Boarding My Loft

[pecker1210]

My loft has insulation down so do I just board over the top on the joists?

I was going to purchase the packd of loft boards you buy from B&Q etc unless I can get them cheaper elsewhere?

Is there a way you lay these and fix them?

Sorry I'm a novice.

Thanks
Gavin

 

[Symptoms]

pecker - check how far apart your joists are then check the dimensions of the chipboard in the pack of boards. If the width of the boards will allow you to lay them so their long edges are above the mid-points on the joists lay them along the joists - this will allow the joins between neighbouring panels to be supported by the joists below. If the chipboard panels are wider than the distance between the joists then lay them across the joists - we usually cut the panels so the end joins are above joists. Ensure that you lay the panels in a staggered fashion (brick pattern) for maximum mutual support. Fix the panels to the joists with a few woodscrews so that if necessary you can lift them in the future (never use nails as the hammer-banging could damage the plaster ceiling below). Try to avoid a panel from over-hanging a joist 'cos in the future somebody is going to step on this unsupported section, the chipboard WILL snap, and the leg will stamp a hole through the ceiling below ... maybe followed by the rest of the person.