Adding Attic Floor Over Electrical Wire the Easy Way

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

I'm adding some flooring to my attic to make room for more storage and making the flooring we already had, more safe and secure. I'm using standard construction studs that I bought at Home Depot along with a 4x8 sheet of subfloor plywood, also bought at Home Depot. The construction screws I used were 2 1/2" #8 construction screws.

Пікірлер: 77

  • @monadouroboros
    @monadouroborosАй бұрын

    Fantastic idea 💡 I was looking for this solution to my attic problem. Keep up the good work 👏

  • @shigatsuningen
    @shigatsuningen Жыл бұрын

    I have always been amazed by the eternal rant from municipal construction auditors in the US ranting about "building code this, that and the other" yet allowing cabling and wiring to run through a perfectly good house more resembling a rats maze than human living space. It never seizes to amaze me. Thank you for not starting to cut out inlays in the floor beams at least. :)

  • @SEaudiofan

    @SEaudiofan

    3 ай бұрын

    And I believe code says that work should be done in a "craftsmanlike manner". I've yet to have a contractor leave adequate slack, run lines in bays without taking shortest path, use neat, parallel runs...

  • @lakecityransom
    @lakecityransom Жыл бұрын

    Smart thinking. The more you do this kind of thing, the more the simple answers come to you.

  • @maxinenall9950
    @maxinenall995011 ай бұрын

    Great idea and laying the 2x4 on their side added extra strength to the floor 😁 Glad to see your son helping and learning some handy homeowner skills 😁 Excellent job

  • @slowyo9645
    @slowyo9645 Жыл бұрын

    Great video my man, seem like a genuine guy and your son is a trooper for helping.

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @GamerChaos999

    @GamerChaos999

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks, have a good day!

  • @stuemler
    @stuemler4 ай бұрын

    I finished a pocket space in a house like this. With a rat cage for the gutter line, insulation, and drywall. I like your approach, I have a 1962 build I'm working that starts in a 1958 attic and is bridged by a breezeway to get to the electrical box. Part of my project is finished, but like what you have here I need to add height in the next run to hover wires and insulation.

  • @stuemler
    @stuemler4 ай бұрын

    To add the 2x4s on top the joists. I would sister the beams with a 2x4 on at least one side to give me a better screw grip. It's more expensive but that's where I am. It's typically leftover lumber pieces, nothing long. The house is old and I don't just want to screw into the existing narrow beam alone.

  • @rodred8510
    @rodred8510 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome idea

  • @philhugill8458
    @philhugill845816 күн бұрын

    Smart move....Nice job....thanks for info !!!

  • @dianemoore2945
    @dianemoore2945 Жыл бұрын

    Hey guys, I like wha t you did. I have a similar situation and I was on my out to but OSB to start my project. I kinda wondered what I was going to do about the wiring, now I know. Thanks for the video!😊

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad this helped you!

  • @ncmor3678

    @ncmor3678

    Жыл бұрын

    Same I was thinking about buying cable concealers, to avoid notching, because like you said why mess with the studs/ joists / rafters integrity when you can just raise them with 2x4's. Now I need more 2x4"s

  • @Inkling777
    @Inkling7778 ай бұрын

    I took a different approach before installing blown-in insulation. I took 2x10s about a foot long and nailed to them pieces of plywood extending down about three inches. That combination slips over the existing 2x4 rafters and won't move from side to side. I then placed two of them alongside one another on adjacent rafters. Then I nailed another 2x10 between those two. That created a platform, that was enough to get about in the attic. But to make it even better, I nailed longer 2x10 boards to connect the platforms. I now have a path I can take to almost anyplace in the attic above my 16" of blown-in insulation. To create flooring, plywood sheets could be nailed on top of the platforms.

  • @KainsFleshlight
    @KainsFleshlight11 ай бұрын

    Ps this is so genius! Thank you so much man ! I could have never thought to do this !(I've had a mouse problem but couldn't reach one corner of attic due to this here similar prob 70 year old house wiring is a death trap lol

  • @tanktexas
    @tanktexas Жыл бұрын

    Thanks. I need to do this so bad . Thank you

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @trumpetpunk42
    @trumpetpunk426 ай бұрын

    Thanks, im gonna do this too, but with 1x2's instead of the 2x4's, and various scrap 2x_'s instead of osb

  • @doowlEnotniM
    @doowlEnotniM3 ай бұрын

    Good job

  • @aceace605
    @aceace60515 күн бұрын

    Good idea. I might have laid them perpendicular but I'm not sure the plus and minus of switching directions.

  • @SteadyShadow
    @SteadyShadow10 ай бұрын

    There is a need for this creative improvement type of videos

  • @pr455
    @pr455 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve been thinking of doing the same. Wires fan out everywhere in my attic.

