I've recently moved into a 1950s era semi-detached house. The loft is quite large, but unsuitable for a loft conversion (roof pitch too low), therefore we're looking to:
a) add insulation as it's only got 100mm at the moment.
b) raise the level of the existing joists to allow the additional insulation to be installed and loft boards on top of that.
The existing joists are about 4.8-5m long, 4"x2" at 400mm centres. They rest on the external walls and are supported almost mid span by a perpendicular internal wall which goes to the base of the house. The area I'm looking to board over is about 25m2.
I'm looking to raise the floor level with 6"x2" timber to allow for the new insulation to go down without being compressed.
My questions are:
a) Can the new timber simply be laid on top of the existing joists (obviously screwed in)?
b) If not, should the timber be laid at right angles across the existing joists?
I've looked around and there seem to be conflicting views, so I thought I'd muddy the waters even further by seeking advice specific to my situation.
Thanks in advance. Will
a) add insulation as it's only got 100mm at the moment.
b) raise the level of the existing joists to allow the additional insulation to be installed and loft boards on top of that.
The existing joists are about 4.8-5m long, 4"x2" at 400mm centres. They rest on the external walls and are supported almost mid span by a perpendicular internal wall which goes to the base of the house. The area I'm looking to board over is about 25m2.
I'm looking to raise the floor level with 6"x2" timber to allow for the new insulation to go down without being compressed.
My questions are:
a) Can the new timber simply be laid on top of the existing joists (obviously screwed in)?
b) If not, should the timber be laid at right angles across the existing joists?
I've looked around and there seem to be conflicting views, so I thought I'd muddy the waters even further by seeking advice specific to my situation.
Thanks in advance. Will