Is it OK to put plywood over insulation in attic?

While you can construct dams around recessed lights that aren't IC-rated to keep insulation away from them, you can't cover them with plywood. Doing so can cause them to overheat. Don't install a moisture barrier on top of the insulation.

What can I cover my attic insulation with?

The good solution for this is a house wrap material (often referred to by the popular commercial brand Tyvek) which allows vapor to pass through while blocking water itself on the outside of the home. You can also put up a thin board, plywood, or even drywall, if the goal is simply to prevent accidental contact.

Can I put wood over insulation?

Yes, you can install over an existing wood floor, provided it meets some important conditions. First, make sure doing so won't create problems with height differences at areas such as transitions with other rooms and stairs.

Is it OK to put plywood in the attic?

An attic can be floored with 1/2″ CDX plywood, if it is being used only for storage. However, the same can't be said if you are planning on using the space as a living space. In that case, you will need to use 3/4″ thick plywood. As an alternative, 3/4” OSB can be used.

Can you store things on top of attic insulation?

The bigger issue comes when the stuff is being stored on top of the insulation, compressing it. "The kind of stuff being stored isn't important; how it's stored is," Weisman said. "When you have boxes or even plywood thrown on top of insulation, you compress it.

Reclaiming Attic Storage Space Over Thick Insulation!

What shouldn't you store in an attic?

Should you use attic as storage?

Attics have good potential for storage and are less creepier than basements, though not by much. Yet before you start hauling everything but the kitchen sink up that ladder, you should find out if your attic is up for the task. Assessing your attic for any damages will require a bit of detective work.

Can you cover insulation with plywood?

In a nutshell, if the space will not be used as a living or storage space, you can cover the foam with 1/4" thick or thicker plywood.

Can you board an insulated loft?

Where to Get Help With Loft Insulation. Placing loft boarding over insulation is an easy process and is essential if you want both storage and for your quilt insulation to work at its optimum performance. With the correct products, such as Loft Legs, this is easy and cost effective too.

What type of plywood should I use in the attic?

Joist Spacing and Attic Use

You need 3/4-inch plywood. The thinner plywood is acceptable when the joist spacing is 16 inches. If you plan to finish the floor in the attic and turn the room into a living space, however, you should always use 3/4-inch plywood.

Can you put plywood over subfloor?

Install a layer of at least ½” or preferably 5/8” ply over the existing planks. This is particularly important if your old sub floor has lumps and bumps in it. If you don't respect this thickness of ply, then you're highly likely to see rises and falls in your new flooring.

Can you wood panel over drywall?

A Few More Tips

Most drywall textures are subtle enough to allow to you install the boards over them, but consider scraping off the texture if it's thick or uneven. It may make the boards unstable if it crumbles, and it will adds to the wall thickness.

Should you cover the insulation in the attic?

If the attic itself is insulated, the other side of the knee walls — the space in between the living space and the exterior wall — is usually not. If the wall has fiberglass or cellulose insulation on the nonliving side of the wall, the insulation should be covered by an air barrier such as drywall.

What can I put over insulation?

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.

Should insulation be covered?

Insulation should never be left exposed in a basement. Whether your home has spray foam, foam board, or fiberglass roll (or batten) insulation, each type should always be covered because each poses hazards such as: Fire risk. Irritated skin issues (due to chemical irritants in the materials)

How much gap do you leave between insulation and loft boards?

You'll need to start laying with a minimum gap of 25mm between the eaves and the insulation to ensure a suitable air gap. Maintain this gap along two opposite sides of the loft.

Can you board straight onto loft joists?

You can still board directly on to the joists if you want, but it is worth noting that this would not pass a building control inspection, because you wouldn't have the full 270mm depth of insulation required by regulations. Whatever you do, make sure you put as much insulation beneath the boards as possible.

Should I remove the old attic insulation?

Unless it's water damaged or rodent-infested, you do not need to remove your attic insulation. Remember, if you are concerned about dust and air quality, you need to have your attic air sealed to separate the attic from the house before you add more insulation, otherwise you'll just make the dust problem worse.

How do I reinforce my attic for storage?

Can I store cardboard boxes in attic?

Cardboard Boxes

Those cardboard boxes stacked up in your attic could become a veritable buffet for mice and bugs if you're not careful. "Pests are attracted to the cardboard and to the glue used in construction of the box," says Santoro. "Boxes also break down and disintegrate, which will attract pests even more."

Can a hot attic cause a fire?

Common Causes of Attic Fires

If your circuits ever become overloaded and lead to a breaker failing, the excess draw of energy can cause a fire. According to FEMA, about 43 percent of all residential attic fires are the result of this scenario taking place.

Is it safe to store wood furniture in attic?

Wooden Furniture

Don't store them in the attic, garage, or basement. Humidity and heat can cause the wood to mildew, mold, expand, and crack.