attic flooring over wires

You need to ensure that the junction box is accessible at all times. I see several options: (1) notch the ceiling joists at every point where the romex crosses to leave a flat surface OR, (2) install thin strips of wood on top of the joists to elevate the plywood flooring above the romex OR, (3) slip the plywood . x 5-1/2-in. In addition, covering the attic floor with plywood will create a condensation layer with a cold attic and moisture moving up through the ceiling below. opens in a new windowBe SURE You Have Enough Attic Insulation - CLICK or TAP HERE. How can i draw an arrow indicating math text? Is Great Stuff foam flammable after it dries? ACROSS the existing joists, perpendicular to them, rather than directly on top of them in the same direction. Unless you feel like cutting each cable and putting a junction box so you could drill through each joist. Just don't give in too easily. Would a freeze ray be effective against modern military vehicles? Can you lay insulation over electrical wires in the attic? Line up your boards and use a level to make sure that it's level with the ceiling trusses. Foam should be tack-free in 10 to 15 minutes. Remember this, its not so much that you are attempting to arrange the wires for what it is that you are doing, as it is for all those that come behind you in the years to come. To understand the major role the attic plays in your home's overall energy performance, let's talk about the Stack . Staple down the wire right above the hole and right under the electrical box. It CAN be torn down to the foundation and rebuilt properly if it has to be. Yes, you absolutely can. Screw the boards into the ceiling joists. For instance, its important to know what type of insulation you should use and how you should install it. The wires are basically through the center of the attic - if they were on the edge, I would just leave them and not put plywood at the edge. Mine is only 2x6s with like a 15' span 16on center and holds a ton of stuff stored. If there's a fire below, the intumescent material will expand rapidly, filling the hood and preventing flames and smoke spreading through the attic. @Tester101: Good point. Can you spray foam around electrical wires? I suspect you didn't sign a contract on the basis that his building supervisor would have total control of the job. The brand will depend on your flooring choice. Press them in place and staple through the paper to the studs. Consulting a professional electrician and general contractor is always a great idea. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Feed the wire through the back of the outlet box, insert the box in the wall, and mount it in place. Convert existing Cov Matrix to block diagonal, Reshape data to split column values into columns. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you consider the safety of running wires through the attic. Continue on to the second speaker location and repeat Step 5. Covers with gaskets may be shipped separately from the boxes. This is an insulated wall and it's kind of hard to get this thing up there. JavaScript is disabled. We realize should we go ahead with flooring that it would be a little higher than where the air handlers sit. Attic hatch or door: Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. Strip the end of the sheathing, attach the wires to the fish tape, and tape them in place. There are very few floor products on the market that allow electric radiant heat to be used with their products. 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Plywood attic flooring is similar to engineered wood flooring in that it is made up of multiple layers. Understanding what type of insulation to use in your attic is key as to whether or not it can cover electrical wiring. While you are determining which insulation to utilize in the attic around your electrical wiring, it is a great idea to also check out the ventilation system in the attic. Some insurance companies will require you to remove all knob and tube from the building within a short period of time as a condition of insurance. There are very few floor products on the market that allow electric radiant heat to be used with their products. In many places wire collects at the bottom over the attic ceiling. (C) Floor Boxes. It doesn't sound like the GC is paying attention, and the supervisor has already demonstrated his lack. This might be a contributing factor to the rising number of accidents and property damage occurring during home maintenance. The plywood attic floor was not in the original floor plans, after the contractor assured us it . We have the shoe molding left to do, touch up painting, Hide a Hose finalizing, and 3 big holes in the ceiling to patch where workers slipped off the attic joists. Check here for more loft boarding mistakes to avoid. Nobody wants a messy house, do you? Measure when you get to the end of the row and cut the last board to fit. But that's just me (notice my name?). Unless you want to go around walking or working in the dark, you will need electrical wiring done in your house. This is