panels might be too heavy for the thin 6x4 cm (2.4x1.6 inch) beams, but maybe they can later be attached somehow to the roof joists that are about 2 cm (0.8 inch) above. Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell because the entire attic is filled with piles of torn-apart mineral wool insulation.
My husband wanted to remove the particleboard too, but I firmly opposed the idea. You wouldn’t be able to deal with all the dust, dirt, mouse droppings, and mineral wool fibers. The floor below is actually lived in. We wanted to keep all that mess up in the attic. So, in the end, we only tore down the planks and screwed gypsum fiberboard panels in their place.
I have to admit, I’m a little concerned that two layers of panels might be too heavy for the thin 6x4 cm (2.4x1.6 inch) beams, but maybe they can later be attached somehow to the roof joists that are about 2 cm (0.8 inch) above. Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell because the entire attic is filled with piles of torn-apart mineral wool insulation.
Many thanks for the information.
I hadn’t considered mouse droppings or anything like that before. Only the glass wool insulation had concerned me. However, the attic looks quite tidy thanks to the wooden paneling on top of the beams. Besides, my claustrophobia is stronger than the worry about dirt that could come from above... and the floor needs to be replaced anyway.
It’s already somewhat reassuring to know that this obviously isn’t a completely crazy idea.
I hadn’t considered mouse droppings or anything like that before. Only the glass wool insulation had concerned me. However, the attic looks quite tidy thanks to the wooden paneling on top of the beams. Besides, my claustrophobia is stronger than the worry about dirt that could come from above... and the floor needs to be replaced anyway.
It’s already somewhat reassuring to know that this obviously isn’t a completely crazy idea.
There may actually be no mice inside if the insulation is between two layers of panels. It’s different in our case because everything is open from above. But there will definitely be dust and dirt. I would definitely cover everything and ensure proper ventilation during the work. And with old glass wool insulation, always use respiratory protection and sealed safety glasses. I wouldn’t want fibers sticking to my eyes.
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