loft ladders

Okay, we may already be well into the first quarter of the new year - March to be exact - and many of your resolutions for 2015 have probably been broken by now, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time left over the next 9 months to make the most of your loft space.

So in the interest of creating, building and maintaining the best home possible, here’s 4 things you need to do in 2015.

1. Invest in a proper loft ladder

It’s finally time to pack away those stepladders for good. No more traipsing out the garage/garden shed every time you need to get up into the loft.

Investing in a proper loft ladder ensures easy, immediate loft access, with the added bonus of being safe and secure. There’s a wide range of different models to choose from - some more ideal than others, depending on how you intend to use your loft space - so check out our online store to see what’s available.

2. Ventilation / Insulation

Now is the time to check that your loft is properly augmented for all-year-round home efficiency.

There’s no denying the advantages of a properly fitted loft ladder over your run of the mill set of stepladders. First off, you don’t have to fetch them from your garage every time you want to gain access. Especially when it comes to carrying hefty, bulky objects, you need to know that access is safe, easy and secure.

With such an extensive range of loft ladders available to choose from it can sometimes feel daunting picking the right type. After all, if you’ve invested a great deal converting your loft into a usable space, you’re going to want to pick a ladder that matches in looks and performance. And when it comes to optimum style and functionality, there’s no beating the Electric loft ladder.

What are electric loft ladders?

Much like the non-motorised variety, electric loft ladders are available in both wooden sliding/folding and metal concertina variations. Unlike standard varieties, however, electric loft ladders provide homeowners with an elegant hands-free method of storage and

Maybe you’re serious about installing a loft ladder for the first time or just curious. Either way, there’s bound to be some questions surrounding a potential purchase. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to go over a few of the common concerns homeowners are likely to have at this time.

Will interfering with my loft lead to problems selling my home in the future?

Well, that entirely depends on how you intend to ‘develop’ your loft and for what purpose. A third storey bedroom may be precisely what a potential buyer is looking for. Then again maybe they’d prefer a blank canvas to play with.

When it comes to simply installing a loft ladder, however, there are no legal by-law implications whatsoever, and neither is there a need for completion certificates or any form of paperwork. In fact it will have a positive impact on the future sale of your home.

Will I need to repaint my ceiling after a loft ladder is fitted?

Regardless of the required measurements for your new loft ladder

Installing a new loft ladder doesn't have to be tricky, but it's important you do it correctly so as not cause harm or injury – either at the time of fitting your loft ladder, or later on as a result of improper installation. 

Keep a clear installation area

Make sure to clear the landing and loft area around the hatch of any clutter that might cause obstruction before you begin. So long as there's sufficient room in the loft to move around, then there's really no need to actually remove any of your belongings. Besides, carrying hefty items down from your loft before a properly secured loft ladder has been installed is never a good idea – this could lead to a trip or fall.

Make sure you have sufficient lighting

Sufficient lighting is imperative when undergoing any DIY task. It's important you're able to see exactly what you're doing in order to ensure it's being done correctly, as well as to avoid any mishaps or accidents.

Portable lights (such as lamps and battery powered torches) are

Thinking about purchasing a loft ladder, but don't know where to start? Can't decide if you should buy a loft ladder that looks good, or one that simply gets the job done?

Don't fret. Here's a few of the most frequently asked questions about loft ladders answered.

Q. Should I get a wooden or metal loft ladder?

A. There are certain circumstances which call for either a wooden or metal loft ladder over the other. It all depends on how you intend on using your loft space, the space you have available, and your budget.

Available space is usually the deciding factor, so let's talk about this one first:

If attic space is limited then you're going to want to opt for a metal loft ladder, which are typically made from durable aluminium and come in two main varieties, Sliding and Concertina. Both provide safe, immediate access with the added bonus of being discretely stored when not in use, but concertina loft ladders are slightly more space-efficient because of their 'accordion' style folding mechanics.

When it comes to kitting out your attic, a loft ladder is more than an afterthought. It is an integral part of your overall home aesthetic, far more attractive than simply using a step ladder to get up into the loft space, and a much safer way of facilitating access. By installing a purpose built loft ladder you'll not only gain a lovely piece of furniture that compliments your living space, you could also be saving yourself a grievous injury caused by a fall. That's why it's so important that anybody in the market for a loft ladder takes the time to consider which type is right for them.

If you are currently thinking about buying a loft ladder, especially for the first time, chances are you have already started to feel a little overwhelmed by the wide range of choice available and their respective prices. You want to make sure you are getting the best piece of equipment for your money, but at the same time you may not know where to start.

What exactly are you getting for your money?