How difficult are loft boards now you have to use the little legs?

[KatyMac]

I'm not planning on cutting any just fitting them in the space

But I haven't used the little legs yet, how easy are they?

I used to just lay them in place I'm guessing screwing is involved now?

TIA

Legs? We did ours about 10 years ago, chipboard panels with a tongue and groove fitting. Only screwed down on the joists.

Eh?

Because the minimum for insulation is now deeper than the joists/rafters you have to use little legs now otherwise the extra insulation is compromised

legs

Do you mean the plastic legs which raise the boards over the insulation? DH boarded our loft - screwed the legs to the wood then screwed the boards to the legs. Not sure if that’s the right way to do it but the roof hasn’t caved in after three years.

(There’s probably a more technical way to describe it than I did!)

It must be easy because my DH did it and he's DIY challenging 😂

you don't have to use legs.

My preferred method is to lay additional timbers at right-angles to the existing one, screwing them together at every intersection, so your first layer of insulation goes between the original timbers, and the second layer runs between the new ones.

Space them so that each joint of your flooring panels will rest on a timber, and screw them down.

This method adds rigidity to the floor deck, and spreads your weight a little as you clamber about.

Another method is to lay rigid foam insulation slabs, and screw your flooring panels though them into the existing timbers. Foam slab is more expensive than mineral wool, but has about twice the insulation for the same thickness. The foam slab is not strong enough to walk about on alone, but ply or chipboard laid on it is strong enough.

I'm a bot DIY challenged too! That's why I am asking

Thanks Piglet John but that really isn't going to happen

I can't use a drill as my wrists are too weak; even screwing through chipboard will be a massive effort

My insulation is already there (we moved in last year and it's insulated to the newer level)

So if the legs HAVE to be screwed and the boards HAVE to be screwed then I may have to get someone in

Have you got an electric screwdriver or drill? It may be enough for you to do it?

I have a drill but my hands aren't strong enough to hold it stable; it's a right bugger

I reckon I'll lay it all out and get someone to come and drill/screw it all at the end

Sounds like a good plan. I'm sure a friend would be able to do it for you, with you passing all the relevant bits

I managed to get them all laid out - waited for the dust too settle then DH went up with a mask and screwed then down - it's amazing!

He has chronic lung disease so I try and keep him out of dusty places but he seems to be OK

Ask Father Christmas to bring some of these

I think I have a box of 100. There are various types. 3M in particular do ranges for dust, paint, solvents etc.

The plastic valve on the snout makes it easy to breath out, and the cup bends to fit closely round the nose.

There are also rubber non-disposable ones like gas masks, with replaceable filters.

A company called Loftzone sell a pack that does that . It all comes in a set. My dh has been looking at it .

Brilliant, I'm glad you got it sorted between the two of you