Can my attic support my weight?
Whether the floor can support you depends on the distance between the rafters, their material, the material of the floor, and how it was secured to the rafters. In general, experts won't trust attic floors and will only walk on the rafters. The thicker the rafters, the more secure they are.
Where should you not step in the attic?
There's a big difference between an actual floor and the ceiling of the room below your attic. Stepping on drywall or plaster that makes up the roof below could at best cause damage and at worst cause a serious fall to the floor below. A floor that you can walk on will have floorboards and floor joists.
How can I walk in my attic without falling through the ceiling?
0:443:03How To: Walk In An Attic Without Falling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou know as you go from room to room and may change. But always clear out the spot where you'reMoreYou know as you go from room to room and may change. But always clear out the spot where you're gonna step completely before you actually firmly. Put all your weight.
How much weight can attic joists support?
Attic Joists for Live Loads In many cases, ceiling joists for dead loads are designed to carry 10 pounds per square foot (psf), as opposed to the 40 or greater psf that live-load joists must carry.
Is it safe to enter attic?
Our homes are like our own little world, and many of us feel uncomfortable venturing into areas we consider unsafe. However, if you need to go into the attic, rest assured that it is generally safe and you will most likely encounter no problems at all.
Can my attic support a floor?
That begs the question; can my attic support a floor? The answer, in most cases, is a definite yes. Even though it wasn't put there, the joists supporting your ceiling are quite strong. Putting down flooring won't stress them any more than the floors in your bedroom, kitchen, or bath.
What moves at night in a attic?
If you hear nighttime noises that sound like something is moving really fast, it could be rats or mice. In this case, you may hear them not only in the attic, but but also inside the walls. Although these rodents are quite small, they can make some noise.
Can an attic be turned into a room?
When converting an attic to a living space, it must meet the same building requirements as the other rooms in your home. To meet most building codes your attic should: Have at least 7 feet of vertical clearance in the majority of the room, be a minimum of 7 feet wide and have at least 70 square feet of space available.
What should you not put in your attic?
10 Items You Should Never Store In The AtticPaints, cleaning products, or other toxins. ... Anything that is highly flammable. ... Delicate holiday decorations. ... Art is never good to store in the attic. ... Leather products. ... Cardboard boxes. ... Musical instruments. ... Anything wool (or made from natural fibers)More items...•
Is it OK to put plywood in the attic?
Installing plywood flooring in the attic is an easy homeowner upgrade that allows for more attic storage without the possibility of heavier items damaging the ceiling below. We recommend using 1/2” CDX plywood.
Can I walk on attic trusses?
Unless you can safely traverse the attic in the truss webbing or on boards suitable to crawl/walk on, its best to stay out. If you find blown in cellulose and can't see all areas, say so and move on.
Can you put too much weight in attic?
Mistake #5: Storing Heavy Items Some attics do not have a full floor, and heavy objects could eventually fall through drywall, compromising your ceilings, and endangering the household members who are living under the attic space. Even when flooring is present, avoid overloading any areas to ensure safe storage.
How do I walk in my attic with blown insulation?
Lay Down Loose Walking BoardsFind a suitable set of wooden walking boards (planks would be the best option). ... Make sure they are strong enough to hold your weight properly.Lay the planks directly on the insulation. ... You could also lay the planks on the joists, thus building a catwalk-like structure.
Can I walk on attic trusses?
Unless you can safely traverse the attic in the truss webbing or on boards suitable to crawl/walk on, its best to stay out. If you find blown in cellulose and can't see all areas, say so and move on.
What are some hazards when working in an attic?
Working in a low attic can be difficult. Employees moving through these spaces may be exposed to fall hazards at the openings between truss chords. Exposed nails, cables, wires, low-hanging rafters or cross-beams, hot conditions, poor lighting, and truss chords hidden by deep insulation, can add to the risk of falling.
What should you not put in the attic?
10 Items You Should Never Store In The AtticPaints, cleaning products, or other toxins. ... Anything that is highly flammable. ... Delicate holiday decorations. ... Art is never good to store in the attic. ... Leather products. ... Cardboard boxes. ... Musical instruments. ... Anything wool (or made from natural fibers)More items...•