Any suggestions for correctly installing wood planks in attic without screwing up the insulation?

Question

I just added a pull down ladder to my attic. Now I want to add wood surfaces over the joists. Will sandwiching the insulation between the drywall and new surface have an adverse effect on the insulation value?

Answer 1

If your insulation is over the joists, compression will reduce the R value. If it is only slightly above the joist, don't sweat it, as mentioned the planks will add some minimal value and slight compression won't reduce the R value significantly. If you are in a northern climate and the insulation is several inches above, you need to figure out how to raise your floor so it just rests at the height of the insulation. Might have to add 2 x 4 or 2 x6 on top of the joists, and of course attach them, then add your floor. Also make sure you don't inadvertantly cover over any exhaust fans that are not vented to the outside, or any "can lights" than can overheat if covered.

Answer 2

Yes it would be ok to put some floor boards down. But don't beat on the ceiling joist with nails and hammer........either let them lay loose or shoot them with an air gun or screw them with a screw gun. If you beat on the old ceiling you may cause a problem below. I did this for my son and at the same time I hung 3 lights and a switch right at the crawl hole entrance........the easy way to get lumber up there is to buy some green or wet 1x6 so you can bow it through the hole. 3 boards wide would be perfect.......but you can get away with 2 and space them one inch apart. This is a great plan for all home owners. I even did it under his rambler.........I layed visqueen down and put a switch at the crawl hole door and lights down the middle of the crawl space........then anybody can see in the attic or under the house when working on anything. And if your careful you can run all your cable or wire down through the interior walls......just locate and bore the walls and cut your holes where you want you outlets........stick a piece of wire down thru first and tape in to your new wire and pull it slowly right to where you want it. I do the same from under the house. I just bore down through the carpet with a 12" piece of metal coat hanger for a location point and go from there. Good luck. Wear a paper mask and take a lawn rake with you and balance up the insulation by dragging where you may.......but wear the mask. Have a nice xmas........any ?'s email

Answer 3

I agree with sensible_man. Also make sure that if the insulation has backing material on one side (i.e. paper, foil) that this side is facing down towards the rooms below. If you compress the insulation too much you will not only lose R value but risk buckling the sheetrock on the ceilings of the rooms below (assuming they have sheetrock).

Answer 4

As long as you are not compressing the insulation, there should be no problem. Insulation works by having captive air so if you compress it, you are lowering the R-value.

Answer 5

No it wont, but sheet materials would be better. you may get cracks in the ceilings below and could ( if it is very thick ) push the insulation through the ceiling boards. be careful!

Answer 6

It does, but if you are laying ply wood down for storage, The plywood will act as a sealer and you will still have a good R- value rating. This will be like your exterior walls only horizontal.