Loft Ladders
A loft ladder is legally only safe to using if you are using your loft as storage space. An inhabitable room will need a permanent staircase fitted that complies with relevant building regulations.
Different types of loft ladders
Loft ladders are available as standard of the shelf ladders or made to measure products made of wood, steel or aluminium.
Loft ladders come in many form such as folding, sliding, telescopic and concertina versions are available in a wide range of prices.
Concertina loft ladders and telescopic loft ladders are best suited to lofts with poor access.
Wooden loft ladders are more suited to those that would prefer to have a firm ladder that does not flex and the choice of a more ornate finish.
Aluminium loft ladders are cheaper options but are cold to the touch and do flex, which is not reassuring if you are not comfortable on loft ladders.
Questions to ask your supplier.
Do you provide a free no obligation loft ladder survey?
This has the advantage that the entire onus on safety is back to the loft ladder supplier. It is not wise to buy and fit your own loft ladder unless you are good at DIY and know ladder safety regulations.
Do your loft ladders have a EN (European) kitemark whether off the shelf or custom made?
Note it is advantageous to consider buying only loft ladders that are made in countries that have tough health and safety legislation such as the UK. Off the shelf options should be your prefered option if you are price sensitive.
Do you offer a labour and material guarantee?
Note many installers offer a 10 year guarantee.
What is the maximum load your recommended ladder can take?
You really need a load that can handle the weight of the heaviest person that is likely to use the ladder plus the weight of the heaviest item you plan to store in your loft.
Given the loft ladder will likely have a 10 years life span make sure you have a healthy safety margin. Falling 6 to 8 feet is not worth the risk of being too close to your ladders maximum load.
Loft ladder accessories to consider
It is worth considering whether you will need extra options such as a hand rail to avoid the possibility of falling down the loft hatch.
Another option is a loft ladder extension piece so you have something firm to hold onto when you step on to the loft.
And thirdly is this a good time to renew you loft hatch / trap for something that is better insulated and more aesthetically pleasing.
Loft ladders to avoid!
Avoid a loft ladder solution that requires you to modify your joists. Better to buy a loft ladder that suits your hatch size otherwise you are looking at employing a structural engineer.
Older lofts with big heavy joists are more forgiving but newer constructed lofts are not. Avoid the risk, keep it simple and work within the size you have to work with.
Can’t find what your looking for try our custom loft ladder search engine!
