Project: Decontaminating the attic space - how to?

[macaodh]

Hello,

This is a development of my previous post (viewtopic.php?t=108828#google_vignette). My task is to clean out the attic/loft of all the dust and any potential mould there may be. As dewaltdisney has hinted at, we may eventually end up renewing our roof to modern standards, however, at this moment decontaminating the attic space is the goal. I have depicted the current situation below and would sincerely welcome any guidance.

As one can see in pictures 1 and 2, the attic space is partially boarded (perhaps by the previous owners). The insulation outside of this boarding, as far as I can tell, is caked in dust, debris - most of which is the fallen decayed lime mortar from the aging slate roof.

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Here is a section near the attic hatch where I have lifted the insulation. The ceiling is covered in dust, debris, and what seems to be some form of pebbled material (which perhaps could be some old type of insulation? I have no idea, it's just a guess!)

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Here is a snapshot of some of the insulation beneath the boarded section - the insulation seems quite fresh, or at least it's not black with dust. There appears to be different types of insulation used too, including these orange foam type bars.

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With this background, I am wondering what you advise I do? To reiterate, the problem I have is a musty smell in the bedroom (which is actually immediately beneath the boarded section) which is irritating my allergies and make me feel unwell. So, I wish to eliminate the possibility that gusts of dust and possibly mould are emanating from the attic space. I therefore see it as important to decontaminate this attic space from dust and mould, which it seems must include:

• Removing and renewing/replacing the insulation as a first step.

• Removing all the remaining lime mortar from the underside of the slate roof, and give the walls, tiles, and timber a thorough scrub.

• Vacuuming all the remaining dust and debris, which would include the aforementioned pebbles.

With all this, I know that the draft and cold within the attic space is due to the old roof and I keep in mind attending to the roof at a later point, or getting it replaced.

Many thanks.

[dewaltdisney]

Hmm, there is nothing there that would suggest that there's a damp issue. With an older roof, wind can drive rain under the slates and as there is no felt or membrane present, some of the insulation could be damp and causing the fusty smell. However, this may not be the case as you say the musty bit is under the lifted section; therefore, any rain entering would lay there. I do not think pulling the insulation and hoovering will solve the problem. If you do do it get a full body coverall, cheap at Screwfix, and a good mask and eye protection. Your nose is the best detector though and I would suggest having a good sniff around to find the source first.

DWD

[macaodh]

Hi dewaltdisney,

Thanks for your swift response. Please note when you say:

However, this may not be the case as you say the musty bit is under the lifted section; therefore, any rain entering would lay there.

The musty smell is not under the lifted section. I suppose you are referring to photo #3: I have lifted this section to show the rubble underneath the insulation. There is no recognisable smell (or damp) here. I did mention that my bedroom in which the musty smell lingers lies immediately underneath the boarded up section. It could be the case that possible damp from rain is in, or under, this boarded section, however, I am yet to venture into this area.

[macaodh]

Hello,
Just wondering - before I start to attempt to remove the attic insulation, should I be concerned about this lower level rubble of dust, dirt, and different forms of pebbled insulation? Here below are some photos - some of the material seems to resemble vermiculite insulation, for example the more fluffed pieces sticking to the underside of the layered insulation. My plan is to try to vacuum all this debris out, however, I'm concerned I must procede with caution, or if I ought to do so at all?

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[dewaltdisney]

Are you in Scotland? My memory has it that in the past they had gravel and rubble in floor voids to slow the spread of fire. in the 70s polystyrene beads were used as insulation but generally it got removed in the 80s and replaced with rock wool insulation. It is hard to tell. Do not get diverted from your mission to find the smell, I really do not think it is where you are looking. Sniff it out

DWD

[macaodh]

I am in Liverpool. I guess I'm quite hesitant about sticking my nose out as that is the most allergic part of me!

[dewaltdisney]

Can you get your wife to do it? My wife can smell anything at fifty paces.

DWD