Roof Space Insulation

[benz]

I've just bought a 1940's house which has no roof space insulation. (Living in the UK, I find this scarcely believable).

It's difficult to find out long distance, about the different types and cost of insulating, so can someone inform me which is the best, or what to avoid.

Thank you

[Glenn]

There are a variety of materials that you can use. Generally the more you pay the better the insulation. The various materials have a rating on their specs.
Over the years various different materials are extolled.
Often the installers of pink batts will be able to put the stuff in for the same price as you can buy it yourself. They make their money out of the great bulk buying discounts. At the moment the Goverment has various subsidy schemes to encourage more insulation. The amount payable depends on who is currently occupying the property. If tenanted the govt pays less subsidy than if you are an owner occupier. Presumably the Govt thinks tenants do not get cold and sick like owner occupiers. One scheme pays 55% of the cost and another will cost you $750 to do the whole house over and under.
If you have a half decent property manager looking after your property then they will be able to supply all of the relevant information to you. If the PM can not or will not do this then the first step would be to replace the PM.

[essence]

House Insulation

Hi Benz

I agree with Glenn. Get your PM to contact your local Council. The Council will be able to tell him which company will do the insulation.

I contacted my local Council and they put me on to a great local company who was contracted to do exactly this. It was $500 (GST incl) to foil wrap and brace the HWC, insulate the ceiling and foil insulation under the floor boards.

My tenants were then asked whether they would like to be part of a on-going survey re the benefits of putting the insulation in. This they agreed to.

The insulation has been in for two years and the tenants have been interviewed yearly on how having the insulation installed has assisted their health.

It made a HUGE difference to the units and the tenants are really happy. They've had a lot less visits to Drs/hispitals re asthma/colds etc.

It makes me look great as a LL, the house is a lot drier, the tenants are much happier and the survey dudes have got someone to survey.

A WIN/WIN/WIN/WIN situation all round.

[Jumpin]

Yes, Benz, that's why it's the land that goes up in value not the house - NZ houses are not worth squat. Where I work we have a continual flow of temporary workers from Europe - France, Germany, UK where the climate is supposed to be much colder in winter. However they cant believe the living conditions NZers put up with. Totally inadequate heating, ventilation and insulation.- no wonder NZ is the asthma capital of the world.

The NZ Property Investors association have just been promoting a scheme for their members 55% discount - for pre 1970 houses I think, includes all insulation issues in roof, below floors, and hot water cylinder. Doesn't mention insulation in the walls however which would be more expensive. Catch is you need to have tenants with community services cards. Oh and you cant put the rent up for 6 months.
Still, 2 of my properties qualified, so in the interests of attracting better, longer term tenants....

PS nice one Essence, got to be good value.

[rockran]

Without a Community services card

On the north shore, can you get discounted insulation without a community services card if the property is owned and not rented ?

[benz]

Thanks for all your replies chaps, I'll get it organised.