6 Signs That Tell You When To Buy A New Loft Ladder
When considering the space in your home, deciding what to do with the loft may not be a priority. However, for any household looking for extra storage or even an additional room that the whole family could use, it’s actually a hidden gem.
Your loft space could become your new storage space, walk-in wardrobe, TV room or guest bedroom. However, in order for that to happen, you’ll need to ensure you have safe and easy access. A loft ladder or loft staircase is essential if you want to make your loft accessible and useful. If you plan to make better use of your loft space, it’s a good idea to check if your existing loft ladder will cope with heavier footfall. If you aren’t sure whether it’s time to replace it, here are some things to look out for that will indicate that investing in a new loft ladder is a smart move.
When To Buy a New Loft Ladder - The 6 Vital Signs
1. The rungs are too far apart
The distance between the rungs is one of the most crucial aspects of a loft ladder. If they are too far apart, you might not be able to reach them safely. This can be dangerous, especially for children or shorter people who may need a stool to get onto the first rung, to begin with. Shorter rungs that are correctly spaced apart will mean that you and your whole family will be able to access the loft space with ease.
2. The steps are too small
If the steps on your loft ladder are too small to fit your foot, then you should probably get a new one. You want to make sure that your loft ladder has steps that are appropriate for your foot size so that you don’t hurt yourself. Small steps are particularly dangerous if you were to accidentally fall off the ladder when you’re climbing up or down as your foot could get stuck so replacing this with a loft ladder with more generously sized steps is a good idea.
3. The ladder is wobbly
This is another big sign that you need to buy a new loft ladder. A wobbly ladder can be extremely unsafe, especially if you have children in the house. Even worse, if there’s a lot of movement in your house, the wobbly ladder is likely to shake and make a lot of noise when you try to climb up or down it. If the ladder is wobbly, you might need to adjust the screws or tighten them. Wobbling can also be caused by uneven floors, so you might want to use a spirit level to fix this problem. If the ladder still wobbles and feels unsafe after all these measures have been taken, your new loft ladder will give you peace of mind.
4. You can feel it bend when you put weight on it
If you have noticed any of the above, it might be time to consider investing in a new Loft Ladder. At Loft Centre, we provide a huge selection of high-quality loft ladders in a range of styles, sizes and materials. Browse our range or contact our customer team for help and advice choosing your ideal new loft ladder today!
A loft ladder should be able to take your weight and the weight of any family members using the loft comfortably and with ease. If it seems as though the rungs are straining or bending under your weight as you try to climb, they may break, which could be very dangerous. If in doubt, it’s always a good idea to invest in a new loft ladder that specifies it can take more than the weight of anyone who intends to use it.
5. You struggle to put it up and down
A loft ladder that is too heavy to lift or is stiff or cumbersome to lift up or down is another sign that you need to replace it. If you struggle to put away or take down your loft ladder, you might want to consider getting a lighter one. A lighter ladder is easier on the muscles and joints, and will be much easier to take down and put away which will be appreciated by everyone.
6. You can see a lot of rust or wear
If your ladder is too rusted to use, then it’s time to get a new one. Rust is dangerous to climb on, so you should replace your ladder if it is severely rusted as this means the structure will have weakened. Rust can also cause nasty wounds if you catch your skin on it, so you definitely want to replace your loft ladder if it is severely damaged by rust in any way. If your loft ladder is looking tired or rusty, a new one will be a great investment. Just make sure you choose a robust, long-lasting and rust-resistant material, and that you choose your loft ladder from a trusted and reputable company. You can extend the lifespan of your loft ladder even further by inspecting it regularly for signs of damage and replacing it when necessary.
Is It Time To Replace Your Loft Ladder? Loft Centre Can Help!
If you have noticed any of the above, it might be time to consider investing in a new Loft Ladder. At Loft Centre, we provide a huge selection of high-quality loft ladders in a range of styles, sizes and materials. Browse our range or contact our customer team for help and advice choosing your ideal new loft ladder today!
View our range of Loft Centre products