Loft storage floors

[Tom Joyce]

Hello All,

We have recently moved to a new house (although it’s not a new build), and we need the loft area for storage! It’s as it was when we moved in very little to no insulation up there and only a couple of boards screwed into the joists.

To board out the entire loft for storage purpose only can we put lengths of wood across the joist insulate between the wood and boards on the top of the new wood?

I have seen a couple of things on the internet and looks like people have done what I have suggested above although this doesn’t mean it’s correct I guess! Other option is to buy quite a lot of these plastic loft legs?

Just after a bit of advice if possible?

Thank you!

 

[JohnD]

Please measure the loft joists - width, depth, and length between supporting walls

And post some pics to show the layout of roof construction.

How old is the house? Does the roof have slates, clay tiles, or concrete tiles? And is there felt or membrane under them?

 

[RandomGrinch]

Hi,

There are plenty of threads on this forum about loft storage, if you fancy some bedtime reading!

Personally, I have used the Loftzone Storefloor system and have been very happy with it.

https://www.loftzone.co.uk/product/storefloor/

It states it is suitable for slim joists, adds a decent amount of height for adding extra insulation and is very simple to install.

It may be a little pricey for some though!

 

[Tom Joyce]

Please measure the loft joists - width, depth, and length between supporting walls

And post some pics to show the layout of roof construction.

How old is the house? Does the roof have slates, clay tiles, or concrete tiles? And is there felt or membrane under them?

Loft joist are 30mm X 70mm and 400mm apart across the loft. Lengths from supporting walls am not 100% sure on this below is the layout of upstairs.

Roof hasn’t got any felt/membrane it’s just tiles. Below are a couple of pictures, we just need it for storage space and will be walked across every now and then to put stuff up/take down.

The loft ends between bedroom 3 and the bathroom. Bathroom has its own small loft above it.

Appreciate any help with this.

Thanks

 

[RandomGrinch]

Loft joist are 30mm X 70mm and 400mm apart across the loft. Lengths from supporting walls am not 100% sure on this below is the layout of upstairs

32 X 50mm joists are the minimum recommended size for the Loftzone system.
So yours should be fine.

...and if you want to keep stored items as free from dust as possible, you can tack a breather membrane below the rafters.

 

[JohnD]

An alternative method is to run timbers across the joists, running lengthways. Decking timbers are easy to find and quite cheap. If these are screwed down tightly, they will help spread the load when you are clambering about, and stiffen the floor. You can screw down large sheets of ply onto the battens, it will give you quite a stiff deck and reduce the risk of cracking the ceiling below. You can run mineral wool insulation between the joists, and another layer between the counterbattens.

I would put a floor in the area between the purlins, you can't walk beyond that into the eaves. But keep a spare piece of board to kneel on if you need to work in that area.

Do not use a hammer and nails in the loft, it may cause the ceiling plaster to shake loose.