Hey everyone! I'm trying to figure out if it's safe to walk on some wooden beams in my attic to get across. I have some circular openings I want to seal on the other side. Some beams have wires running along them, which has me a bit worried about stepping on them. Also, I'm not sure whether these beams can support my weight safely. I'm considering using some 3/4 inch thick plywood to create a "pathway" if that's a good idea. By the way, I weigh 130 lbs (59 kg), and this part of the attic is above the garage.
3 Answers
I would advise against it. Those beams are often intended to just hold the drywall, so they might not handle the weight well and could flex enough to create cracks. Instead, consider laying down a ladder or building a small walkway if you're planning to do this often. Just take it easy up there!
It's definitely a good idea to use that plywood as a pathway! It’ll provide more stability and help prevent any slips. Just make sure to avoid laying directly on the wires — you don’t want to damage them. If you can, use some tape to secure the wires out of your way. And definitely, better safe than sorry when it comes to stepping on beams that could potentially flex and cause ceiling damage. Better to invest a little in safety than to risk a big repair later!
Yeah, if the beams bend too much under weight, it can pull on the drywall screws and cause cracks. Just tread carefully!
Honestly, I think you'll be fine stepping on those beams, as long as you avoid the drywall sections. Those beams are meant to support some weight. Just watch out for the wires though — if you can, try to scootch them aside. If you're concerned about damage, laying down the plywood is a smart move.
What do you mean by flexing? Could it really cause cracks in the ceiling?