Loft insulation?

[Wulf]

I've just had my loft insulated. That's not a metaphor... 

I asked the guy (one guy did it in about an hour...) if he could leave me some of the stuff, maybe a football-sized ball. He left me a third of a roll, 18" diameter by 18" high  A lifetime's supply, if I can actually find a use for it... It would make a lovely warm footstool, except it's so soft. maybe I'll stuff some pillows...

Anyway, has anyone used this stuff on a minis battlefield? I was thinking using it for smoke (it's a dirty tan/brown in colour, so would look odd for deliberate smoke rounds, but might look OK for burning vehicles). But it's much softer than I was expecting. I was going to buy soft toy stuffing, but I'd like to make use of this stuff.

[Fenton]

Isnt loft insulation made of fibreglass?

[Wulf]

The bit of the roll I have says "Made using recycled glass b..." (cut off there). It also, I now notice, advises using a mask if working in a confined area. He didn't, but my loft isn't very confined...

It is really soft & fluffy, but probably better than cotton wool for keeping it's shape.

[Techno]

Isnt loft insulation made of fibreglass?

.......Not sure if I'd be too keen on having that stuff on the tabletop.
Could be going too far with the 'elf & safety brigade, but I imagine that however careful you were, you' end up breathing in some tiny/microscopic shards of glass.
How much would be needed to start doing 'real' harm to your lungs, I've absolutely no idea.....Possibly lots and lots....But  on a personal note, I wouldn't be too keen on using it.....However 'soft' it feels.

I always feel 'wheezy' after I've been in the 'old' loft at Techno Towers, because the insulation isn't covered.....and I can never be bothered to go and get a mask.

I'd do some googling research, Wulf.....I may be being alarmist.

Cheers - Phil

[Wulf]

Thanks. There's a big difference between spreading it out all over a loft and placing a few tufts on a table, and the guy who did spread it out used neither mask nor goggles, but... they don't, do they? 

[Hertsblue]

I've always been of the opinion that it's not very pleasant stuff to be near. I'd play safe and leave it in the loft if I were you.

[kipt]

Don't use it.  It will get into your skin as well as your lungs when you move it.  I've been in construction 42 years (USA) and there is talk about making it as hazardous as asbestos.

[Wulf]

Great, I've now got a bloody great roll of the stuff. maybe I will make it into a footstool. Probably best not to stuff a pillow with it though...

[Hertsblue]

Just roll it out over what's already there - you can never have too much insulation.

[Steve J]

Definitely don't use it. Nasty stuff.

[Leon]

Agree with the others, I insulated a friends loft a while back and the little shards got stuck in my clothes and made a mess of my arms.  It took a few days to feel like they were out of my skin and I think I binned the top I was wearing at the time.

[Subedai]

Same here. Did my loft and itched for days all up my arms where the bl**dy stuff had irritated my skin. I made sure the window was open and that we all wore masks. The only reason I could use my loft afterwards was because I had the floor boarded. Evil,evil stuff.

If the bloke wasn't wearing some kind of mask then he's all kinds of t*at and obviously has a death wish.

I would use it as Hertsblue suggested or take it to the nearest tip and get their advice on how to get rid of it. Use cotton wool or even kapok for smoke. Might cost a bit more but your lungs and skin are a tad more important.

PS If you have a missus, don't tell her or she'll up your life insurance payout. 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

I worked in the glass fibre mill in Lancaster for a while.
Horrid horrid stuff.

[Wulf]

Was it dark & satanic? 

OK, calm down everyone, I dumped it back up in the loft. Didn't bother unrolling it, just threw the roll up.

In penance, I also ordered some teddy bear stuffing off eBay...

[fsn]

I have a suggestion. Is there any in-law you're not particularly fond of? Christmas pressie of a nice roll of loft insulation!