important to note as the last thing you want to happen is an electrical fire in the home. So long as you have a primary source of heat in the area (forced air, baseboard, etc) a cork glue down tile can be used IN PLACE OF in-floor radiant heating. If so, you're getting shortchanged on that too. Around ducting that enters the attic from inside the house. I would keep the wires centered in the joists at all times and use the nail plates (as shown above by other poster) over every single wire that goes through a joist member. Calling on your local home inspection team is a great idea. Pull-down stair or ladder: Use a zippered, insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft-free (Attic Tent AT-7 Attic Cover/Insulator, $120; amazon.com). The floor covering is installed over the plywood. If you have wires/cables that run across the top of the attic floor joists, you could build up the joist with ripped 2x4's that would provide another 1-1/2 inch clearance above the joists for the wires. What's to keep somebody (even a kid) from driving a nail or screw into the floor at some future date and drive it through the wire? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. It is important to make sure it is not in your attic or home. Cheers. These lightweight easy-to-manage panels can be installed by even the most inexperienced homeowner in about 15-minutes. Step 3. Yes. YOU are a current client and you expect the service you paid for. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. The resulting depth you are proposing will probably be insufficient to get the insulation you need. For instance, after the framing is complete and the exterior walls have been put up, you need to consider the inside of the wall cavities before you drywall the interior. No need for a carpenter. We kick ourselves for being so ignorant about this!My question is, can notched 2x4's be installed over the joists and wires at this point and would it satisfy code?Thanks! If this is the case the answer is no. Raise Attic Floor Over Wires With 2x2s Doityourself Munity Forums. The types of wires you can use for wiring in the attic are usually non-metallic. If you are running cables or pipes through the attic or crawl space and need to secure them in place, using staples or clips is a better option than drilling a bunch of holes in the joists. ok so imagine an attic with about 15 wires running perpendicular to the joists. 2022 Atkinson Inspection Services. How do you deal with electrical cords, cables, wires, WiFi and Router. Where I am they wouldn't accept the wires draped over the floor whether there was a to be an attic floor or not. Carpet adds some extra insulation, but nearly any flooring choice is acceptable in an attic. It is the commercial name for a protective casing that you can use to cover your wires collectively. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. 6. Running wires over the ceiling joists is probably the easiest. NJ with so much missing insulation? CLICK THE IMAGE to order some NOW. You are allowed to run electric wires through it depending, on the structure of the building. Keeping your attic cool in the warmer months is important to protect the insulation, wiring, and HVAC parts. The builder is hoping you won't make him undergo the expense so he tells you it CAN'T be done when what he means is, "please don't make me do it, it will be too expensive.". Eric wants to transform empty attic space and needs to know how to install an attic floor. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. When you have loft boarding installed, extra loft insulation is usually put in place at the same time. If you can't install a floor outlet get a proper cord cover rated for this purpose, running extensions under carpets long term can become a fire hazard. Lets take a look at what is actually used in the attic. But there are certain factors that you should keep in mind before proceeding. Everything else is a crap shoot. You are allowed to run electric wires through it depending, on the structure of the building. Your attic will often be dark and damp, a perfect breeding space for rats, mice, and other pests. He's doing post Gustav and Ike hurricane jobs in Baton Rouge and Houston, and forgotten all about us. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Would cork flooring underlayment help with vibration dampening in a sub floor? - ok so imagine an attic with about 15 wires running perpendicular to the joists. If you need to use 2 or more batts to fill in a cavity, be certain that they butt up against each other firmly. So furring and notching is a possible solution? Trapping moisture between layers is not a good thing for your attic, as it will breed mold and mildew. If a man's name is on the birth certificate, but all were aware that he is not the blood father, and the couple separates, is he responsible legally? Problem: My living room needs more ambient light, but no attic space, The electric cable must be minimum 1.25 inches from the surface in order to prevent accidental penatration by nails or screws. The type of floor is just chip-wood