Aspects to Conisder in Styrofoam Insulation

Sunday, June 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

Ventilating the roof space correctly is hugely important in preventing problems with rot and dampness. But what is often forgotten when planning a loft conversion is that the state of the roof space will be changed making it a warmer space that is at risk from condensation because of the lack of adequate ventilation.

The original purpose of any loft was to act as a cold ventilation space that would expel any damp caused from rain or condensation. This cold roof space was then effectively sealed from the rest of the house by laying down layers of insulation material.

styrofoam insulation

Of course, when a loft is converted, that barrier of insulation must be removed to the new roof level ceiling. And it is there that the new loft conversion ventilation patch must be placed. If there is no ventilation above the new loft room than eventually the timbers will begin to rot because of dampness.

Making A Ventilation Path

Before the new course of insulation is fitted a 50mm air space has to be left below the underfelt of the roof tiles. This allows air to escape from the roof space before it forms condensation by creating a ventilation path.

However, on its own a ventilation path will not afford adequate protection. The ventilation path needs to boosted by inserting holes along the eaves equivalent to a 25mm continuous gap. This allows the air to enter from one side before exiting from the opposite side of the roof.

If the angle of the roof is more than 35 degrees than ridge vents may well have to be fitted; this would in effect form a vacuum which would suck up air from the eaves. But, this won’t be necessary in older houses that don’t have underfelt beneath the roof tiles as the air will naturally be expelled be the tiles themselves.

Other Things To Consider About Loft Conversion Ventilation

Timber stud walls are used extensively in loft conversions to create storage space along the eaves. The interiors of the cupboards will obviously be well ventilated but they may be sitting on insulation from the bedroom ceilings.

This can cause black mould but won’t be a problem as long as plastic ducts are fitted above the soffits. This allows the eaves to be ventilated but also retains that important insulation.

building,

To allow adequate air flow where skylights have been fitted ventilation holes should be drilled into the rafters on each side of the window.

Technology

As with everything else the use of new technology makes many of the old rules obsolete and this is true enough in the case of loft conversion ventilation.

Most new roofs are now built with insulation boards installed above the rafters. This creates a warm roof which doesn’t need any further ventilation. The use of new breather membranes as underlay in the roof also means that the need to create ventilation paths is greatly reduced when converting the loft.

Author: Craig Ellyard

Craig Ellyard writes extensively for Loft Conversion Uk and is the author of the best selling ebook Plan And Design Your Loft Conversion

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Ellyard

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