Newbie putting joists in before loft boarding

[crashbang]

This probably a stupid question, but when laying a second set of perpendicular 3x1 joists, do I lay them 3Hx1W or 1Hx3W?

And which is the best sort of timber to use?

Thanks

 

[Static]

Should be 3 high but kinda depends what you are trying to achieve.. putting more insulation in between the cross battens? or loft conversion? or boarding for storage?

 

[crashbang]

The reason for boarding the loft is additional storage... It is a victorian mid terrace, and I assumed that the extra joists would make the floor sturdier.

I guess adding extra insulation wouldn't hurt.

 

[Static]

Cross battening wont make the ceiling joists stronger, might help with deflection is about all..

If your not insulating your better off just boarding straight onto the existing

 

[JohnD]

cross-battening will allow you to put in an extra layer of insulation under the flooring, without it getting squashed, so is a good idea.

If screwed down, they will increase the rigidity of the flooring and help spread your weight when you are moving about, so this will reduce risk of sagging and cracking.

however the total load bearing capacity will not be increased as the new battens are not standing on walls.

lofts are generally designed to be strong enough to hold the ceiling up, not much more, so no heavy items unless you place them above a load-bearing wall.