Boarding loft with too much insulation

[Martynt74]

Our loft is split into 2 sections with a wall splitting up the 2 sections. One half has already been boarded over which we use for storage, however the other half is twice the size and i'm looking to board it over to increase storage space.

Here's an existing opening to the other side, would i be ok to open this up a bit if i keep it the same width and just cut down? I assume a bolster chisel would do? Or should i be looking for something else?

It's then pretty hectic in there. We had our cavity walls filled with insulation and i think they must have also chucked more insulation into the loft on top of the old stuff

Possible options - Which is best?

1 - Squash this down to compress it between the joists (if it goes down enough) to then just board over as normal

2 - Remove the extra insulation and then board over as normal

3 - Buy some extra wood and extend the height of the joists above the insulation so i can then board over it

4 - Sack it off entirely.

It's purely going to be used for sticking empty boxes for electrical equipment/empty suitcases etc. Nothing too excessive.

 

[andicole0]

You can get some stands to fit on existing rafters(?).
Loftlegs from Wickes IIRC.
Andi.

 

[Martynt74]

Ah they look like a much better solution to battening extra wood to raise the joists!

I can't find it online but is there a suggested spacing distance?

 

[nutcase]

Google loftzone.

Squashing insulation defeats the point of it.

 

[andicole0]

I guess spacing would be dependant on what sort of boarding you use.
Andi.

 

[Glaucus]

it wont be to much insulating, that looks about what is recommended. if you want to board it as said above get some proper risers for the job.

 

[Maccapacca]

Squashing insulation can pop the plasterboard.

Either cross batten other use the riser things. I'd rather cross batten but only simply I haven't used the other gear. And carefully consider the board thickness mainly dependant on your own weight

 

[Martynt74]

I was thinking either 18mm chipboard or this http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Chipboard-Loft-Panels-Pack-3/p/116420


Any ideas about the opening?

 

[Hedge]

B and q have decent enough loft legs. Usually on offer when you buy a number.

 

[Entropy]

There is also the option of using a solid board insulation, requires significantly less depth for the same thermal values and is sufficiently rigid that you can over board for storage. I wouldn't recommend walking on it but if its purely for some added storage its an option.

 

[garak112]

I used the legs in my loft and they worked fine but very expensive because you have to use a lot of them.

 

[robj20]

I'm doing it soon and going to be doubling up the current 3x2 and then putting 140mm insulation board between. With 18mm loft flooring on top of that. At least this way I will add some strength.

 

[Burned_Alive]

Used loft legs at my last house. Worked great. Just dont try and lay out all the legs in one job, do it as you go along with the boards. Differing joist widths and twisted joists will cause you issue otherwise.

 

[GeX]

There is also the option of using a solid board insulation, requires significantly less depth for the same thermal values and is sufficiently rigid that you can over board for storage. I wouldn't recommend walking on it but if its purely for some added storage its an option.

What about http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-insulation-board-l1220mm-w320mm-t-123mm/183180_BQ.prd ? I'm thinking of using this in my loft, which has an insufficient amount insulation below the existing boards - so adding this on top of the boards that are already there.

 

[a1ex2001]

Don't do it you will just fill the space with even more rubbish that should either be in the bin or a charity shop!

 

[divuk83]

I used these to do my 2 lofts, I was skeptical of the legs but they are really good. http://www.loftleg.com/ It tells you how many you need and the spacing on here.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Loftleg-175mm-Loft-Legs-Pack-12/p/100412
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Chipboard-Loft-Panels-Pack-3/p/116420 (I used these smaller boards as I have small loft hatches)

Dave

 

[Buffman]

I used these to do my 2 lofts, I was skeptical of the legs but they are really good. http://www.loftleg.com/ It tells you how many you need and the spacing on here.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Loftleg-175mm-Loft-Legs-Pack-12/p/100412
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Chipboard-Loft-Panels-Pack-3/p/116420 (I used these smaller boards as I have small loft hatches)

Dave

I assume those loft panels are suitable for standing on? (Ie rated to 100kg?).

I might reboard my roof using the loft legs previously discussed, any other issues with installation?

 

[Martynt74]

Don't do it you will just fill the space with even more rubbish that should either be in the bin or a charity shop!

Already had a big clear out. But with things like suitcases and christmas decorations it already fills a lot of the existing space and we tend to buy toilet roll/kitchen roll in bulk from Costco which takes up the remaining space.

At the moment all my tools are in the shed and it gets a bit damp in there so i want to build some shelving in the loft to store them better.

 

[dbmzk1]

I assume those loft panels are suitable for standing on? (Ie rated to 100kg?).

I might reboard my roof using the loft legs previously discussed, any other issues with installation?

Loft Legs are strong and can support weights of 500kg however, they do not change the load bearing characteristics of a loft. Structural engineers recommend never storing more than 50kg per square metre of boarded area. Loading limit of existing ceiling structure should be confirmed by a structural engineer.

 

[Buffman]

I was referring to the chipboard panels, rather than the loft legs (don't think it's specified?)