Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
I am currently performing the mental planning of a single-storey kitchen extension which will have a pitched roof and ceiling. With reference to the following graphic showing Celotex insulation between rafters where and how should lighting and other ceiling-related cables should be run?
http://www.encon.co.uk/sites/default..._rafters_0.jpg Specifically, am I right in thinking that they should be run on warm side of the insulation? If so, above or below the vapour barrier? Should you ensure that there is a small gap between the insulation and plasterboard or could this air gap undermine some of the insulating properties of the setup? Presumably recessed downlighters would be out of the question given the heat/space issues without building a new ceiling suitably spaced from the structural ceiling/roof? On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? http://www.encon.co.uk/sites/default..._rafters_1.jpg Is it simply that more insulation can be used for a given rafter depth? Mathew |
#2
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 8:30:35 PM UTC, Mathew Newton wrote:
I am currently performing the mental planning of a single-storey kitchen extension which will have a pitched roof and ceiling. With reference to the following graphic showing Celotex insulation between rafters where and how should lighting and other ceiling-related cables should be run? http://www.encon.co.uk/sites/default..._rafters_0.jpg Specifically, am I right in thinking that they should be run on warm side of the insulation? If so, above or below the vapour barrier? Should you ensure that there is a small gap between the insulation and plasterboard or could this air gap undermine some of the insulating properties of the setup? I'd lay the cables on top of the plasterboard. Presumably recessed downlighters would be out of the question given the heat/space issues without building a new ceiling suitably spaced from the structural ceiling/roof? Hopefully you'll come up with a better idea. Not all fashions are good. On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? http://www.encon.co.uk/sites/default..._rafters_1.jpg Is it simply that more insulation can be used for a given rafter depth? Mathew Better insulation. When only between rafters, the rafters still conduct thermally. OTOH you can stick cheap squishy stuff between them. NT |
#3
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between
AND under the rafter approach? http://www.encon.co.uk/sites/default..._rafters_1.jpg Is it simply that more insulation can be used for a given rafter depth? Mathew I have that arrangement in part of my house. Most rafters are only 100mm deep. So you get more insulation. You can get the rigid foam with a crinkly plastic finish that can be plastered direct. (Joints need scrim) I fixed mine with big (galvanised) nails, washers and canned foam. Seems OK after three years. |
#4
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 2:08:45 AM UTC, wrote:
I'd lay the cables on top of the plasterboard. That does seem to make sense. Indeed now that I've asked the question in public I can't help feel it's blindingly obvious! Presumably recessed downlighters would be out of the question Hopefully you'll come up with a better idea. Not all fashions are good. He he. Quite. Bizarrely, I've often felt in other people's houses that that whilst I like the look of them in a kitchen environment they don't seem to always function particularly well, especially given I always end up sitting right underneath one of them feeling like I'm on Mastermind. There's no reason to believe my implementation would be any better so I'll scrap that idea. On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? Better insulation. When only between rafters, the rafters still conduct thermally. OTOH you can stick cheap squishy stuff between them. I am still getting to grips with calcuating U-values so I might give that alternative a thought. I'd always assumed PIR boards were generally always better performers than mineral wool etc for a given thickness though? Mathew |
#5
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On 06/03/14 10:19, Mathew Newton wrote:
I am still getting to grips with calcuating U-values so I might give that alternative a thought. I'd always assumed PIR boards were generally always better performers than mineral wool etc for a given thickness though? You are correct - PIR foam (aka celotex etc) is about twice as effective for a given thickness compared to most wool type products. |
#6
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 8:17:00 AM UTC, harry wrote:
