Insulation / Loft Boarding

Magic_Legs

Hi all,

I have replaced the joists above the main bedroom in my house and now intend to board the loft (for storage only). I intend to board the loft before the plasterer puts in a new ceiling as I believe screwing in the boards after the ceiling is put in will dislodge some of the plaster.

My questions are:-

1. Is there a way I can insulate the loft after the boards are screwed down but before the new ceiling is plastered in?

2. Are there are problems in boarding over insulation? The joists are 4 x 2 so there wont be a whole lot of space between the plasterboard and the loft boarding.

Any help gratefully received.

p4u1_2

I would suggest doing the ceiling first, then putting down 4" insulation, and finally laying the loft flooring. I've done loft flooring in a couple of houses, one old and one brand new, and it has not had any adverse affect on the ceiling. It is important not to use nails, but to screw down the flooring. Regarding putting the boards on top of the insulation, this is not a problem at all, just be careful of any wiring. Something else to be aware of, 4" insulation used to be the minimum recommended. it might be more these days so it might be worth adding battens to the joists in order to make space for 6" of insulation. Remember though, it is important not to compress the insulation, 4" requires 4", 6" requires 6", etc.

Have a look at http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/. They recommend 270mm (11"), which is an awful lot.