Keeping busy boarding lofts and fitting loft ladders in and around Alcester

Posted by Stu's Loft Ladders editorial team on

It’s spring and we’ve been busy. Maybe it’s the good weather or maybe just the time of year, but we have been particularly busy this April, boarding lofts and fitting loft ladders in Alcester and the surrounding Warwickshire towns and villages.

The photos below are from a job which shows what we do best: creating functional, easy loft access with no mess to clean up afterwards. For this customer, we fitted an aluminium loft ladder and enlarged the loft opening. The new larger hatch is ready insulated and closely fitting, so no more losing precious heat up to the loft cavity. It leaves a neat finish that blends in and looks as if it were always there. 

Our next job was a loft ladder installation and part-board for a customer in a new-build property in Alcester. Their preference was for a wooden ladder, which, as the photo shows, stows neatly away in the loft space. Part boarding is a popular option as it creates storage space without committing to boarding right up to the eaves, making it more economical.

Wooden loft ladder and part boarding in Alcester

In this third job, our experienced team moved the loft access from the bedroom to the landing. Not only was this a more convenient location, but we were able to ensure that the loft opening was larger than before, making it so much more useable. No more moving beds out of the way and then squeezing through a small loft opening for this customer.

All in all, three happy customers, even more so as all our work is guaranteed

Call us now on 07712 327889 for a no-obligation quote on loft boarding or fitting a fixed ladder. Or email us at stuart@stusloftladders.co.uk

We also move loft hatches and can advise on the best option for your home.

Time for a spring clean? Loft boarding in Stratford-upon-Avon could help you clear the clutter

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Just think what you could store in a newly boarded loft!

From clearing bookcases for a more streamlined look, to organising paperwork that you need to hang on to but don’t want to look at, a boarded loft can help you organise your living space.

By adding a loft ladder, you can ensure that your newly-created storage space is easily accessible.  So, if it’s something that you might want tomorrow, but don’t need today, why not think about storing it in your loft?

We take a look at some of the most frequently stored items in our customers’ lofts.

Clothes

Whether you are storing your skinny jeans waiting for them to come back into fashion or looking to take bulky winter items out of precious wardrobe space, storing clothes in a boarded loft is a popular option. Just make sure they are vacuum packed to keep them looking good when you retrieve them.

Paperwork

If you run your own business from home, the chances are that you will have paperwork and records that you just can’t get rid of ‘in case.’ Label and store them in a boxed hanging file and you can clear room around your desk, leaving you feeling less hemmed in by a lack of home office space.

Sports equipment

Maybe it’s scuba diving kit for your next foreign adventure or golf clubs for when you finally get back to lessons. Many of us have sports equipment gathering dust in a corner. Put it in a boarded loft, and with the help of an easy-access loft ladder, you can retrieve it in a jiffy should you want it.

Books

These are some of the most popular items to store in a boarded loft. With a trend for stylised book cases complete with trailing plants and carefully curated objects, a rammed bookcase can make your home look cluttered. Remember to store them in airtight boxes to keep them in tiptop condition.

So if banishing the clutter is appealing, call us today on 07712 327 889

Redditch homeowners take note – loft boarding could save you money

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The energy price cap is being increased from 1st April 2022, affecting over 20 million people in the UK. This means that, unless you are already on a prefixed tariff, you will soon be paying more for gas and electricity.

With dramatically rising energy prices, you may be thinking about making your home more energy efficient.

Did you know that loft boarding increases the thermal efficiency of a property as the the boards create an additional insulating layer. If you are thinking about boarding the loft yourself, check with a professional first. They will be able to assess whether your existing insulation needs protection by raising the level of boarding as compressing insulation decreases its efficiency.

Another area where your home could be losing heat is through the loft hatch. This is particularly the case with older, ill-fitting hatches. Modern loft hatches offer greater insulation and, when fitted correctly, should be snug enough to prevent heat loss.

If you were already thinking about boarding the loft, increasing the heat retention of your home is another strong reason to do it.

For a no-obligation quote in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, contact us now on 07712 327889 or use our contact form.

Live near Stratford-upon-Avon and short on time? Call in the professionals for loft boarding and fitted ladders

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There are some jobs for which it is just better to call in the professionals. Loft boarding and fitting a fixed ladder are two of them. 

We spend most of our days up in other people’s lofts and, for anyone not experienced, then it is not an easy job, nor is it a quick one.

