Dear all renovation expert, architect, designers,

I wished to transformed my roof all of the 800sq ft to an attic that I can use as a separate space for gathering, reading, music and also relaxing.

- Some feedback that it's only good for store room and it's hot
- Others said that you can absolutely use the space because you can put in good heat insulation that will block more than 90% of heat

Do anyone of you have experience on it?
- How much it cost?
- Any good contact and portfolios that I can refer to?
- Do you need to submit plan and get it approved?
- What other things you need to take note?

Your roof frame is the new metal one or the old wooden type?

Monier Radenshield insulation+ventilation fan with high cfm (2*10" or 1x12") will help to make it usable.

Yes plan is needed as this involve layout modification. Also if building catch firr with unapproved mod they can n will deny ur claims.

Enough structural support for the load involved. Architect required.

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/5030742

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/5007768

I have an attic that is used for storage. It's freaking hot up there.

Yeah same as this guy. I constructed an attic as a bedroom. Heat was so bad now it’s just a storeroom

Did you try to use the ventilation fan? Also, how about your roof? Are you using tiles or metal roof?

My roof got the heatshield and it's metal roof. And yes, i have two turbines installed too.

Old wodden type and also there are two large tanki above.

Why is it so hot?
I understand that with proper insulation you could reject 90% of the heat.

With all the heatshield, metal decking, turbines...no sheer amount can help reducing the heat other than installing aircond.

90% reduction? I really like to buy THAT solution without using air-conditioning. Moreover, you will need to let natural light in as well. Where is is sunlight, there is heat especially the top floor.

My goodness, I am going to have metal roof too.

My contractor is suggesting one single layer of aluminium insulation. I asked for more and he recommended Sun-foil reflective aluminium bonded with a layer of 25mm FR polyethylene bubble sheet and woven fabric. I am considerng three other options:

(1) the solar-powered turbines. But, have not decided yet.
(2) the solar panel to generates electricity, which can act as an extra layer.
(3) heat reflective paint. But, it may have an issue for the warranty of the metal roof.

turbine is passive ventilation.. it doesn't move much air despite the size.
1 unit of KDK 12" ventilation fan already move 727 CFM actively. Meaning in ten minutes you can change all the air of a 24x50x5 ft attic (6000 cubic feet). It will need input vents from the inside of your house i.e. at the ceiling.

Assuming that you're boarding up or bricking up the sides where next door neighbour walls are held.

Trust me, save the money and forget about doing anything to attic.

Oh, a bit too late from me.

My renovation has been approved and my contractor has started. Mine is a semi D facing north west. Afternoon sun is a concern.

Actually metal roof is cooler than the roof tile (shingles) but you need to pick the correct colour (white or light grey) for it to reflect solar energy well.

I have a master bedroom with a heat problem too - outside painted 80% dark grey wall facing west. Sauna effect is much lessened with the windows open for airflow through the room.

Thanks for the idea. Ya, I am thinking of light grey metal roof. For the master bedroom, I am thinking of the external heat resistance paint and also plan to plant some trees.

Good luck then.

My attic project is done.

Took the contractor nearly 3 months given with the MCO and all.

Anyway, to reduce the heat at the 1F of my attic, i have installed 1HP samsung AC inverter. (Active & expensive cooling method).

If i were to save cost on electricity bills, i would just open up the windows (passive & inexpensive cooling).
My 1F attic window (converted from Nako type ventilation window to a normal sliding window) is overlooking my water tank and neighbours’ houses roof tiles (quite the view LOL).

My attic project: converting a single middle room that has ~20ft height & 12x10 sqft to TWO rooms (1F & GF).
A new door entrance had to be made if i want to go upstairs. (My house is a single storey semiD house).
Total damage: RM15k including wiring, AC installations & etc

I lazy to update my thread with pictures. Will do it when time permits.

Building an attic project