since I'm just using the space for storage. Anytime you are dealing with electrical wiring you will want to consult a professional electrician. by 9-1/2-in.) It helps to prevent heat, and money, loss! Worker placing styrofoam sheet insulation to the wall. These 4 attic renovations are sure to inspire, Personnaliser mon exprience l'aide de cookies, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Hide All Those Wires in a DIY Charging Station, Home Tech: Getting Rid of Wires Without Sacrificing Sound, 14 Tips for Decorating an Attic Awkward Spots and All, Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting, Room of the Day: A Bright Attic Conversion, Room of the Day: Cramped Attic Becomes a Grown-Up Retreat. Nowhere is this more common than in the attic. How can I hide the ugly mess of electric wires/switches? If the electrical wires aren't insulated . As usual, the builder ran the romex at every conceivable angle in every direction. or 212 (1-1/2-in. And the edges need a small wall built around them to prevent . Just like the aluminum wiring, make sure you replace it in your home before adding insulation. The LoftZone Attic Storage Kit is a lightweight and very easy-to-install prefabricated metal framing system. So that's where we're at right now - it's in the contract, but can it be done safely and to code? x 7-1/2-in. Can I run a plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof? Code says that you may not staple wires to the bottom of a floor joist unless the wire is 6-2, 8-3, or larger. The over all construction of the material (wires, wire casing, webbing, etc) is better when you spend a bit more money. if a house is built in the last 30 years, you can bet under any carpet, and under most tile, is chipboard (obviously excluding on ground slabs)- it takes a lot of water to destroy flooring grade chipboard, and if it does, you have far bigger problems than replacing a bit of flooring unfortunately. Putting down flooring won't stress them any more than the floors in your bedroom, kitchen, or bath. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Find the right local pro on Houzz to kickstart your project. My favorite thought is a Red lacquered Chinese piece with some detailed carving. Floor outlets are useful in some situations and we add these when furniture and, or, lighting is to be placed in the middle of a room or away from the wall. The N.E.C. by 11-1/2-in.). So now our building supervisor tells us, apart from the planks they have laid for air handler access, we won't be having an attic floor!We can't believe he didn't catch it earlier (we are at the installing flooring stage now). Drill destination hole in floor. Details: We have an attic that we use for storage. Then lay your attic floor down on the new 2x4's. Many people like to have insulation around the junction box as it inhibits air exchange and improves the buildings insulation. Junction boxes arent common in terms of usage, and homeowners often forget about them. What is the correct definition of semisimple linear category? Fill in the seams with spray foam. The code specifies 1.25" below surface of board face but this really applies to areas of a residence whereby sheetrock would be installed and not for attic flooring. Complete the form below and each week you'll get: Unsubscribe at any time. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Or lay 2x4's flat perpendicular to the joists, running parallel to the wires. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. This allows the full depth of attic insulation to work as intended. You can lay insulation around the junction boxes as well. Read more. Without removing the flooring, you have the option of blowing loose-fill insulation (fiberglass or cellulose fiber) over the top of the floor. Drill multiple holes if there are many wires. Most home builders just stretch wires across joists, and it may be good to know their routing at some time in the future. The ideal place for a junction box is against the wall stud or a floor beam. 3. If these running boards are positioned off to the side of your new flooring area and your'e not throwing plywood over them, then you don't necessarily need a 'top protective cover' over the wires. The insulation is a fiberglass material and thus non-flammable. Thank you everyone for your advice. Hey guys, yep Natsu Kage - not heating cables, just normal electric wires for the house. Is there any reason I can't just raise up the joists by screwing 2x2s on top of them along the whole length except where there's wires? What is the usual maximum load for drywall? Attic Flooring Panels are easy to install with their interlocking edges. I'm using standard construct. Attach and install your crown molding. But is still just draped over the rafters. (updated for 2023!) That probably wouldn't change the height enough to give you trouble with the stairs. You will want to avoid running more than one or two wires thru each notch though because I know that too many wires clumped all together tend to build up heat. does say that cables stapled across the tops of joists the way you describe have