So, when we say that we can board most lofts and fit a ladder in under a day, don’t be fooled into thinking that it is a simple task. We have been perfecting our trade for more than a decade and are trained carpenters to boot. Before boarding lofts, Stuart worked as a carpenter in the housebuilding sector. The experience of our team means we deliver a conveniently quick service and, in most cases, will arrive in the morning and by afternoon be helping to take boxes up to the loft.

We also have tried and trusted suppliers in place so that we can guarantee the quality of our materials and recommend the right ladder for your home.  

Still unsure? Contact us for a no-obligation quote by phone on 07712 327889 or using our contact form.

For Warwickshire homeowners we talk protecting your boarded loft from dust

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Once your loft is boarded, you may want to maintain it as a clean environment so that your belongings remain in top condition.

If this is the case, there are several options:

  • The most effective method is to install a breathable lining. This will stop the grit and dust that can fall from roof spaces and prevent it from spoiling items in storage. The important word is “breathable.” Lofts are unheated and there is generally quite a lot of moisture that needs to escape to prevent mould and mildew build-up.
  • The next level up would be to line the roof completely with plywood. This gives a neat, attractive finish, but for most is not a viable option due to the amount expense involved.
  • Ensure everything is under cover. It won’t stop the dust entering your loft space, but it will ensure that it doesn’t damage your belongings. Store smaller items in boxes with lids and cover larger items with dust sheets.
  • Take your vacuum cleaner up there! This is probably the least practical option – although we do have customers who hoover their lofts from time to time to keep on top of dust. It depends how important maintaining a clear loft space is to you. Our main piece of advice, other than being extremely careful in carrying up a bulky vacuum cleaner, is to wear a mask. As people who regularly work in loft spaces, we can testify to the importance of mask wearing when spending a longer than usual time in an area containing fibrous insulation.

If you would like some advice on improving your loft, then get in touch with our team.

Customers in Evesham choose loft boarding to free up space for Christmas guests

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At this time of year, with a few improvements, our lofts can become an extremely useful area of our homes.

Even during this week, in the final run-up to Christmas Eve on Friday, the team at Stu’s Loft Ladders is busy helping customers to make improvements to their home that will change the way they use it.

Loft boarding and a fixed ladder can change the way you use your home

Some of our pre-Christmas customers are expecting guests for the festivities. Having their loft boarded and a fixed ladder fitted provides a last-minute solution to locating belongings that are not needed every day, to stream-line their home. 

For some, needing to clear space in spare rooms and offices to accommodate guest beds, means that easy storage in the loft is a way to quickly make room by moving items for the duration of their guests’ stay. By making it a doddle to get up and down to the loft, the usual order of things can be swiftly restored when guests leave.

Whilst we are not taking bookings now before Christmas (even our hardworking team needs a break), we are booking for January.

So, if having guests to stay once again has made you reassess how you use your home for storage, then get in contact and we will be happy to provide a no-obligation consultation about loft boarding, fitting a fixed ladder or even moving your loft access completely.

Looking for a cost-effective option for a loft ladder and boarding in Worcester?

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Let’s face it, at this time of year there are plenty of demands on our money. In fact, many of our customers want a loft ladder and boarding to prepare their homes for Christmas, but are on a tight budget.

We are always happy to advise on how to help cut the cost of loft boarding and fitting a fixed ladder without compromising on quality.

Aluminium ladders offer the best value. What’s more, they are strong whilst being lightweight, so they are easy to unfold and put away. We use a trusted trade supplier, so whilst this option is cost-effective, we can also testify to its quality. In fact, aluminium is the most popular ladder choice – we must have fitted hundreds over the years, all for extremely satisfied customers.

A further consideration is what area of the loft do you need boarded. Many customers like to board right up to the eaves and for us to fit the loft boarding around any supports. However, it is equally popular to simply board a central section. This can provide more than ample storage space, as well as room to move around to access boxes and other items.

So if you would like to create extra storage in your home, whilst keeping the costs down, make it simple with an aluminium ladder and boarding of a central section.

Contact us now online or call us on 07712 327889.

Still time to board your loft before Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester

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If the thought of putting the Halloween decorations away seems scary because it involves a trip up to an unboarded loft, then think about getting the professionals in.

