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Loft Conversion

Loft Storage Boarding - Batten sizes 2"x 6" vs. 2" x 4"

Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.00 PM

Hi all, I am looking to board up the loft to a good standard ("proper" and all). Everyone recommends - in order to hold the insulation to raise the floor before boarding. And the best way is to do this is to screw cross-battens into the ceiling joists - (2" by 4" timber battens have been recommended). I understand that the insulation shouldn't be squashed by the boarding or it will just carry moisture and not actually act to insulate the house. The knauff insulation sitting on top of the joists are around ~170mm thickness(6+inches). - So i was looking to use 2" by 6" timber as cross battens instead. Questions 1. Will 2" x 6" timber be too heavy for cross battening the original ceiling joists. My carpenter said 2" by 6" timber might be too heavy - My initial thought wouldn't you need at least this depth for a full loft conversion?? My original ceiling joists are 2" by 4" timbers, around 13inches apart. 2. If I use 2" x 6" timber Can I screw directly vertical into the ceiling joists? If so would these be the best screws? https://www.screwfix.com/p/spax-yellox-pz-countersunk-woodscrews-6-x-180mm-100-pack/45097 Or would i need to use joist hangers or screw diagonally into the joists? 3. How far apart does each timber batten need to be. I was thinking - one every strip of insulation roll (so arround 20" apart) - is this overkill? The loft space is around 22 Foot X 13 Foot. I plan to board 19 Foot X 11 Foot (leaving the sides to breath). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

yes you can screw directly ceiling joists
Answered25 January 2019
1

SF Property and Gardens

No reviews yet

Eastbourne
As long as the extra timbers brace from the wall at both ends there's no reason you can't do that. It will act as a normal floor, not a ceiling. I wouldn't lay them without structural support below, without that you could get bowing of the ceiling from the weight. Have you looked into loft stilts, maybe cheaper? Also consider wire mesh to hold the insulation in place in case of fire damaging the ceiling
Answered25 January 2019
1

ADR Property Maintenance

Rating: 5 out of 5
Boston
your recommend depth for loft insulation is 270mm to comply with current regs, depends on what your using the boarded out loft for , the current timbers will not support a lot of weight , if its for storage only stilts will do the job. good luck Alex
Answered25 January 2019
1

Quick Time Carpentry

Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Kenilworth
50\150 dropped in between the existing joists on hangers the weight would make your ceiling crack hope this is useful
Answered26 January 2019
1