So you have decided to raise your loft boards above your insulation using Loft Legs, good news! You have insulated your loft hatch, good news too! Your home will be lovely and warm, your insulation will be working to its optimum thermal performance and you will have a great storage space waiting to be used. However, what about access to the loft? What is the best way to install a ladder to ensure it is safe and operates correctly with the raised floor?
Click here for a guide to the different types of loft ladders available and how to correctly and safely install them on raised boards?
Ladders and Lofts
There are lots of different loft ladders and loft hatches on the market, and every loft is slightly different so there isn't one solution for all situations. We have asked some of our network of Loft Leg recommended installers who regularly fit loft ladders for their thoughts.
Types of Loft Ladder
Firstly it is important to note that there are lots of different loft ladders available. Some of the more popular types of loft ladder are:
· Timber Folding Loft Ladder
· Aluminium Concertina Loft Ladder
· Telescopic Loft Ladder
· Aluminium Sliding Loft Ladders
· Electrically operated Loft Ladders
The choice will depend on factors such as ceiling height, height from raised floor to floor, accessibility of the hatch, physical ability, budget and personal preferences. A good resource for what is available and the costs can be found here.
Installing Loft Ladders
Once you have decided on the type of Loft Ladder that is best for you, you will need to understand how to install it. Installing a loft ladder where there is a raised loft storage area can require some planning to ensure it is safe and operates correctly. We have consulted some of our recommended installers and they have provided the following solutions for dealing with this situation.
1) Use a ladder that folds into the footprint of the loft hatch
In this example the ladder is secured to the loft hatch below the loft floor. This is perhaps the simplest and easiest method, however it can lead to a large step up from the top of the ladder to the raised loft floor. There are a wide range of loft ladders available that fold into the footprint of the hatch sowill have plenty of options.
2) Attach the ladder to the raised platform so it retracts onto the storage area.
This method reduces the problem of the large step up onto the floor and is therefore particularly suited to lofts with very deep insulation. Our installers recommend using a batten or extra Loft Legs in the area where the Loft Ladder is secured to the platform.
The disadvantage of this method is that by retracting the ladder onto the storage platform, the usable area of the platform is reduced.
3) Attach the ladder to the raised platform so it retracts into an area that is not part of the storage area.
This solution is great for lofts with limited usable area such as trussed roof homes where the usable area is down the central area. By storing the retracted ladder outside of the storage area the potential of the loft is maximised.
4) Create a small platform at joist level for the ladder to sit on when retracted.
In some specific cases the first three methods are not possible or practical. In this case, the only option is to create a landing platform for the ladder at joist height. This allows the ladder to be retracted into the loft and the reduced height insulation to be minimised.
Installers Top Tips For Fitting Ladders
1. Always check the loft ladders manufacturer’s instructions. Each loft ladder is different, so it's important to read the instructions carefully before you start.
2. Measure the opening. You'll need to measure the width, length and height of the opening where the ladder will go.
3. The height of the ladder should be measured from floor to top of the boarded area, not floor to ceiling (unless you have selected a ladder that fits into the footprint of the hatch).
4. Install the loft ladder with the brackets supplied.
5. Once the ladder is attached, you should check to make sure it is stable.
6. Use a level to make sure the ladder is installed level.
7. Use countersunk screws to prevent the screw heads from sitting proud of the boarding
8. If you are installing a folding ladder, make sure the hinges are properly aligned.
10. Once the ladder is installed, you should test it several times to make sure it is safe to use. You should also make sure that the ladder is properly stored when not in use.
11. Check the loading limits of the ladder and never overload the ladder when in use.
By following these steps, you can install loft ladders on raised loft floor safely and correctly.
Enhance Your Loft with Loft Leg
Loft Leg has developed an extensive range of innovative, UK-manufactured products that not only maximise your loft space but also enhance energy efficiency and cost savings.
From the industry standard Loft Leg that raises your loft storage platform, to the Loft Bulb that completely illuminates the storage space, Loft Leg's products can transform your loft into the storage space you need. Have a look at our full range of products today.
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