Loft
Conversion
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Ideally, a hatch should be located above a
landing if there is enough space for the ladder to be fully extended to the
floor. The pitch of the roof should also be taken into account, to ensure
enough headroom and also sufficient space above and behind the hatch opening to
allow the ladder to be freely raised and stored.
Enlarging an existing hatch is easier than creating a new hatch,
as you can see joist positions and can mark the plaster area to be cut from
above by piercing through with a bradawl. Hazards such as electrical cable can
also be clearly seen.
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If you have already chosen a
sliding or folding loft ladder, the size of the new hatch opening should be
specified by the manufacturer.
To create a sufficiently wide
opening for both you and the ladder, you will normally need to cut away a
section of ceiling joist. In older houses, these are sturdy and are usually
spaced at 350mm (14in) apart. Aim to cut no more than one joist. On some
post-war houses, you may not need to cut any - as they may be spaced as much as
600mm (24in) apart:
• Locate the joists by
piercing the ceiling with a bradawl.
 Plot out the points where resistance is
encountered to find the edges of the joists and the direction in which they
lie.
• For a plasterboard ceiling, try using a metal detector to
detect the nails in the centre of the joists.In modern houses, the joists are
more lightweight, but each one may play a fairly critical role, so it may be
advisable to check with a builder before proceeding.
While working on the new hatch,
you will need a sturdy ladder, a good trailing light and a large dustsheet.
Always turn off the electricity when cutting through a ceiling if you are
unable to see what lies above.
Step: 1 Mark out
the square for the hatch opening. With a general purpose saw, cut an inspection
hole between two joists within the marked area, large enough to accommodate
your head and the trailing light, so that you can inspect the area for hazards
and space requirements.
Step: 2 Strip
away the ceiling plaster within the marked area. Climb up between the joists
and lay a board across them to support yourself. Then saw through the central
joist with a fine-toothed saw, cutting it back to 50mm (2in) from the edge of
the new opening at each end. This will allow for the two 'trimmers' (lengths of
joist timber which fit between the joists to form the two ends of the hatch
opening). Allow for a 12mm-deep (0.5in) square housing where these will be
fitted to the joists.
Step: 3 You must
also allow for the facing boards (linings) of planed timber which will provide
a neat finish all around the loft opening. Once the trimmers have been nailed
in place, the linings can be nailed over them. The nail heads should be punched
below the surface and the holes and any damaged edges made good with filler in
readiness for subsequent painting.
Step: 4 Nail
a mitred architrave around the opening.
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