Crossbatten - confused?

[rjmacarthy]

Hi, just after a bit of advise.

I want to lay a small board area in my loft, and I read some previous threads which mention cross-battening the existing roof rafters, I think this is the way forward.

Just one question?

I have 8ft 2x4 planks and I need to raise the floor for insulation to fit underneath.

Do I just lay these on top of the rafters and screw them into the rafters (top down) or do I cut them to shape and lay then in between the rafters and screw from the side? Lastly, do I cut them to shape and then screw then into the rafters top down?

Any thing I need to be aware of before I start? Do's and dont's?

Some sort of picture would be appreciated.

On another note: There is a video on YouTube which suggests this idea...Im not a fan of this as it involves drilling directly into the roof trusses, which is probably a very bad idea. Any thoughts?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkiA_B7vTTE

Thanks.

Richard.

 

[ree]

Do you have rafters or trusses?

 

[rjmacarthy]

Like this:

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/CMS/uploadedimages/Images/Homebuilding/QA/fhb192qa01-01_lg.jpg

So trusses.

Sorry for my lack of terminology.

 

[ree]

Lay the insulation between the trusses - between the bottom chords/ceiling joists.

Then simply screw your 2" x 4" bearers to the top edge of the chords - dont worry about squashing down the insulation under your platform.

You can drill pilot holes if it makes it easier to screw down.