Loft boarding for storage advice

tizerbelle

tizerbelle wrote: »

You know, I really should check my loft out - been here over 2 years and never poked my head through the hatch - in fact - I'm off to have a look now.

Okay, not tonight - who the f**k screws a loft-hatch in place and then applies umpteen layers of paint over the top?!

WestonDave

tizerbelle wrote: »

Okay, not tonight - who the f**k screws a loft-hatch in place and then applies umpteen layers of paint over the top?!

Someone really really really scared of spiders!

dander

Thanks Dave, I think I must have been so excited when I clicked through to those first boards that I completely failed to read the rest of your post about the space boards! I really like the look of those all in one jobs.

ubay25

Dave, if I use the insulated boards from B&Q how do I install them? Do they go on top across the joists? If that's the case it will leave space between joists making it possible to put normal insulation there.

I am also wondering if these boards will be strong enough to support a person's weight?

Thanks!

WestonDave

I've not used the insulated boards but I imagine they are similar high density foam insulation on the back. That being the case leave the insulation that is between the joists and take the stuff that is above them off. Lay the boards at right angles to the joists across them. They are designed to support a persons weight for periodic access to the loft - they are probably not designed to be the floor to a loft conversion in daily use so they will be fine if you are just storing things up there from time to time.

To be honest both are effectively the same thing - the seperate space boards and loft panels when installed work in the same way as the insulated boards. I would be checking the U (this is an indicator of the insulation effectiveness) value of both methods and the combined price of the space boards & chipboard panels against the combined boards to make sure you are getting the same insulation value for your money. My guess is the B&Q combined boards work out cheaper as they are own brand, but just make sure that's not because they are poorer insulation. Its not clear on the website the exact sizes or the number of boards you get for your money - have a look in a big B&Q at the different packs and work out the prices. As there is virtually no difference to the hassle in installing the seperates it all comes down to cost.

john_howard_fisher

great post. i have a old 1930s house. what would be best for this type of house.