Attic gangplank

Up Donegal

I intend cutting a few 8' x 4' sheets of plywood in half lengthwise to use as a walkway along the centre of my attic. Can these be laid directly on top of the joists or would I need to raise the plywood above the level of the insulation that's almost level with the tops of the joists?

looksee

If the insulation is not to the top of the joists it is not thick enough. However, if the joists are above the insulation, yes you can do it. Is there enough head space to get an 8ft length of ply through the access hole?

edit - oh right, you mean the insulation is almost (but higher than) the level of the insulation. If its a matter of a couple of centimeters I wouldn't worry (though see my comment about not enough insulation) otherwise you need to put on some timbers to lift the ply, the insulation should not be compressed.

Bawnmore

This might be a stupid question - our insulation is also just above the joists. We intend to top this up with another 200mm, but what do we need to do with our current walkway to tank? Raise it? Same question to create an area for storage I guess - also raised?

loyatemu

Bawnmore wrote: »

This might be a stupid question - our insulation is also just above the joists. We intend to top this up with another 200mm, but what do we need to do with our current walkway to tank? Raise it? Same question to create an area for storage I guess - also raised?

Loft legs
https://www.goodwins.ie/products/loft-legs-175mm-high-pack-of-12.html

Bawnmore

loyatemu wrote: »

Loft legs
https://www.goodwins.ie/products/loft-legs-175mm-high-pack-of-12.html

Of course that's a thing - thanks!

raxy

Those loft legs are not suitable for walking on so I wouldn't use them. You could put insulation board down under the walkway & the ply on top.
Other option would be raising the level with lengths of wood & ply on top.

loyatemu

raxy wrote: »

Those loft legs are not suitable for walking on so I wouldn't use them.

that is literally what they are for:
"They enable the addition of at least 180mm (7") of roof space insulation and the subsequent fitting of a walkable floor."

raxy

loyatemu wrote: »

that is literally what they are for:
"They enable the addition of at least 180mm (7") of roof space insulation and the subsequent fitting of a walkable floor."

My bad. I was sure when I was doing my attic they said only suitable for storage.
Still not sure I'd trust them for walking on.

GreeBo

raxy wrote: »

My bad. I was sure when I was doing my attic they said only suitable for storage.
Still not sure I'd trust them for walking on.

The more boards you use with these legs the more structurally sound it becomes as they support each other like a floating floor.

However if you have a large area to use it can become expensive to buy the legs, I just bought a couple of 2x4s and some brackets & screws and chopped them into appropriate sizes

Harry Palmr

Don't forget cables and wires! Never put a squeeze on electrics.