What's the point of loft legs?

Why do you need loft legs for boarding over a loft? Can't I just lay boards over the joists?

Asked by Jackie on 10th Feb 2023
Expert Trade Answers
"The reason. That you need lift legs is to keep the ventilations running around, otherwise you will create lots of condensations"
Answered on 23rd Jul 2024 - Member since Feb 2023 - report
"Hi Jackie,
The point of loft legs is to protect the loft insulation being flattened by the boards, that is providing you have loft insulation thus limiting its insulation qualities.
To be compliant with todays building regulations you would usually have 300 mm of loft roll insulation comprising of two layers of 150 mm with one layer between the joists and the second layer laid at ninetydegrees the the initial layer. Your loft legs are designed to bridge the thickness of the insulation and protect its integrity.
Hope this helps ?
Kind regards
Craig - Clever conversions"
Answered on 10th Feb 2023 - Member since Jan 2021 - report
"Lift legs are mainly to keep the boarding above to standard 200-300mm insulation, but there is no reason why you can’t board straight onto joist"
Answered on 10th Feb 2023 - Member since Jan 2023 - report
"It helps get the right amount of insulation underneath and doesnt compress it"
Answered on 11th Feb 2023 - Member since Oct 2022 - report
"Loft Legs are available in 2 different sizes , there's a standard loft leg which is 175mm and there is an XL version of this which is 300mm , these legs are designed to be fitted directly to your properties structural joists and dependant on the existing depth of you insulation you can fit these to allow your boarding to sit above the insulation allowing good air flow and allowing the insulation to be uncompromised :)"
Answered on 26th Jun 2024 - Member since Jun 2024 - report
"If you add 300 mm insulation, after that lay boards right on the on joists that means you comprese insulation from 300mm to thickness of joist, and the pressed insulation no longer has the same qualities specified by the manufacturer, in the end you just spend some extra money for nothing"
Answered on 12th Mar 2023 - Member since Mar 2022 - report
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