Space blanket

Since I became interested in loft insulation again, due to the very cold weather, I, too, have seen the term "space blanket" at Wickes and elsewhere, yet the phrase did not exist a few years ago. In fact, when I popped into Wickes in High Wycombe during the Christmas break, the variety of insulation materials was mind-boggling.

So, anyone, what exactly IS a space blanket and how is it different from the standard rolls of rockwool?

MM

The insulation is enclosed in a shiny metallised plastic (mylar?) wrapping, which stops it from giving skin irritation during installation (though I think it's also made from recycled plastic bottles rather than glass fibre nowadays).

Presumably the silvering is intended to reflect back heat during the summer too.

Now we've established what it is, does anyone have an answer to my question? ;-)

I'm looking to use it for insulation hung between joists in a suspended ground floor, but as the builder of my house skimped on joists, I have 430mm centres, and the standard 370mm width space blanket would leave a gap down each side. Hence the idea of using

Cheers Richard

Can't see anything in their product sheets that even hints that it is.

Squashing down the next size would be fine - it will ensure a good draught free fit. Or consider celotex type boards if teh budget allows.

Both kinds are available. I'd rather pay the =A310 or so extra it costs to= =20 do the job in hand than struggle with nasty itchy glass fibre stuff.

--=20 Skipweasel - never knowingly understood.

Definitely. I recently had to change the bathroom fan, and was very pleased that I'd topped up with spaceblanket in the part of the loft (low pitched unfortunately) that I had to crawl through. With the unencapsulated stuff I'd have had a sore throat and been itching for days afterwards, but no reaction at all with the spaceblanket.

Yes, squashing down the next size is exactly it.

Sigh.

Cheers Richard

Sorry - it was late and I was tired.

Would you prefer no replies ever, on the slight risk I may have read it wrong, or a reply that is useful some percentage of the time?

Tim, your replies are always of value, an my exasperation was not specifially directed at you ;-)

Cheers Richard

That's OK...

As it's USENET I tend to dash off replies, unless it is something with major safety implications. On the occasions I do need 100% accuracy (like work) I find it makes the time taken to reply and proof read go up tenfold ;->

Back on your point - I can't find any 600mm stuff either, but sheeps wool

Thanks for the link. At those prices the sheep must be living the life of Riley ;-)

Cheers Richard

To answer both questions: It's Rockwool in a condom; and it's Rockwool in a condom.