"Meoww" wrote in message
om...
We've just turned our stone slate roof which had been back-pointed
over the years. The back pointing and other **** fell into the loft
space on top of the old fibre glass where it's obviously consorted
with the original **** which has been in situ since the house was
built (1811). Consequently it all wants cleaning out. The ceilings
are lath and plaster so easy sweeping between the ceiling spars isn't
an option. Space is also at a premium as the King Post bisects the
space quite nicely thank you! Does anyone know if there such a thing
as an industrial vacuum cleaner with a larger hose than you normally
find on Henrys and such like. The bits of pointing will block Henry's
nose and I'm thinking that a machine with a 3 or 4 " hose might be
useful. Any ideas?

By the way, I'm talking hiring here, not buying. Quick google on hire
sites wasn't too helpful.

Patrick

I had the same problem, the weight of all the debris was causing the (3" x
2" joisted) ceilings to droop and when the (Heavy Duty) vacuum didn't clog
it was full in 5 minutes.
Finally went up there in disposable paper overalls, long gloves and
pressurised mask and with lots of black bags, brush and pan.
It took days, and the fibreglass was so full of mortar (torching) I scrapped
the lot. Finished off with the vacuum on the laths and plaster (I did get
someone to help me, and he promptly put his foot through the ceiling).

I subsequently removed the tiles, felted and re-laid them - prior to attic
conversion.

HTH
BAH