Hey there, fellow DIY dads! Ready to turn that dusty, hard-to-navigate attic into a functional storage space? Adding flooring to your attic not only makes it more accessible but also increases your home’s usable square footage. Let’s dive into how you can tackle this project, with a special focus on dealing with those tricky electrical wires.
Before You Start: Safety First
- Ensure your attic is structurally sound to support additional flooring.
- Check local building codes – some areas require permits for attic renovations.
- Wear appropriate safety gear: dust mask, gloves, and eye protection.
- Work during cooler parts of the day or a cooler season to avoid heat exhaustion.
Step 1: Assess Your Attic
Before laying any boards, take a good look at your attic’s current state:
- Measure the space between joists (typically 16″ or 24″ on center).
- Check the height of your attic – you’ll want at least 30″ of headroom.
- Identify any obstacles: HVAC ducts, plumbing vents, chimneys, or the all-important electrical wires.
Step 2: Deal with Electrical Wires
Here’s where many DIYers get stuck. Often, you’ll find electrical wires running across the tops of ceiling joists. Here’s how to handle them:
- Do NOT simply lay boards over the wires. This can cause overheating and is a fire hazard.
- Options for managing wires: a) Reroute the wires: This is the best but most involved solution. b) Add crossmembers to raise the floor, allowing the wires to flow freely. c) Notch the boards: Cut small channels in the underside of your flooring to accommodate wires.
- If you’re uncomfortable working around electrical wires, consult an electrician. Safety first!
Pro Tip: Take photos of wire locations before covering them up. This will be invaluable for future projects.
Step 3: Insulation Check
Ensure your attic is properly insulated. If adding insulation:
- Use unfaced insulation if there’s already a vapor barrier.
- Don’t compress existing insulation – this reduces its effectiveness.
Now’s the time to seal any small gaps you find with spray foam.
Dad’s Pick: Owens Corning R-30 Insulation – Easy to handle and cut, great for DIY installation.
Step 4: Choosing Your Flooring
Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) are common choices:
- 23/32″ thick boards for 24″ joist spacing
- 15/32″ thick boards for 16″ joist spacing
Step 5: Installation
- Cut boards to fit, leaving a 1/8″ gap between sheets and at walls for expansion.
- Secure boards perpendicular to joists using 1-5/8″ deck screws.
- For added stability, use construction adhesive between joists and boards.
Pro Tip: Create a cutting station in the attic to minimize trips up and down the ladder.
Step 6: Adding Accessibility
Consider installing an attic ladder or stairs for easier access if not already installed:
- Measure the ceiling height and available floor space carefully.
- Choose between folding ladders, telescoping ladders, or permanent stairs based on your needs and space.
Dad’s Pick: Attic Stairs Insulation Cover – Does a great job sealing the hot attic from the cool air conditioned living space below.
Final Thoughts
Adding attic flooring is a great way to increase your home’s storage capacity and overall value. Remember to work safely, especially around electrical components. If you’re ever in doubt, especially when it comes to electrical work or structural changes, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
Now, stand back and admire your handiwork – you’ve just turned unused space into a functional storage area. Time to fill it up with all those holiday decorations and camping gear!
Happy DIYing, fellow dads!