Boarding loft floor for storage

longwalks1

As above, planning to board out most/all of the loft for storage, probably replace the insulation while we are at it too.

Should we reinforce the joists and if so, do we:

go across the current ones to form a lattice type structure

Go on top of the current joists, following their direction

Bolt onto side of existing joists in same direction/plane

No doubt will have some more questions over the coming weeks too

Gloomendoom

I created what are, in effect, engineered joists and increased the depth of the existing joists to a minimum of 12". With standard 8 by 2 tongue and groove flooring sheets on top, it's solid.

telemarks

I would say it most depends on what size your current joists are, and what condition they are in.

From a insulation point of view creating a wooden lattice would provide the best insulation, (because wood does conduct some heat), or use those plastic extensions designed for the job.

However if its a weak roof, reinforcing along the joists would be a better idea.

So ... depends ...

EachPenny

britishboy wrote: »

As above, planning to board out most/all of the loft for storage, probably replace the insulation while we are at it too.

Should we reinforce the joists and if so, do we:

It depends what you want to store in the loft and the weight of the flooring plus additional timber you are adding. If the storage is going to involve more than a few empty boxes and christmas decorations then you really need to be thinking of involving a professional to advise you.

britishboy wrote: »

go across the current ones to form a lattice type structure

This is an example of why professional advice might be needed. Adding structural members in a perpendicular fashion won't strengthen the existing roof - all it will do is to add to the total weight imposed on the structure below.

Working out what the correct solution will be in your case will involve understanding the load paths in the existing structure, and whether the additional load you plan will be safely carried.

dunroving

What sort of professional would be qualified to advise on this question?

ktuludays

dunroving wrote: »

What sort of professional would be qualified to advise on this question?

a structural engineer or experienced builder

Debbie_Savard

Unless you plan on storing concrete slabs in the loft, just use extenders to allow for increased depth of insulation and board out

dunroving

I've read a number of threads here on MSE about boarding and/or converting lofts and opinions seem to be 50/50 between "your ceilings will fall down if you store more than Christmas decorations" and "we didn't reinforce our joists and 20 years later our loft conversion is still standing"

Tom99

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Unless you already have extra thick insulation sticking above the joists, I have always just boarded straight onto the joists. Any boxes you store is going to add to the insulation value as well.[/FONT]

Grenage

If you've got an old house with decent joists, you can probably do what you like. If you've got a modern house with the bare minimum, you have to be much more careful.

EachPenny

Grenage wrote: »

If you've got an old house with decent joists, you can probably do what you like. If you've got a modern house with the bare minimum, you have to be much more careful.

...which is why it is important to get appropriate advice for the OP's specific circumstances rather than relying on generalisations like:-

Debbie_Savard wrote: »

Unless you plan on storing concrete slabs in the loft, just use extenders to allow for increased depth of insulation and board out

dunroving wrote: »

"we didn't reinforce our joists and 20 years later our loft conversion is still standing"

The OP gives no information about the age of the house, the type of roof construction, any prior modifications, nor the condition of the existing timbers. For all we know it could be an old house with roof timbers full of woodworm, or a brand new house with bare minimum timber trusses (and a still valid guarantee).