Attics

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cake

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We are planning a dormer attic which will comply with planning and building regs. The purpose of the attic conversion is for a permanent habitable space.

I know there have been a lot of posts here about attics in terms of planning, cost and insulation.

I still have a niggling doubt about the actual effectivness of a dormer attic conversion even if it has complied with building regs. I have heard many stories about attics that are too cold in winter and too hot in summer. It is quite possible that these horror stories relate to attics that do not comply with regs in terms of insulation.

My question is this: If a dormer attic is built in compliance with building regs (insulation, fire doors, height above 2.4m, etc.) - and is certified as such by the architect - could we still have an attic that it is too cold in winter and too hot in summer?

How have others fared in this situation?
 
I am replying to this e-mail from my attic conversition and have my office here now for over a year and my son sleeps in the room across the corridon also for this time. He loves his new space and i have never heard him complain about the cold or heat. I love my new space it is so light and warm in the winter and not too hot in the summer especially when i open the big window by my side. The solution to 'too hot and too cold' is the right insultation and when you are getting quotes for extention make sure you specify the kind of insulation you require as the builder will try and get away with supplying you with the standard.
 
make sure you specify the kind of insulation you require as the builder will try and get away with supplying you with the standard
Click to expand...

OK, so is the issue that you have to specify the type of insulation you require, rather than relying on the Building Regulations? If it is the case that Building Regs are not sufficient for converted (dormer) attics, it makes it very subjective.
 
A friend also complained of the noise from the traffic besides the 'too hot, too cold' problem.
 
Sue Ellen

In the case of your friend, do you happen to know if the attic conversion was compliant with building regs? I am aware that it is possible to "convert" attic space for storage, but we are planning a habitable space compliant with building regs.

Cake
 
Hi,

As far as I can recall the attic was included in the build but it would have been about 15 years ago so the insulation may not have been the best.
 
I intend to add an extra layer this weekend to my attic.

I'll be running it perpendicular to the existing insulation. Do you leave a gap between each row of the top layer of insualtion of an couple inches so as to leave the joists breathe?

Also, is it true that 250mm total insualtion thickness is sufficient for our climate?

If thats the case I will only need an extra 100mm on top of what I already have, but I might just get 150mm anyway
 
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