Loft boarding in Victorian terrace

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Cheshire
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Hi, I have recently been having some problems with my roof which has caused me to spend more time than usual in the loft. It is a right mess and I would like to tidy it up, and make it easier to use for storage etc. My intention, if possible, is to board the floor using the green t&g floorboards which are so readily available.

The thing I am struggling with is the insulation and floor joists already there. It would appear that in between the joists is a kind of crispy, yellow fibreglass type insulation? Not everywhere as far as I can tell, which I'm sure it should be. This comes up to roughly the depth of the ceiling joists, and is then overlayed with a much thicker, cream colored insulation, which varies in depth but the blankets themselves appear to be approx. 100mm thick.

My questions are, is this insulation adequate? And how would I best go about boarding the floor? I believe there should be an air gap between the floorboards and the top of the insulation, of around 50mm? The easiest thing I thought to do there would be to lay timbers across the existing joists and board on top? Each layer perpendicular to the last. However the ceiling joists only appear to be around 3x2, so I'm fairly sure that they wouldn't be of sufficient strength. I suppose my other option would be try and reach the walls? And try and suspend 6x2 timbers from wall to wall?

I really don't know what I'm doing so any advice would be appreciated. I will take some pictures as soon as I am able.

Thanks,

Rob.
 
Something like these will help you lay flooring down suitable for storage without squashing the insulation. Also you need to ensure that the joists/ceiling can handle the additional load you will be adding to it.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/ybs-loft-storage-stilts-0-15-x-0-21mm-12-pack/65421
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Con...0/Insulation/sd2738/Loft+Flooring+Legs/p44016

featured-image.jpg

GEDC3004.jpg
 
3" x 2"s are too light for boarding or almost anything else - if they have long spans then its almost guaranteed that they will be sagging already.
Using 6" x 2"s or any other sections would need at least a bit of thought and a little experience.

Dont DIY it, get someone in for a heads up. A joiner or a builder.

The stilt devices suggested above are new to me, and probably unsuitable for you.
 

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