Loft storage

[David Watkin]

Hi all,

I just moved into a new build and was wanting to use the loft for storage of the usual items; empty suitcases, Christmas trees etc.

The loft is thick with insulation which I don't want to alter if possible as I live in the north of Scotland and I will feel the benefit of it in the winter months.

There are some cross joists about halfway up the internal joist triangle (I don't have any experience in structure so not sure of the correct names..) and I was going to place boards onto those as I only need a small amount of space and it will stop any interference with the insulation.

I assume these will not be strong enough for this purpose so was going to install some vertical supports as shown in my crappy sketch below with some photos..

Do you think this will work or am I heading for disaster? Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnD]

they will make it very difficult to walk down your loft, if you shelf more than the two ends.

How about doing the two bays either side of the centre?

I did mine with battens along, then board standing on the battens (it is possible to wedge boards into the truss, but they will tend to push then apart).

Best to pilot drill your screwholes, or nailholes at a pinch, so you are not hammering the trusses and loosening them.