Erecting new stud wall in existing converted room in loft
Anonymous user 01/03/2024 - 3.00 PM
My loft is converted and I wish to split it into two bedrooms by putting up new stud walls. It is currently fully plastered. There is a layer of ‘thinsulex’ vapour barrier foil insulation between the plasterboard and the rafters, then behind that - the rafters with solid insulation between them and a 50mm air gap before the roof felt and tiles etc.
Will it cause condensation problems in the roof space above the room, if I screw the timber for the new stud walls into the rafters through the vapour barrier?
Also, is it ok to install the timber for the new stud walls over the top of the existing plaster and plasterboard, or should I cut these away where the new walls will be?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
The age old construction quandary of nailing through vapour barrier, technically once you've pierced the barrier it is no longer fully protective, but the argument is that the fixing themselves will seal the hole. The size of the holes are so small it should be completely fine in terms of condensation.
I would also note that you should check with your local authority prior to erecting any new partitions, as some works may require building warrant.
Yes, it would be okay to screw through the Vapour barrier, as long as you are carful and screw into the rafters as the barrier would be ‘clamped’ to the rafters.
For your question about removing a section of the ceiling, I’d say to remove the section so you can get a good fixing to the rafters but you’d have to be very careful not to cut through the Vapour barrier when doing so, so you may be best screwing through your ceiling as long as you know where the rafters are.
Answered23 January 2023
1
Anonymous user
Although screwing through the barrier shouldn't cause any condensation issues, you could pilot the screw holes & then fill them with silicone before screwing the timber.
Fixing the studwork to the rafter through the existing ceiling is fine, again pilot & silicone seal the screw holes for peace of mind.
Answered23 January 2023
1
Anonymous user
It’s fine fixing through vapour barrier as long as you hit the stud behind and don’t puncture random holes guessing where stud work is.
As for fixing the partition walls straight to the plastered plasterboard again I’d say quite alright as long as you hit stud and fix nice and tight.
