ᐅ Installing Tongue-and-Groove Boards in the Attic – Tips

So, I need to start addressing this topic. The tongue-and-groove boards have been stored in the attic since the shell was completed. I am currently considering how to approach this properly.

The initial plan was to install the tongue-and-groove boards from gable to gable, laid perpendicular to the (purlin?) beams of the roof structure (which you essentially walk on, going from eaves to eaves). However, this would mean the tongue-and-groove boards would be directly on top of the insulation placed between the beams, which raises concerns regarding air circulation.

A while ago, I received advice to raise the boards. Now, to avoid adding multiple (unnecessary) layers and increasing the height too much, I am thinking of installing battens lengthwise from gable to gable instead of laying the tongue-and-groove boards lengthwise. What spacing should I use between the battens? Then, the tongue-and-groove boards would be rotated and laid on the battens, this time running from eaves to eaves.

Since the boards will need to be cut on site, is it a problem if the cuttings—mainly fine dust from cutting—fall onto the insulation? How can this be prevented?

Thanks for your feedback!

Yes, you can do it that way, with a 60cm (24 inch) spacing. I just let the sawdust fly and then left it where it fell. In theory, you could also set up a sawing area lined with something beforehand.

Bau-beendet schrieb:

A long time ago, there were already tips here about "increasing" that.

What exactly do you want to increase: the structure or the air circulation? - By the way, feel free to link any internal references here.

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11ant schrieb:

What needs to be increased: the structure or the air circulation? - By the way, feel free to link internal sources here.

The structure. If I want to lay the tongue-and-groove boards lengthwise (from gable to gable), I would have to place the battens lengthwise on the beams, then one crosswise, and only then lay the tongue-and-groove boards lengthwise.

@Tolentino

What height/width for the battens would be appropriate here? 3x5 (width/height) centimeters (1.2x2 inches) or wider? This is in case two joints of the tongue-and-groove boards rest on one batten to provide enough support surface.

Yes, I would go with 4 by 6, as it’s a standard size. I simply doubled up and made it 2.5 by 4 (laid flat on the beams), and when I imagine having one centimeter (0.4 inches) less for the floorboards, it would have been really tight.