Boarding out the loft question

[midlife]

Morning

Thinking about boarding out our small loft in our newish house to store x-mas decorations and the like, nothing heavy or bike orientated.

I just wonderd what to do with the insulation which is on top of the joists, can I ust put it on top of the insulation to either side?

Thanks

Shaun

 

[alicat]

I thought we did lofts a couple of weeks ago? (Or should I go and hide in mine with a wet towel over my head?)

 

[pawl]

Morning

Thinking about boarding out our small loft in our newish house to store x-mas decorations and the like, nothing heavy or bike orientated.

I just wonderd what to do with the insulation which is on top of the joists, can I ust put it on top of the insulation to either side?

Thanks

Shaun

Put mine over the insulation

 

[classic33]

How high above the joists does the insulation protude?

Extra wood on top, prior to placing the boards would stop compression of the insulation.

 

[midlife]

There seems to be two layers about 4" thick. One layer goes between the joists and there is another layer on top of everything.

I was just thinking of taking away the top layer and leaving it between the joists.

Just wondering what to do with the spare stuff?

Shaun

 

[screenman]

www.wickes.co.uk/Loftleg-175mm-Loft-Legs-Pack-12/p/100412

You should have 270mm of insulation up there, squashing it down lowers its performance so I am told.

 

[ufkacbln]

I made a big mistake...... or rather the builders did...

The wiring from the bedroom lights and electrics came up through a copper pipe into the loft. We carefully cut small grooves in the joists where they passed over, to avoid catching them or squashing them.

Went perfectly, until we stood on the flooring, massive flash and all the electrics went out!

Apparently the copper pipes should be below the joists (we had assumed they were, but in the case of one, it was sufficiently proud that when we stood on the floor it cut the cable with the edge of the pipe.

So we had to remove the flooring by torchlight and get the wiring repaired before reinstalling the floor

My tip - check the wiring in the loft for this

 

[midlife]

I looked at loft legs but thought it might be easier to take off some insulation to reveal the joists, I am pretty inept at DIY so looking fore the easiest way without getting a man in..........


Shaun

 

[Flying Dodo]

The DIY stores sell extender legs which screw onto the top of the joists, so you can still have the extra insulation on top, and then the board's are screwed onto the top of the legs.

 

[screenman]

I looked at loft legs but thought it might be easier to take off some insulation to reveal the joists, I am pretty inept at DIY so looking fore the easiest way without getting a man in..........


Shaun

You will notice a difference in heating bills or warmth if you get rid of that insulation.

 

[midlife]

The DIY stores sell extender legs which screw onto the top of the joists, so you can still have the extra insulation on top, and then the board's are screwed onto the top of the legs.

Looked at them but seemed a bit complicated

I'll see what they look like in the shop

Shaun

 

[Flying Dodo]

Sorry, missed that! Seems a shame to waste the insulation though. Although I suppose the new boards would provide some insulation anyway.

 

[mjr]

Loft legs. Don't remove insulation unless you've tons of money you want to give to energy companies and would like to help sink the fens, levels and so on.

 

[midlife]

The boarded bit will be only a small part of the total roof space so not too worried about the loss of insulation, just looking for the most foolproof way given that I am pretty cack handed

Shaun

 

[DaveReading]

Used these ones on my son's loft a couple of years ago, relatively easy to install:

http://raisedloftfloor.co.uk/