[Closed] Boarding a loft

Yes, I do things backwards

There are some jobs which should not be done backwards. I think this is one of them.

EDIT: I've seen you said "partially" so yeah, not that big a deal. I think loft-boards might be useful as regular size sheets of chipboard are quite heavy. Obviously make sure your rafters will take a load (sometimes they're quite a bit shallower than floor-joists).

DD's correct... Insulation first, then board. Otherwise, well, it will just go horribly wrong.

Also, no insulation up there at all? It's people like you that are killing all those baby seals.

But sheets of Kingspan or equivalent at the same time, and a carving knife for cutting them.
PLace the insulation between joists before boarding. Easypeasy

My daily commute is my contribution to baby seal deaths.

I want to be a beligerant penny-watcher and immediately ignore this advice, but I shall heed and buy some kingspan.

Does it have to be a certain distance away from the spots? (fire rated)

Ta

bear it is yer loft man, don't bother with kingspan, get rockwool - cheap and cheerful insulation. Roll it out between the rafters and then board over the top.

Insulation should go up as close as you can between the rafters but do not compress it down with the board on top.

If you have spots you can get little bucket things that go over the top of them to stop the insulation touching the hot part of the light Mackies lL ice cream tubs work well also.

I'm glad you've said that, because I'm not keen on the apparent prices of this Kingspan stuff (and they don't seem to sell it in B&Q/Selco etc)

Or for spots use upturned clay/terracotta plant pots.

If you need more depth for insulation: http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p44016

Insulate first, then floor.
Given the current recommendations for insulation, you would probably need to get 'stilts' or legs to raise the level of the floor you want to put down. Insulation thickness is probably thicker than your joists.

Blowing cellulose insulation in is probably the best way to add insulation. It performs better than rockwool and the thought of Kingspan up there is a terrible one.

Insulation pays back 12 months of the year, so get it done then put the floor down.

Just make sure you buy decent quality loft boards. Many is the time I'm been in a customers 'boarded' loft to find its been boarded out with really cheap boards with all the strength and rigidity of weetabix. I put my foot through some poor buggers ceiling the other day because of crap/ weak boards. Not a nice experience 😳

18mm b&q jobs, should be ok? Thanks to DD I'm lost in a world of insulation googling now 🙂

Lay the loft flooring down like you would lay bricks like a bvrick wall patern, each interlocking into each other, also remember that the flooring has a centre tounge and groove, and its set off centre.

Thongs rather than flip-flops BN. Thongs. Or commando if you dare?

Oh, and insulate first and use the Loft Flooring Legs that andyl referred to for additional depth.

Thanks, but life's too short to start adding additional depth with stilts. I'll be happy with some insulation between joists and boards down. It's the bedrooms, they'll only get heating on about half an hour before bed in winter!

(Yes, no wife here)

It's people like you that are killing all those baby seals.

Canadians?

Thanks, but life's too short to start adding additional depth with stilts. I'll be happy with some insulation between joists and boards down.

If you do the job properly, you're adding value and in the long term, saving money.
If you actually pick doing a gash job over a proper job, even having sought advice, then you deserve high energy bills and less money when you sell it. The insulation works for the whole house, not just the upstairs rooms.

If you are watching your pennies you can get the insulation for free

https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy-saving-products/home-insulation/free-insulation

Its very very simple to apply for and they just turn up and do it for you.