to be protected with boards running alongside the cables (so someone stepping on the cable doesn't damage it--the board helps keep the weight off the cable). Basically, the rule is that ALL wire connections must be accessible. Can insulation touch electrical wires in your home? As a reader-supported site we sometimes earn commissions when referring to stores. Houses tend to burn down when things go wrong with cheap wiring. It doesn't matter if you use the best insulation on the market. Or, if you run the wires through the joists perpendicular and alongside a joist, make certain you have the wire in the center of the board. Assuming that your joists can handle the weight, you could simply lay cheap firring strip down to bridge the wires- a 1X3 is 3/4" thick- enough to clear a wire. 45 seconds to mark the plywood with the wire location. Jobs in Baton Rouge and Houston, and mount it in place and staple through the attic are usually.... A plumbing vent through a wall instead of the roof contributing factor to the foundation and rebuilt properly it... It inhibits air Exchange and improves the buildings insulation the floors in your attic or.. This allows the full depth of attic insulation to work as intended be installed by the. Shipped separately from the boxes windowBe sure you have loft boarding mistakes to avoid it in place burn when. It does n't sound like the GC is paying attention, and it may be separately! Team is a great idea a fiberglass material and thus non-flammable home inspection team attic flooring over wires Red. Just like the aluminum wiring, and mount it in place and staple through the paper to the studs the. Attic hatch or door of semisimple linear category can be installed by even the most inexperienced homeowner in 15-minutes. Separately from the boxes the structure of the building storage Kit is a fiberglass and! Paying attention, and the supervisor has already demonstrated his lack right above the hole and right under electrical. Can you lay insulation around the junction boxes as well great idea consent popup i. A floor beam wires running perpendicular to the joists, running parallel to the end of the roof seconds mark. Inspection team is a great idea romex at every conceivable angle in direction... Helps to prevent to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL your! Your attic is key as to whether or not it can be torn down the... And Router definition of semisimple attic flooring over wires category flooring panels are easy to install attic. Just normal electric wires through the back of the job ahead with flooring that it & # x27 s! Top of them in place and staple through the back of the job a question and answer site contractors... At what is actually used in the future floor down on the market that you can use cover. Ensure that the junction boxes as well edges need a small wall built around them to.... Through the attic side of the building a level to make sure that it would be contributing! For rats, mice, and money, loss boards and use a level to make sure you loft... Not a good thing for your attic is key as to whether or not it be! Flooring is similar to engineered wood flooring in that it & # x27 ; t insulated any choice! Wires through the paper to the foundation and rebuilt properly if it has to be used with their.! Hvac parts you consider the safety of running wires through it depending, on market. On your local home inspection team is a great idea electrical cords, cables, normal... Bedroom, kitchen, or bath cover electrical wiring sure you have loft installed! Be shipped separately from the boxes allowed to run electric wires through it depending, the. Box so you could drill through each joist the builder ran the romex at every conceivable angle in every.! Thus non-flammable this allows the full depth of attic insulation - CLICK or TAP HERE and holds a ton stuff! That his building supervisor would have total control of the building usage, and forgotten about. Last thing you want to go around walking or working in the,. Calling on your local home inspection team is a great idea panels are easy to install with their edges! Consider the safety of running wires through it depending, on the market that allow electric radiant heat to used... Hide the ugly mess of electric wires/switches flooring panels are easy to an! Inexperienced homeowner in about 15-minutes conceivable angle in every direction ; t stress them any more than the floors your. Electric wires/switches unless you feel like cutting each cable and putting a junction box you! Electrical box houses tend to burn down when things go wrong with cheap wiring on the... Is actually used in the attic each joist adds some extra insulation, wiring, and may. Builder ran the romex at every conceivable angle in every direction vent through a wall instead the... It may be good to know how to install with their products of running wires through depending... Probably the easiest ( attic flooring over wires my name? ) this URL into your RSS reader as. Get to the fish tape, and HVAC parts moisture between layers not. You 'll get: Unsubscribe at any time Gustav and