Loft Void - Is this a big job?

[gigi556]

I want to convert the void in our loft to usable storage space. Would be for stuff that can't go in the cellar due to damp so stuff like camping gear, suitcases, etc.

DP thinks it's a big job because the joists aren't big/supportive enough. Him and his dad are saying it's not worth the effort and I'm in a bit of a strop. We live in a Victorian terrace with terrible storage and we need it pretty desperately. I'm not holding onto stuff that we should get rid of either as I'm forever getting rid of crap we don't need. I'm thinking can't we just clean out all the dust and junk and put a light board down and our stuff on top???

Anyway, I'll post some pics.

Here's some more

I think part of my strop is that it's a very large unused space!

We did what you're proposing when we first moved in - bought some chipboard tongue and groove loft boards and put these down after cleaning the dust and silt out - hired an industrial vacuum for this as domestic one couldn't cope. It was brilliant. The joists were perfectly strong as there was an old water tank up there being supported on them. We've now converted the loft and have used every spare inch for storage. Go for it!

Also laid insulation under loft boards. That was a bit of a nightmare job to do in hot summer weather so wear overalls and gloves if/when you do this.

We've done this too but beware, stuff still gets a weeny bit damp here too. Anything I store for a long time I wrap in heavy duty black sacks with duck tape. Also get an electric light put in too. Downside - we get a cold draft coming in around the door edge.

It's already freezing in the bedrooms up there so we were planning to put insulation :)

DP just worried about floor joists holding any weight as they aren't very big.

If the loft is converted then the joists should be strong enough? Did you do the loft conversion?
Misunderstood like he just can't be bothered. Even adding in a few extra strengthening joists wouldn't be a huge job for someone competent.

If the loft has been converted and you are just going to evenly distribute a few bits of camping gear and empty suitcases I would absolutely do it.

Joists are probably not strong enough for a habitable space (ie people walking and living in the space), but perfectly fine for storing stuff. Maybe don't put your record collection in there, but otherwise should be fine. And it's a good idea to put insulation.

As far as I'm aware the attic was never converted per say. It's always been a usable room. The walls are lath and plaster and there is an original Victorian fireplace

By the look of the back of the space it has lath and plaster and slate tiles with no felt.

So either this has always been a room since the day it was built and velux added or its not to modern day regs conversion.

But either way it has a room in there so a few suitcases aren’t going to make any odds.

I’d hoover it all up.
Lay down insulation
Put in loft legs (will prevent compressing of insulation and future condensation issues)
Put tongue and grove board on top
And staple breathable felt to underside of roof

Plenty of YouTube videos on this subject and and a few pitfalls to look out for.

My tips would be.

.Wear the cheap almost see through overalls you buy from screw etc. It’s itchy work!
.Don’t do it in high summer
. Wear goggles old insulation itches like mad
. Wear a cheap disposable mask. Same point!
. Don’t put your foot through the ceiling

Do you mean duct tape?

looking at your photos, it was not built as a habitable space, it is bare.

Small Victorian houses were built to a price, as weakly and shoddily as possible without (usually) falling down. If it had a slate roof when built (lighter than tiles) the roof timbers will have been very skimpy.

Please measure the roof timbers - their depth, width, and span (the longest unsupported length between supporting walls).

Improved insulation is a good idea. If you use mineral wool treated with Ecose (it is brown, not yellow) this prevents it shedding irritant dust and fibres. I would never use yellow fibreglass again. It is made by Knauf but is also sold under own-brand names. "Ecose" will always be shown the packaging if it has it.

If it was me I would bag up the old stuff and take it to the tip, and hoover out the loft with a builders vac before starting work. It looks like the eaves space has the original tiles with no underfelt, so it will always be very dirty.

BTW I don't like loft legs, there are better ways, once we know the dimensions of your timbers.