Lo there - new member here!
I've got a 1929 semi, with a loft I'd like to (better) use for storage. I've had quotes to get the roof relined & retiled (as the existing tiles are torched on(?) and crumbly - and also get a loft ladder installed.
Once those are done, I'd like to properly board the loft - but I'm not sure how amusing a prospect this is going to be, given the state of the loft - ...so here are some questions, if you'd be so kind as to assist
Existing ceiling "floor" joists are 2"x3", (3 inch side vertical), and spaced 13" to 14" apart (see pic).
I gather from reading various sites that 2" x 4" would be better, but given the spacing, would I be ok to board "as is"?
Also, either side of the loft is a 2"x3" joist on top of the other joists, running the opposite way (again, see pic).
My initial ("I'm not a builder!") solution was to add additional 2"x3" or 2" x 4" beam/sections (as I'd never get a full length one in - it'd have to be in at least two halves) across the main (lower) joists, to better distribute weight, and then lay the floor boards across those (so they would cover the raised/highest joist).
View media item 7383
Picture above shows the 2"x3" joists, the gaps between them and one of the two crossways 2"x3" which is atop them (yes, I'm aware it's a bloody dusty mess - hence why the roof is intended to be done!)
Is this a completely mad idea? (Where) Do I need to worry about weight? Should I suspend my intended crossways joists from the roof joists in some manner?
Do building reg approvals come in if I start diddling with joists? Or only if I tamper with the existing ones, rather than add new ones?
Help! (please!)
I've got a 1929 semi, with a loft I'd like to (better) use for storage. I've had quotes to get the roof relined & retiled (as the existing tiles are torched on(?) and crumbly - and also get a loft ladder installed.
Once those are done, I'd like to properly board the loft - but I'm not sure how amusing a prospect this is going to be, given the state of the loft - ...so here are some questions, if you'd be so kind as to assist
Existing ceiling "floor" joists are 2"x3", (3 inch side vertical), and spaced 13" to 14" apart (see pic).
I gather from reading various sites that 2" x 4" would be better, but given the spacing, would I be ok to board "as is"?
Also, either side of the loft is a 2"x3" joist on top of the other joists, running the opposite way (again, see pic).
My initial ("I'm not a builder!") solution was to add additional 2"x3" or 2" x 4" beam/sections (as I'd never get a full length one in - it'd have to be in at least two halves) across the main (lower) joists, to better distribute weight, and then lay the floor boards across those (so they would cover the raised/highest joist).
View media item 7383
Picture above shows the 2"x3" joists, the gaps between them and one of the two crossways 2"x3" which is atop them (yes, I'm aware it's a bloody dusty mess - hence why the roof is intended to be done!)
Is this a completely mad idea? (Where) Do I need to worry about weight? Should I suspend my intended crossways joists from the roof joists in some manner?
Do building reg approvals come in if I start diddling with joists? Or only if I tamper with the existing ones, rather than add new ones?
Help! (please!)