With November about to start, there are eight weeks left to go until the big day. Although of course 2020 was an exception, we are usually busy in the run-up to Christmas as customers want to organise their space before guests arrive. This year, after last year’s restrictions, we expect to be busier than ever.

A stable loft floor means safe and easy storage

A boarded loft means no more wobbling around between joists as you try to retrieve boxes of decorations. With a stable base you can store and access items without taking your life in your hands.

Add in a fixed ladder and going up to the loft is a breeze. There is a ladder to suit your space and budget: we offer timber, folding aluminium ladders and telescopic ladders where space is tight.

Booking loft boarding jobs now for November and December

We are booking in jobs now for November and December, so contact us to arrange a no-obligation quote or take a look at our Facebook page to see photos of recent jobs and customer reviews.

What is the best loft ladder and boarding option for Warwickshire and Worcestershire homeowners?

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When quoting for work, we are often asked what is the gold standard option for loft ladders and loft boarding.  It is a hard question to answer because the best option can depend on the configurations of your home, however budget and space allowing, we can make recommendations.

Timber loft ladders provide safety and elegance

Space permitting, timber loft ladders are generally seen as the luxury option. We install three-section timber ladders, which are stored inside the trap door, so no loft floor space is wasted. We only source ladders through our same, trusted, trade supplier and stick to the models we know are tried and tested and will provide customers with years of reliable use. With a sturdy tread and integrated handrail, our timber loft ladders offer stability in use and are suitable for customers who use their loft frequently. They are also designed to take heavier loads than some of the other ladders that we offer, so if that is a consideration then definitely think about installing a timber ladder.

Loft boarding up to the eaves boosts storage

When it comes to boarding, we only use one type of quality board that increases the U-value of your home by adding to the insulation in your loft. Whilst boarding just a central section of the loft suits those on a budget, if you are able to board right up to the eaves, you will obviously increase your storage potential. We can cut the boards around any loft trusses so that the finish is neat and runs to the edge of your loft. 

Truss shelving in the loft increases storage potential

Bespoke extras also add to your storage possibilities. Truss shelving is a popular add-on for the customers we visit across Warwickshire and Worcestershire. These shelves sit on the V of the roof trusses and provide a handy area for storage, leaving the central floor area clear. By placing boxes at the side on truss shelving, the central section of your loft is kept free for you to move around and to give you space when accessing your belongings. We can also build additional bespoke storage shelving to accommodate whatever items you need to store, be it suitcases or sports equipment.

No obligation consultation to find out what’s right for you

Whatever you budget, we are happy to advise with a no-obligation consultation. Contact us here or take a look at our Facebook page for photos of recent installations.

What do we advise homeowners in Stratford-upon-Avon against storing in their loft?

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We are big fans of loft storage. Every week we help homeowners in Warwickshire and Worcestershire to claim back space by boarding their lofts. Our customers generally have plans for what they want to store, but one of the questions they sometimes ask us is, are there any items that I shouldn’t keep in my loft?

Lofts are subject to huge variations of temperature. Ever had to go up to the loft in a heatwave? If you have, then you’ll know that it gets rather hot up there. For that reason, if you have a precious collection of vinyl, it might be better off somewhere else. 

The same extreme of temperature applies during a cold snap – the loft gets pretty chilly. This variation of temperatures means that items made of wood, such as furniture, may warp or joints split. So, if you have any precious wooden items, think about keeping them elsewhere. When it comes to musical instruments, we would not recommend storing them in a loft space for this reason.

What can I store in a boarded loft?

There are plenty of items that you can store in a loft if you think about how you do it and provide protection.

The loft is home to insects like moths and silverfish, so that some items are best stored in plastic containers with lids. Tempting as it is to just sling into a bin liner any clothes you don’t wear or you are saving to hand down when a younger child grows, you may find that they are unwearable after a while. This problem is easily solved by vacuum packing which protects them from moths and mildew.  

Books should be kept in plastic boxes with lids so that silverfish do not get to the pages. Likewise for photographs in order to protect their finish and preserve the precious memories they show.

If you want to go one step further, you can ask your contractor to line the loft with a membrane that will prevent dust and grit falling on to your stored items.

There are many items that you can store in your loft and our customers do just that. With a little care, you can free up your living space and store belongings out of sight, confident that they will remain in good condition.

We board lofts in Stratford-upon-Avon and most of Warwickshire and Worcestershire

To find out more about loft boarding contact us now.