Loft
Conversion
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To make better use of your loft, first work
out the best way of gaining access to this space - usually by using a loft
ladder. There are different types of extending loft ladders available: sliding,
folding, concertina; wood or aluminium. They come in different sizes to suit
the size of the space available. The top of the joist level is the normal pivot
point for the ladder.
• A good solution is a
permanently fitted loft ladder which is hinged from a trap door opening and
folded up and kept out of the way in the roof space when not in use. Some
ladders can be bought complete with the hatch cover, frame and
fittings.
• Folding or sliding
ladders come in two or three sections, with spring locks to hold the ladder in
the fully extended or closed positions.
• Some ladders are
fitted with a sprung power pivot arm which prevents the ladder from dropping
down under its own weight. This also makes it easy to raise the ladder into the
roof.
Before buying a ladder, carefully measure your floor to loft floor
height, then add 100mm (4in) for the joists. Make sure there is enough space in
the loft to store the ladder.
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To accommodate a loft
ladder, you may need to enlarge your existing hatch or create a completely new
one, possibly in another area more suited to your requirements. See the
section 'Fitting a
hatch' for instructions on how to do this. When fitting your loft
ladder it is very important to follow the instructions provided with it. The
following is general installation advice only:
• If the previous trap
door was of the drop-in type supported by battens underneath, then the door and
battens must be removed and surface blemishes from nails or screws made
good.
• Either use the old
door or, if it is flimsy or in poor condition, cut a new one from 19mm
blockboard or medium density fibreboard (MDF). It should be hinged at the
bottom of the linings to open downwards. A push lock/release catch can be
fitted at the other side to hold the trap closed. (This, or a similar item, is
supplied with most loft ladders).
• The screws used
to secure the ladder fixings to the top of the trimmer may be quite large. Do
not attempt to drive them home without first drilling pilot holes into the
wood. If this is not done, the screws will become difficult to turn after a
certain point, and the screwdriver may slip and rip the edges of the screw
slots, making it impossible to drive them home.
Use candle wax rubbed on the threads of long screws to make them
easier to drive in.
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