Walking in attic (roof, ceiling, insulation, light)
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I need to go in attic and walk all the way across to do something. I have gone in attic but never really walked a great distance so I wanted to check how should I go about walking in attic. I read that walking on 2x4s is safe. I think 2x4s or "joists" sit on "beam" (4x4) so can't I just walk on any solid wood in the attic? As long as I don't step on the space in between any wood, I should be ok? no?
If you're on the rafters, you're OK. It's best to stay near a vertical support. If you're crawling across the middle of a long span, it may bow and possibly crack seams in the drywall below.
If you have the access and wood to do so, it's not a bad idea to lay plywood across (perpendicular) to the rafters so a) it's easier to crawl on and b) your weight is more distributed across the rafters.
Impossible to tell without knowing the span or seeing pics. If you have seen how Elmer Fudd walks when stalking Bugs, walk like that and be vewwy vewwy qwuiet! At least you will feel safer.
If you lay plywood down in the attic to walk on it, buy something thicker than 1/4" plywood. The previous owner of my house floored half the attic with 1/4", and it bends when you step between rafters. I'll probably end up adding another thin layer.
As a home inspector, I walk in attics every day. It's not without risks, but is also not all that hard.
Some attics are very easy to traverse, others are like a gym workout (try doing a squat and walk 50 feet, then turn around and walk back).
If the roof is built with trusses, they are usually 24" apart. If it is built with conventional rafters and ceiling joists, they are usually 16" on center. Obviously, there are exceptions.
The boards you are walking on (the ceiling joists, or bottom chord of the truss) are in line with the parts that are going up to the top of the roof. If you find the first truss or ceiling joist with your foot (or you may be able to see it), you should be able to walk your way over to wherever you need to be. Have a headlamp, or a bright light up there, and keep your balance by holding onto the rafters as you go.
Some attics have a 2x4 running down the center. Resist the temptation to just walk on that, because they do not always run the entire length, and you could step off the end, and fall thru the ceiling.
Depending how deep the insulation is, and how tall the attic is, the going may be really easy, or very tough. You should also wear a respirator when you are up there. Be careful of wasps, and know you will likely walk thru spider webs.
If the attic is really low, and you have to crawl, then get boards to lay down. Use 3/4" thick boards or plywood, but be careful of tipping when you get to the end of one.
I don't think I would trust that. You might be able to lay a ladder along the section your "hands" are resting on, and crawl down that. It is an awkward space.
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