On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? I have that arrangement in part of my house. Most rafters are only 100mm deep. So you get more insulation. You can get the rigid foam with a crinkly plastic finish that can be plastered direct. (Joints need scrim) I fixed mine with big (galvanised) nails, washers and canned foam. Seems OK after three years. Thanks Harry. I must admit to being rather bewildered by the range of options available. Even within a manufacturer's range I'm finding it difficult to always discern the differences between some of their offerings or, if it's obvious, it doesn't always seem significant to justify both their existances! On the subject of rafter depth this will be a new extension and so I am assuming I could specify 175mm rafters in order to accomodate the necessary insulation between them (say 150mm) and air gap (25mm) beneath the breathable felt. Mathew |
#7
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 10:19:56 AM UTC, Mathew Newton wrote:
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 2:08:45 AM UTC, wrote: Presumably recessed downlighters would be out of the question Hopefully you'll come up with a better idea. Not all fashions are good. He he. Quite. Bizarrely, I've often felt in other people's houses that that whilst I like the look of them in a kitchen environment they don't seem to always function particularly well, especially given I always end up sitting right underneath one of them feeling like I'm on Mastermind. There's no reason to believe my implementation would be any better so I'll scrap that idea. If you like the look, you could have 5w halogen or 3w LED downlights with most of the lighting done by fluorescent uplighting. On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? Better insulation. When only between rafters, the rafters still conduct thermally. OTOH you can stick cheap squishy stuff between them. I am still getting to grips with calcuating U-values so I might give that alternative a thought. I'd always assumed PIR boards were generally always better performers than mineral wool etc for a given thickness though? Mathew which alternative? Yes, PIR is a much better performer, per given depth. And a poorer performer per cost. NT |
#8
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 10:19:56 AM UTC, Mathew Newton wrote:
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 2:08:45 AM UTC, wrote: I'd lay the cables on top of the plasterboard. That does seem to make sense. Indeed now that I've asked the question in public I can't help feel it's blindingly obvious! Presumably recessed downlighters would be out of the question Hopefully you'll come up with a better idea. Not all fashions are good. He he. Quite. Bizarrely, I've often felt in other people's houses that that whilst I like the look of them in a kitchen environment they don't seem to always function particularly well, especially given I always end up sitting right underneath one of them feeling like I'm on Mastermind. There's no reason to believe my implementation would be any better so I'll scrap that idea. On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? Better insulation. When only between rafters, the rafters still conduct thermally. OTOH you can stick cheap squishy stuff between them. I am still getting to grips with calcuating U-values so I might give that alternative a thought. I'd always assumed PIR boards were generally always better performers than mineral wool etc for a given thickness though? PIR is better than rock-wool batts per mm, not as good per UKP. *Personally*, I would stick the "over the rafters" insulation *above* the rafters (so the rafters are in the warm, and hence dry). I'd probably leave the rafters exposed too (but that's just me). Else thread you also said: On the subject of rafter depth this will be a new extension and so I am assuming I could specify 175mm rafters in order to accomodate the necessary insulation between them (say 150mm) and air gap (25mm) beneath the breathable felt. Why? Rafters are expensive. Don't make them bigger than you need (unless you want them big for visual appearance). Much better to have a solid layer of insulation above them. |
#9
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
|
#10
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
"Mathew Newton" wrote in message ... On Thursday, March 6, 2014 8:17:00 AM UTC, harry wrote: On a related note, what are the benefits of adopting an insulation between AND under the rafter approach? I have that arrangement in part of my house. Most rafters are only 100mm deep. So you get more insulation. You can get the rigid foam with a crinkly plastic finish that can be plastered direct. (Joints need scrim) I fixed mine with big (galvanised) nails, washers and canned foam. Seems OK after three years. Thanks Harry. I must admit to being rather bewildered by the range of options available. Even within a manufacturer's range I'm finding it difficult to always discern the differences between some of their offerings or, if it's obvious, it doesn't always seem significant to justify both their existances! On the subject of rafter depth this will be a new extension and so I am assuming I could specify 175mm rafters in order to accomodate the necessary insulation between them (say 150mm) and air gap (25mm) beneath the breathable felt. Mathew I have seen a few new buildings/roofs done that way. I was insulating an existing roof. Mind, there is an advantage with multiple layers and that is you can plaster directly on to the finish of the insulation board rather than having to add plaster board. ie it will be big sheets on the inside if you see what I mean, few joints. BTW, important there are absolutely no gaps. Even a tiny gap defeats the whole project. I cut my insulation undersize (by about 20mm) and filled the gaps with foam. Trim excess off when set. Slabs supported in place with temporary nails (removed when foam had set) |
