Laminate flooring in loft

[gulbrain]

Hi,

I'm looking to put Laminate Flooring in our loft. We currently use it for storage and don't intend to change it's purpose.

I didn't want to fall foul of silly mistakes as it seemd a little too simple to grab some cheap no-glue interlocking flooring from B&Q and pin it to the loft slats* with some screws in strategic places. [ * the beams I so carefully walk on at the moment ]

Would it be strong enough for storing things I can carry up the ladders (no more than about 10kg per box) ?

Would it require any additional insulation, soundproofing etc to comply with building regulations in Sheffield, UK?
[ I'd hate to have to tear it up to sell the house ]

Would it enhance our currently not very well arranged insulation by it's mere presence ?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[markie]

Why would you want to put laminate flooring in your loft if it's only storage. ?

And for it being strong enough, IMHO no, your ceiling joists are 400mm centres or 600mm, and spanning that gap with la flooring is a no no for me.
Whats wrong with good old t-g flooring. ?

 

[gulbrain]

Thanks markie. Clearly I'm on the wrong train of thought ...

I didn't like the idea of loft boards as I felt there could be some wastage if I had to cut a few cm off the side or end of each board to get them to fit exactly between the joists.

That lead me to longer, narrower units (such as laminate), but didn't really feel that it warranted Parquet !

What do you recommend for a 40 sq.m loft - or are there too many variables to make it that simple ?
.. any good suppliers on the high street?

Thanks again,
Tim

 

[markie]

Tim

If you can get T-G flooring up your loft hatch ( 2f x 8f ) boards that would be your best bet, not only cheaper, but you'll not need to cut boards on joist, hence T-G.

PS If you do board the loft out watch out for eletric cables etc. you'll need to notch joist 1/2 inch so the cables don't get trapped between joist and board.

Any diy store will sell them, shop around for the cheapest.

good luck.

 

[masona]

I didn't like the idea of loft boards as I felt there could be some wastage if I had to cut a few cm off the side or end of each board to get them to fit exactly between the joists.

You don't normally put the T&G boards in between the joists but anyway, put down 3" x 1" timber flat way in the opposite direction of the ceiling joists and positioning them so they are the centre of the T&G boards, this way, no waste and no need to cut out slots for cable or pipe and give air cross flow ventilation underneath.