Some types of do-it-yourself (DIY) home repair or home improvement project will require you to walk or crawl around the attic. However, getting around in the attic can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you maneuver the attic safely.
Determine If the Attic Has a Floor
Sometimes, it may seem that you have a floor in place, but it could really just be drywall. Verify that you have a floor made of real wood and supported by ceiling/floor joists underneath. Start by moving the insulation. If plywood or boards are present, check to see if they are secure to the joists. Otherwise, the wood can flip up as you walk or flip up on the unsupported end. If the attic does not have a floor, when you move the insulation you will see the plaster or drywall held in place by the ceiling/floor joists--this material will not support the weight of you or any boxes.
If you decide not to move the insulation, probe the space to determine the location of each floor joist and ensure that you place your weight on solid material as you move about.
Install Temporary Flooring
Put some planks or plywood down to help you travel across the attic. We recommend that you place some wooden spacers on the joists, to the top of the insulation or you can remove any insulation so that the boards lie firmly on the joists. Just remember to put any insulation you shift around back into its place to keep it working properly and efficiently.
Do not bypass this step and simply lay the boards directly on the floor joists and begin crawling or walking on the boards. If you place too much pressure on the insulation, you could end up popping the nails and pushing the drywall away from the joists and damaging the ceiling material, or flattening the insulation that is meant to be light and fluffy.
Remember, ceiling materials can be fragile and brittle. To avoid adding a DIY attic repair to your project list, always walk gently, especially along the tape joints, to avoid flexing the ceiling framing members and causing cracks to form or drywall texture material to fall off the ceiling.
If you're getting into the attic to check a roof leak rather than do a DIY project, be sure you contact First Quality Roofing & Insulation at 702.262.7847 for a roof inspection.