#11
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, March 6, 2014 10:19:56 AM UTC, Mathew Newton wrote:
I am still getting to grips with calcuating U-values so I might give that alternative a thought. I'd always assumed PIR boards were generally always better performers than mineral wool etc for a given thickness though? http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?title=Insulation and related articles NT |
#12
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
meow wrote:
Yes, PIR is a much better performer, per given depth. And a poorer performer per cost. That's why I get my by scavanging fly-tips jgh |
#13
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, 6 March 2014 10:43:30 UTC, wrote:
I am still getting to grips with calcuating U-values so I might give that alternative a thought. I'd always assumed PIR boards were generally always better performers than mineral wool etc for a given thickness though? which alternative? Sorry, I meant 'cheap squishy stuff' (which I assumed to mean mineral wool type offerings). |
#14
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Thursday, 6 March 2014 13:28:34 UTC, Martin Bonner wrote:
Why? Rafters are expensive. Don't make them bigger than you need (unless you want them big for visual appearance). The intention was to have them covered so it was more to accomodate the necessary level of insulation to satisfy U-value requirements and it being between-the-rafters as I figured that would make things easier. Whilst I shall be getting a builder to build the shell I will be doing the inside, including insulation (or at least boarding once I've sorted the wiring), myself over a longer period. Much better to have a solid layer of insulation above them. Ah, I hadn't considered that an option. Will go and find out more. Mathew |
#15
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 8:30:35 PM UTC, Mathew Newton wrote:
I am currently performing the mental planning of a single-storey kitchen extension which will have a pitched roof and ceiling. With reference to the following graphic showing Celotex insulation between rafters where and how should lighting and other ceiling-related cables should be run? But surely there has to be some insulation below the rafters as well (for example battened-on thinsulex). You can't get the required U value just with insulation between the rafters. Also, as it's a kitchen you need a Part-P electrician to do the wiring :-) Robert |
#16
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On 07/03/14 16:25, RobertL wrote:
Also, as it's a kitchen you need a Part-P electrician to do the wiring :-) Not fully true... Robert |
#17
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On Friday, March 7, 2014 4:25:40 PM UTC, RobertL wrote:
But surely there has to be some insulation below the rafters as well (for example battened-on thinsulex). You can't get the required U value just with insulation between the rafters. You can with 165mm Celotex and 175mm rafters (using 12.5mm plasterboard). This gives a U-value of 0.16. As mentioned in the thread though, the bigger rafters obviously cost more. Also, as it's a kitchen you need a Part-P electrician to do the wiring Indeed, but only as far as running the new circuits in i.e. a couple of radials for the oven/hob, and a ring for two sockets. Extending the latter, and sorting the lighting circuit, is something I'll do myself in due course. Mathew |
#18
Posted to uk.d-i-y
|
|||
|
|||
Running lighting cables inside insulated roof/ceiling
On 07/03/2014 16:25, RobertL wrote:
Also, as it's a kitchen you need a Part-P electrician to do the wiring :-) A significant smiley there, I think :~) FAOD Part P has never required that wiring has to be done by a member of one of the Part P schemes. Scheme members can self-certify their work and notify the local building control dept. via their scheme. Others must (or rather, are supposed to) notify a building control body by means of a building notice or a full-plans application, before starting any notifiable work. Since the revision that came into force on 6th April last year, electrical work in a kitchen is no longer notifiable unless it involves installation of a new circuit, or replacement of a consumer unit. The fundamental requirement (P1) always applies though in a dwelling: all work must be safe, whether it's notifiable or not. -- Andy |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Insulated Ceiling? | UK diy | |||
Placing cables inside egg box walls | UK diy | |||
Running SWA with other cables? | UK diy | |||
Installing recessed lighting in a Celotex insulated flat roof | UK diy |