I have the floor of my attic insulated with rockwool and the middle section of the attic is floored as well. During the cold spell I left the attic door open to prevent pipes freezing as the attic is very cold. Would it be of any benefit to insulate the attic roof as well and also what product would be best suited. My real concern is to prevent pipes or tank freezing in cold weather as I am not living in the house.
Heaters fail when the power is cut.
You have created a space within the envelope of the building in which water is stored but allowed the insulation to follow an internal path below this [the ceiling] as opposed to follow the line of the roof.
This makes the attic far colder than the rest of the house and requires that everything carrying water is properly lagged and insulated, including flow and return pipes, leaving no insulation under the water tank(s) - thsi raises a question of house ot keep the smaller tank warm.....
There is an alternative.
You could insulate the attic/roof in accordance with the latest Building Regulations TGD Part F regulations, Diagam 11.
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,1647,en.pdf
P. 28 Diagram 11 and my preference is the left hand illustration to avoid cold eaves and vertical insulation that can sag.
Remember to install the 50mm continuous clear air gap everywhere required.
Even if you do this, the attic will still remain colder than the rest of the house unless you heat it because of the insulation at ceiling level.
However it will tend to lose heat less quickly if the power is cut.
You pays your money and takes your choice.
ONQ.
[broken link removed]
All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.