How do I work in attic?

Question

Our roof is one of those built with pre-assembled trusses, so the attic space is not really an attic. There is very thick blown insulation, so I can't see the joists. I assume there is no walkway under the insulation, so I'd break through the ceiling below if I stepped between the joists. Should I haul in some boards to walk on, and just lay them on top of the insulation? If so, is it OK to leave them for future work, or will they significantly reduce the insulation value?

Answer 1

If the insulation was added after the house was lived in for a while, there may be a walkway down there somewhere. Get out your snow shovel.

If it was added since new you still should move it aside and put your walkway in. When you are finished, move the insulation back over the walkway

Answer 2

I would remove the boards after use and refluff the insulation. R value is compromised when insulation is compressed. The air pockets within the insulation help the effectiveness.

One more note, if you'll be up there alot, just put some nails on the trusses and rest the boards on them.

Answer 3

the boards won't reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. In fact, the main reason that insulation in your attic isn't "sealed" into the wall is because of cost savings. - why put flooring up in an area that doesn't need it?

I would lay down the 2 x 4's or whatever and be comfortable with that.

Answer 4

Yes, haul in board and leave them for later need. You can even nail them down they will not reduce the insulation value

Answer 5

Unless the insulation is smashed down too much you should be OK.

The boards if wide enough would actually increase the insulation value.