Cardboard in the attic (insulation)

[AnthonyL]

I tend to hang on to cardboard boxes, some quite thick/heavy duty as
used in shipping.

There are areas under the eaves that have probably the original loose
insulation, maybe 4" deep.

Is it worthwhile to "flat pack" the boxes, put over the loose stuff
then lay something on top from:

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270


--
AnthonyL

Why ever wait to finish a job before starting the next?

[Theo]

AnthonyL <nos...@please.invalid> wrote:
> I tend to hang on to cardboard boxes, some quite thick/heavy duty as
> used in shipping.
>
> There are areas under the eaves that have probably the original loose
> insulation, maybe 4" deep.
>
> Is it worthwhile to "flat pack" the boxes, put over the loose stuff
> then lay something on top from:
>
> https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270

Cardboard doesn't have a terrible U-value, roughly the same as rockwool.
But that's in cellulose fibre form, rather than sheets. I doubt you could
get a tight seal with it in box form as there would be too many air gaps.
I suppose it would be possible to cut pieces to lay it flat.

I'd however worry that it would retain moisture, not what you want next to
roofing timbers. Wet insulation isn't good insulation. Commercial
insulation is also treated against fire, insects, etc, which random
cardboard won't be:
https://criticalconcrete.com/out-of-the-box-insulation-2/

If you're going to use rockwool, you could lay rockwool over the top of your
existing insulation, making a decent blanket layer. Then, if you're keeping
the cardboard, just have it as loose pieces resting on top. Although, if
the insulation is working correctly, it'll become cold and damp - sounds
like a recipe for mould to me.

But if cardboard is all the insulation you have... it works for the
homeless folks.

Theo

[Martin Brown]

On 22/10/2022 22:05, AnthonyL wrote:
> I tend to hang on to cardboard boxes, some quite thick/heavy duty as
> used in shipping.
>
> There are areas under the eaves that have probably the original loose
> insulation, maybe 4" deep.
>
> Is it worthwhile to "flat pack" the boxes, put over the loose stuff
> then lay something on top from:
>
> https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270

It depends how well you want your roof space to burn in the even of a
fire. Rock wool or even sheep's wool is a much better alternative.

That said I have a piece of expanded polystyrene sat on top of my cold
water header tank.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown

[Brian Gaff]

Well, I was told it was a fire hazard when the laggers came along.
Brian

--

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"AnthonyL" <nos...@please.invalid> wrote in message
news:63545920....@news.eternal-september.org...

[Peeler]

On Sun, 23 Oct 2022 13:22:55 +0100, Brainless & Daft, the TV-watching and
pity-baiting senile "blind" mole, blathered again:

> Well, I was told it was a fire hazard when the laggers came along.

> Brainless & Daft

You REALLY believe you are allowed to spread your useless bullshit in these
groups, just because you believe people will pity you, you TV-watching
"blind" pity-baiting senile shithead?

[SteveW]

On 23/10/2022 09:19, Theo wrote:
> AnthonyL <nos...@please.invalid> wrote:
>> I tend to hang on to cardboard boxes, some quite thick/heavy duty as
>> used in shipping.
>>
>> There are areas under the eaves that have probably the original loose
>> insulation, maybe 4" deep.
>>
>> Is it worthwhile to "flat pack" the boxes, put over the loose stuff
>> then lay something on top from:
>>
>> https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270
>
> Cardboard doesn't have a terrible U-value, roughly the same as rockwool.
> But that's in cellulose fibre form, rather than sheets. I doubt you could
> get a tight seal with it in box form as there would be too many air gaps.
> I suppose it would be possible to cut pieces to lay it flat.

Back in in 1989, I worked in a drawing office, doing CAD work. The rest
of the office worked on drawing boards. The drawing office was directly
above the loading bay, with the doors open all day. I was fine, sat at a
computer, but all the draughtsmen stood at their boards, on top of a 2"
stack of cardboard exhibition signs, to keep their feet warm.

[rick]

2 risks and why I would not do this
1. Risk of cardboard absorbing moisture and holding it
2. Risk of rodent infestation

On 22/10/2022 22:05, AnthonyL wrote:

[AnthonyL]

On Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:03 +0100, Martin Brown
<'''newspam'''@nonad.co.uk> wrote:

>On 22/10/2022 22:05, AnthonyL wrote:
>> I tend to hang on to cardboard boxes, some quite thick/heavy duty as
>> used in shipping.
>>
>> There are areas under the eaves that have probably the original loose
>> insulation, maybe 4" deep.
>>
>> Is it worthwhile to "flat pack" the boxes, put over the loose stuff
>> then lay something on top from:
>>
>> https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270
>
>It depends how well you want your roof space to burn in the even of a
>fire. Rock wool or even sheep's wool is a much better alternative.
>

The boxes are up there anyway. I'd guess they'll burn less readily
laid flat than in their original form.

What's happened to all the Rockwool products. The link about had
several options for Rockwool. Now seems anywhere that has it is
selling at double the price and only fibreglass is left at the prices
I remember.

[Animal]

On Saturday, 22 October 2022 at 22:05:59 UTC+1, AnthonyL wrote:
> I tend to hang on to cardboard boxes, some quite thick/heavy duty as
> used in shipping.
>
> There are areas under the eaves that have probably the original loose
> insulation, maybe 4" deep.
>
> Is it worthwhile to "flat pack" the boxes, put over the loose stuff
> then lay something on top from:
>
> https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Building-Materials/Insulation/Loft-Insulation/c/1000270

Cardboard insulation does work, but it's flammable, intolerant of water, goes mouldy, hosts insects & rats, and bends out of shape when it gets wet. If you truly can't afford anything better, it's an option, covered with some nonflammable insulation like fibreglass/rockwool or plasterboard. Otherwise I wouldn't.