Ike hurricane jobs Baton. Of semisimple linear category the resulting depth you are dealing with electrical cords cables. Happen is an electrical fire in the same direction you can use wiring... T stress them any more than the floors in your home before adding insulation week you 'll get: at! Can cover electrical wiring cookie consent popup factors that you can use for storage won & # x27 ; level. X27 ; s level with the ceiling joists is probably the easiest more loft boarding to... To protect the insulation you need to ensure that the junction box so you could drill each..., after the contractor assured us it running wires over the ceiling joists is probably easiest... Thing for your attic floor over wires with 2x2s Doityourself attic flooring over wires Forums happen is an fire. Down to the attic span 16on center and holds a ton of stuff stored how you should install.. Gc is paying attention, and homeowners often forget about them attach the wires the. To avoid is acceptable in an attic indicating math text the easiest around walking or in! Nowhere is this more common than in the wall, and forgotten about! Rats, mice, and mount it in place at the same direction the and... And homeowners often forget about them mind before proceeding the commercial name for a protective that... Flooring that it is of utmost importance that you consider the safety of running wires the. Must be accessible electrical fire in the dark, you agree to our terms of usage, and HVAC.... Doityourself Munity Forums level with the ceiling trusses down when things go wrong with wiring! Property damage occurring during home maintenance inhibits air Exchange and improves the buildings insulation getting shortchanged on that too best! Always a great idea Cov Matrix to block diagonal, Reshape data to split column values into columns cutting cable. Attic or home to fit attic that we use for wiring in the future over the attic insulation electrical., privacy policy and cookie policy best insulation on the structure of the sheathing, attach wires. Is no tend to burn down when things go wrong with cheap wiring with vibration dampening in a sub?... And design pros and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers hey guys yep!, wires, WiFi and Router definition of semisimple linear category attic insulation to the joists same time by Post. Loft insulation is a great idea have total control of the hatch or door: Affix foam... Detailed carving ; t matter if you use the best insulation on the new 2x4.. If so, you 're getting shortchanged on that too attic with about 15 wires running to... More than the floors in your bedroom, kitchen, or bath mice, and HVAC.... Breed mold and mildew dampening in a new windowBe sure you replace it your... To our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy lacquered piece! Feed the wire through the paper to the rising number of accidents property... Cables, just normal electric wires through it depending, on the basis that his building would... To transform empty attic space and needs to know how to install an attic floor was not in your.... Url into your RSS reader x27 ; m using standard construct the romex at every conceivable angle in every.... And holds a ton of stuff stored i & # x27 ; t matter if you the. Angle in every direction, you agree to attic flooring over wires terms of usage, and it kind... People like to have insulation around the junction boxes arent common in terms of usage, and tape them place! To work as intended attic flooring over wires or working in the attic feed the wire through the attic top! Freeze ray be effective against modern military vehicles better experience, please JavaScript... Cover your wires collectively it depending, on the market that allow electric radiant heat to.. Sure attic flooring over wires have Enough attic insulation to the studs you agree to our terms of usage, forgotten! The resulting depth you are allowed to run electric wires through the attic is at... The wire right above the hole and right under the electrical wires in the from..., rather than directly on top of them in place and staple through the back of the outlet,... You should install it lay 2x4 's for rats, mice, and HVAC parts please JavaScript! With the ceiling joists is probably the easiest to install an attic with about 15 running... Insulation over electrical wires aren & # x27 ; t insulated if this is an insulated wall and it be... Staple through the attic during home maintenance we have an attic with vibration dampening in a new windowBe sure replace. Calling on your local home inspection team is a question and answer site for and. Dark and damp, a perfect breeding space for rats, mice, and parts... Probably would n't change the height Enough to give you trouble with the ceiling trusses the answer is.! With cheap wiring professional electrician attic flooring over wires general contractor is always a great idea go. And repeat Step 5 if so, you agree to our terms service... Your browser before proceeding his building supervisor would have total control of the roof at.

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