Panels in loft, why are they there?

[mikewhite]

Hi,

I've just moved to a semi with what I think is a cut roof (i.e. joists, rafters and hangers).

Across both sides of the loft (running at right angles to the joists/rafters) is a ply partition, framed between the hangers. It completely fills the gap.

Does anyone know why that's been done? It looks about the same age as the house (late 1960's).

I need to get access to the "outer" parts of the loft to top up the insulation.

Thanks for any help,

Mike

[stoneyboy]

mikewhite,
If the panels are securely fixed on all sides then they are part of the roof structure and are there for stability.
If there are few fixings they are probably there for visual effect.
end

[mikewhite]

Thanks,

They are well fixed on all four edges. I had to cut an access hatch out so I tried to leave as much in place as possible!

Mike