  • @Paul.Douglas

    @Paul.Douglas

    7 ай бұрын

    Mine too! EVERYWHERE! Ridiculous.

  • @SEaudiofan
    @SEaudiofan3 ай бұрын

    Me personally, we have an ancient house in a cooler climate. I'm going to add 2x6 perpendicular to fix the wiring issue, and make room for more cellulose insulation. In other areas where i dont want to loose headroom, i plane on using 1x2 stock with just enough gap for the romex and put a nailing plate over that.

  • @brianfedie8046
    @brianfedie8046 Жыл бұрын

    Nice!

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @OldAndGettingOlder
    @OldAndGettingOlder3 ай бұрын

    I like the 2x's laid flat. It's 2½" - 3½" of wood to anchor the floor to vs just 1½". Easier.

  • @thenanook
    @thenanook2 ай бұрын

    thank you!!!!

  • @stuemler
    @stuemler4 ай бұрын

    Video Ideas: Replace your insulation with Rock Wool Dry wall the space Install Lighting Make sure if the slant connects to the outside you install a rigid metal gating/caging to prevent animals getting in before anything else.

  • @ncmor3678
    @ncmor3678 Жыл бұрын

    Curious, would it be better to have the 2x4's face the same direction at the plywood sheets?

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    It might. In my case, the wiring was going across the joists diagonally, so it made more sense to do it this way.

  • @kevinblair191
    @kevinblair19110 ай бұрын

    Great video man! I have been wanted to do this as well. One question, why did you run the 2x4's with the joists and not across. I was thinking it would take less 2x4's. Just curious before I start mt project. Thanks!

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    10 ай бұрын

    It was mainly because of how the wires were running. I wanted to but the gaps in very specific spots and the wires were going diagonally across the joists. I might have done it differently had the wires been traveling perpendicular or parallel to the joists.

  • @eleet321
    @eleet321 Жыл бұрын

    Is there any reason why you didn't put the 2x4s perpendicular to the existing joists, rather than right on top of them?

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    The wiring was going across the joists diagonally, so it was easier to do it this way in my case.

  • @WelcomeToLoco
    @WelcomeToLoco Жыл бұрын

    I’ve shot screws on many projects for my dad. What did you do to ensure the screws didn’t hit the wires under the plywood?

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    I wasted a bunch of time measuring the plywood to mark the places that the gaps would line up with, only to realize it was just attic storage floor so I only used enough screws that the board would never move and I screwed them in far away from any high risk area.

  • @lorenwilson8128
    @lorenwilson81288 ай бұрын

    Looks good. May I suggest that you top up the insulation before covering it up.

  • @MrCarter24

    @MrCarter24

    5 ай бұрын

    You want an air gap between the floor and insulation to prevent moisture accumulation

  • @nofurtherwest3474

    @nofurtherwest3474

    4 ай бұрын

    @@MrCarter24 That's an interesting point. Usually in wall insulation though there is not air gap right? In this case, let's see, the warm side (typically) would be on the bottom of the insulation.

  • @Poepad
    @Poepad5 ай бұрын

    Good video. Tip, with fiberglass in the area, wear a mask. NEVER speed up and use music, if you must speed up do a voice over. TOH, never does speed up,

  • @johnnyz7752
    @johnnyz775211 ай бұрын

    I’m curious, why wouldn’t you run the 2x4’s perpendicular to the joists? Then you could have run them 16” on center.

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    11 ай бұрын

    I did it this way because of the angle that the wires were going. It was easier to do the gaps this way. You could do them perpendicularly if that works best for your situation.

  • @mrprfct7069
    @mrprfct70695 ай бұрын

    FF to 1:35 for the good stuff.

  • @benfuct5880
    @benfuct58806 ай бұрын

    David Archy is my favorite amazon boxers too hahahaha

  • @koryleach9660
    @koryleach9660 Жыл бұрын

    Why wouldn't you air seal and fill the cavity with insulation before putting the floor down?

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Because it's always going to be nothing more than attic storage. It's just to keep people from falling through ceiling while they're moving boxes around, but also pass an inspection if I ever sell my house.

  • @koryleach9660

    @koryleach9660

    Жыл бұрын

    @@tinkercraftsandtravels6575 but sealing and filling those areas underneath the walkway increases the therm as l efficiency of the home. Thereby increasing the comfort of the living space below them. It was a missed opportunity that is now more difficult because the steps weren’t done before installing the subfloor.

