No loft hatch in Stratford-upon-Avon?

Posted by Brad on

In older properties, there may be no access point for the loft, which poses a problem if you would like to board your loft or fit a fixed ladder.

Indeed in houses built more than 150 years ago, it is common to find no loft opening. For customers in this situation, our team of trained carpenters can carefully assess where to create an opening so that it is convenient without compromising the roof structure.

Often older houses, particularly Victorian and Edwardian, have large loft areas with good head room which is ideal for storage and access. However, they also often have small loft hatches which can be inconvenient for storing large items. We regularly enlarge existing loft hatches for customers in this age of property.

Whilst we complete most jobs in one day, the installation shown above took two days as the customer wanted a large area boarded, plus the installation of a timber ladder and the creation of a loft hatch where there was none. The customer was delighted with all the new storage possibilities.

To find out more, call or text us on 07712 327 889 or email stuart@stusloftladders.co.uk

Live in Warwickshire or Worcestershire and thinking of installing a boiler in your loft space? What you need to know about loft access

Posted by Brad on

If space is at a premium in your kitchen, or you don’t have a utility room, then you may be considering installing a boiler in your loft space. If this is the case, then you need to be aware of the regulations and issues regarding loft access.

Retractable loft ladder

In order to allow safe access for a heating engineer you will need a retractable ladder installed. You can talk to us about the options and there will be one to suit your budget. Aluminium is both light and sturdy, but we also supply timber ladders if your budget allows.

Aluminium Loft Ladder in Bidford

Loft boarding to create a safe walkway and working platform

You will need to create a walkway from the loft hatch to the boiler as well as an adequate working platform. *  We would add that the boards need to be safe and stable, by which we mean securely attached to the joists and laid flush so that there are no trip hazards.

Lighting

You must provide adequate lighting to allow an engineer to carry out the work and to enter and exit the loft safely.

Guard rail

There should be a guard rail at the exit of the loft. We can build this in easily as part of a loft improvement package. We are experienced carpenters and can create a bespoke handrail for you at a reasonable cost.

Size of loft hatch and location

Although not specifically covered by regulations, no heating engineer is going to want to access your boiler if the loft hatch is in a dangerous or difficult position. The same goes if the loft opening is very small. The good news is that enlarging, or even moving, the loft hatch is not a big job and we undertake this for customers as part of our regular work.

Always consult a qualified heating engineer about a boiler installation

*Please note this blog is only intended as a guideline to make you aware of some of the considerations and that regulations may change. There are other considerations regarding boiler installation in a loft space, so we advise you to always consult an appropriately qualified heating engineer. 

If you want to talk about loft boarding or fitting a ladder in readiness, then we would love you to get in touch.

Thinking of fitting solar panels with a battery in Warwickshire and Worcestershire? Why you’ll need loft boarding and good loft access

Posted by Brad on

Having solar PV panels fitted used to be a rarity, but these days it is a common step for people wanting to bring down their energy bills and take a positive step in tackling climate change. Increasing numbers of households are pairing a solar PV system with battery storage so that they can harness green energy during the day and power their homes in the evening.

If you are planning to house the system’s inverter or battery in your loft, it is essential that you ensure safe and easy loft access. A job this week by our team in Bidford-On-Avon, Warwickshire, illustrated this perfectly.

Loft boarding for Solar PV battery in Bidford-On-Avon

The customer was having solar PV panels installed on the roof of his 3-bedroom semi-detached property. With a plan to store excess energy via a battery in the loft, he needed to ensure a safe and stable walkway for taking meter readings and servicing the system. He booked Stu’s Loft Ladders to board the loft, ahead of installation to ensure that the job could be carried out safely. 

Before we boarded the loft

Creating a larger loft opening

As a further requirement, we were asked to move the existing loft hatch, which was too small to accommodate the battery. We boarded and plastered up the existing hatch and created a new, larger loft opening in one of the bedrooms.

Strengthening the loft structure

Concerned about the weight of the battery, the customer also requested that we increase the load bearing capacity in the loft, which we did by adding timbers to strengthen the structure. 

“If you are thinking about solar PV systems, then you will need to ensure good loft access, with a stable walkway and a fixed ladder,” explains Stuart Dyson of Stu’s Loft Ladders. “It is not a large cost compared to the system itself, but one that people need to factor in when thinking about the total project cost. You may also need to look at enlarging the loft opening itself.”

For advice and a no-obligation quote, contact us now through the website or call 07712 327889.