Cross-battens in the loft, extra strength or extra weight?

[judder]

If I were to lay cross battens (not tied into the walls) in my loft space with chipboard on top, does the cross-battening add more strength than weight, or the other way around?

What is the optimum/recommended size of the cross-batten? I was thinking about 2x2, but suspect 3x2 might be better. Any replies will be much appreciated.

 

[alfiembra]

Cross Battens wouldn't provide additional strength only weight as you suggest. Only benefit of cross battens is that if your existing trusses are well spaced out eg 600mm centres then the floor boards would be struggling to span the gap between them, so you could reduce the span of the boards with the battens at say 400mm centres. But no they wouldn't add any strength.

Alan