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    @Kory Leach It was already filled with insulation. This was a rush job after Christmas, so it needed to be done fast and cheap. If people are looking for pro level floor insulation, then this is the wrong video to watch. 😅

  • @michaelmayra3225

    @michaelmayra3225

    3 ай бұрын

    Rush job fast and cheap? ​@@tinkercraftsandtravels6575

  • @ayliniemi

    @ayliniemi

    3 ай бұрын

    ​@tinkercraftsandtravels6575 Man these guys. Well I guess if you post something on KZread you have to be willing to take all criticisms along with the praise lol.

  • @nathanepps4401
    @nathanepps4401 Жыл бұрын

    Good idea, but it would have been easier, cheaper and faster to use firring strips or 1x2s and ordinary hammer and nails instead of 2x4s and screws. Good luck with your new channel.

  • @wesir427

    @wesir427

    11 ай бұрын

    Even faster to use brad nails with the 1x2

  • @thatBMWill

    @thatBMWill

    7 ай бұрын

    Yep, 2x4s just add extra weight to the structure. furring strips bring the height up to the perfect level to run all your wires and add minimal weight. This method works great though, just a bit overkill is all!

  • @AndrewLumsden

    @AndrewLumsden

    5 ай бұрын

    Except hammering a multitude of nails into the joists would probably have popped the ceiling below.

  • @entrepreneur724
    @entrepreneur724 Жыл бұрын

    How long from start to finish?

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Not counting the trip to the hardware store for the studs, it took maybe 3 hours.

  • @JosePerez-mt2rq
    @JosePerez-mt2rqАй бұрын

    You should just raise where the wire as a step up

  • @mathewshoyt1763
    @mathewshoyt17638 ай бұрын

    great job... have you gone back to undo the subfloor to add more insulation ?

  • @postskeetclarity
    @postskeetclarity8 ай бұрын

    could have saved cost and weight using partial 2x4s.

  • @sharonharrison4795
    @sharonharrison479510 ай бұрын

    Great info TYFS. One suggestion is to remove the music and narrate as you work. Maybe share insights or explain what you're doing and why. The blaring music isn't pleasant.

  • @TheRayDog
    @TheRayDog3 ай бұрын

    1x1s or simple furring strips rather than 2x4s. Same concept, just to save money for others watching. Sistering as others have suggested is overkill but works fine.

  • @EHD351
    @EHD3519 ай бұрын

    I would consult the 2023 NEC, National Electrical Code, for the best Legal way and Highest Resale Value. I will look also as I need to do something similar myself in places. Thanks.

  • @Lucas_McCain
    @Lucas_McCain28 күн бұрын

    Pretty cool, but you still fight like a dairy farmer.

  • @ronald5728
    @ronald57289 ай бұрын

    Great project. Excellent work. But, no knee pads... That's how I messed up my knee doing my attic. On my knees 8 hours and the next day couldn't walk. Of course I'm much older than you. Now after 5 years suffering, finally had to do 'total knee replacement' . Use knee pads please...

  • @tammymoeller910
    @tammymoeller910Ай бұрын

    no nail plates over the wires does not comply with NEC codes

  • @AndrewLumsden
    @AndrewLumsden5 ай бұрын

    Would have been sensible to put down more insulation between the joists before boarding. What you have appears to be the bare minimum and wholly inadequate.

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    5 ай бұрын

    You're right about the bare minimum part. That was really the point here.

  • @michaelmayra3225

    @michaelmayra3225

    3 ай бұрын

    If you were to build a new house today, you would be required to have R-38, or about 14 inches, of insulation in the attic. Using more insulation than required doesn’t offer a significant advantage and can detrimentally affect how well your attic ventilates or could cause more harm than good.

  • @MAGAMAN
    @MAGAMAN Жыл бұрын

    This is illegal because you didn't use any nail plates of the wires.

  • @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    @tinkercraftsandtravels6575

    Жыл бұрын

    Not sure it's illegall but it might not pass an inspection. I could always unscrew it and add them later, but since I'm the current home owner and I never intend to add anything else to the area, it will be fine unless I decide to sell my house. But in hindsight, I probably should have added them to be safe.

  • @robertm5969

    @robertm5969

    Жыл бұрын

    Not illegal and because these aren't going through a drilled hole in a joist or wall frame I'm not sure nail plates apply to this specific case. Wall plates are meant to protect wire runs through framing from getting hit with drywall screws by installers. However I would brush some orange paint on the OSB and label "electrical wiring" where the wires run under. Not so much for your sake but for any future homeowners that come after.

  • @michaelblozen8472
    @michaelblozen84729 ай бұрын

    nice father n son home project video... but concerns about wire plates, inspection for resale, local code vs safety vs 'quick n cheap before Christmas... AND no face mask for either father or son in the midst of fiberglass... Please learn / do better before making more videos. (Politely)

  • @Cecil.
    @Cecil.9 ай бұрын

    You are making a video from behind you, could you at least tuck in your shirt?!

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