Live in Warwickshire or Worcestershire and thinking of installing a boiler in your loft space? What you need to know about loft access

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If space is at a premium in your kitchen, or you don’t have a utility room, then you may be considering installing a boiler in your loft space. If this is the case, then you need to be aware of the regulations and issues regarding loft access.

Retractable loft ladder

In order to allow safe access for a heating engineer you will need a retractable ladder installed. You can talk to us about the options and there will be one to suit your budget. Aluminium is both light and sturdy, but we also supply timber ladders if your budget allows.

Aluminium Loft Ladder in Bidford

Loft boarding to create a safe walkway and working platform

You will need to create a walkway from the loft hatch to the boiler as well as an adequate working platform. *  We would add that the boards need to be safe and stable, by which we mean securely attached to the joists and laid flush so that there are no trip hazards.

Lighting

You must provide adequate lighting to allow an engineer to carry out the work and to enter and exit the loft safely.

Guard rail

There should be a guard rail at the exit of the loft. We can build this in easily as part of a loft improvement package. We are experienced carpenters and can create a bespoke handrail for you at a reasonable cost.

Size of loft hatch and location

Although not specifically covered by regulations, no heating engineer is going to want to access your boiler if the loft hatch is in a dangerous or difficult position. The same goes if the loft opening is very small. The good news is that enlarging, or even moving, the loft hatch is not a big job and we undertake this for customers as part of our regular work.

Always consult a qualified heating engineer about a boiler installation

*Please note this blog is only intended as a guideline to make you aware of some of the considerations and that regulations may change. There are other considerations regarding boiler installation in a loft space, so we advise you to always consult an appropriately qualified heating engineer. 

If you want to talk about loft boarding or fitting a ladder in readiness, then we would love you to get in touch.

Loft boarding rises in popularity in Worcestershire and Warwickshire

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We’ve been in the loft improvement business for more than a decade and, whilst we have always remained busy, we have seen the various aspects of our work rise and fall in popularity over that time. One general trend stands out and that is the increase in demand for loft boarding.

Up to a few years ago 75% of our work involved fitting fixed loft ladders and installing new hatches. Boarding loft spaces made up the other 25%. Throughout 2020 and 2021, our work has changed to consist of 50% boarding and 50% loft ladders.

Loft boarding creates a feeling of space

Talking with our customers reveals the reasons for the demand for loft boarding. Number one is the fact that we have all been spending so much more time at home during Covid 19. This increased time in the home has led customers to reassess the space they have and created a desire to free their living spaces of items that could be stowed in the loft out of sight. It is not just that customers have been working from home or were home-schooling children. As well as carving out specific areas for a home office or to exercise in, customers just simply wanted to create a feeling of space. 

Whereas before customers would fit a ladder and think about boarding the loft space themselves or getting us back at a later date to do it, loft boarding has become a priority.

“Customers are saying to us that what is the point of fitting a fixed ladder if they still have to be careful not to go through the floor when they are up in the loft,” explains Stuart Dyson, owner of Stu’s Loft Ladders. “Without boarding, it is almost impossible to effectively use the space in your loft.”

Take a look at our boarding page for more information or our Facebook page for examples of recent work and customer reviews.

Want to store away your summer items? Why autumn is a busy time for loft boarding in Warwickshire

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Dare we say it…there is an autumn chill in the air! Whilst we want to hang on to every last day of summer, the new season is approaching and, for most of us, so is a return to work and routine. If you have been enjoying summer past-times, such as camping or summer sports, now might be the time to pack away equipment ready for next year.  Or you might be swapping your summer wardrobe for your winter one. For these reasons this is a busy time of year for Stu’s Loft Ladders as people decide to have their loft boarded as a way of storing seasonal items.

Loft Boarding Installation
Even just boarding the centre section of a loft creates functional storage space

As September arrives, these are some of the seasonal items most commonly stored in a boarded loft:

  • Camping – great fun and an affordable means of gaining a much-needed change of scenery. However, camping comes with a lot of equipment. Not just the tent itself, but beds, cooking equipment, chairs and all the paraphernalia of an outdoor stay. If you don’t want to jam up your shed or garage, then the loft is the ideal space for storage. If gaining access is awkward, we can even enlarge the loft opening so that getting bulky items up there is a breeze. 
  • Summer clothes – as the nights draw in you may be reaching for your winter woollies and finding it tricky to see what clothes you have in an overstuffed wardrobe. By taking out your summer clothes and vacuum-packing them, they will be free from dust and moths, ready for the warmer weather in 2022. They can then sit happily in the loft out of the way until you need them again. The same goes for summer footwear which, can go into clear boxes with lids.
  • Summer sports – if you have a hobby that you enjoy in the warmer months with equipment that you won’t need until spring, making the most of your loft means keeping other areas in your home clear. Whether it’s cricket bats, paddles, wetsuits or body boards, having loft storage sorted frees up space in the rest of your home.

So, at the start of the new season, give us a call on 07712 327889 for a no-obligation quote for loft boarding, fixed loft ladders or a new hatch. See more about our services here.

Thinking of fitting solar panels with a battery in Warwickshire and Worcestershire? Why you’ll need loft boarding and good loft access

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Having solar PV panels fitted used to be a rarity, but these days it is a common step for people wanting to bring down their energy bills and take a positive step in tackling climate change. Increasing numbers of households are pairing a solar PV system with battery storage so that they can harness green energy during the day and power their homes in the evening.

If you are planning to house the system’s inverter or battery in your loft, it is essential that you ensure safe and easy loft access. A job this week by our team in Bidford-On-Avon, Warwickshire, illustrated this perfectly.

Loft boarding for Solar PV battery in Bidford-On-Avon

The customer was having solar PV panels installed on the roof of his 3-bedroom semi-detached property. With a plan to store excess energy via a battery in the loft, he needed to ensure a safe and stable walkway for taking meter readings and servicing the system. He booked Stu’s Loft Ladders to board the loft, ahead of installation to ensure that the job could be carried out safely. 

Before we boarded the loft

Creating a larger loft opening

As a further requirement, we were asked to move the existing loft hatch, which was too small to accommodate the battery. We boarded and plastered up the existing hatch and created a new, larger loft opening in one of the bedrooms.

Strengthening the loft structure

Concerned about the weight of the battery, the customer also requested that we increase the load bearing capacity in the loft, which we did by adding timbers to strengthen the structure. 

“If you are thinking about solar PV systems, then you will need to ensure good loft access, with a stable walkway and a fixed ladder,” explains Stuart Dyson of Stu’s Loft Ladders. “It is not a large cost compared to the system itself, but one that people need to factor in when thinking about the total project cost. You may also need to look at enlarging the loft opening itself.”

For advice and a no-obligation quote, contact us now through the website or call 07712 327889.

Can you board the loft of an older or period property? A popular question in Warwickshire and Worcestershire!

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New build to Victorian or even older, we have boarded properties from all these ages of construction. In fact, the oldest loft we have boarded was in a 300-year-old cottage for a customer who was delighted with the space we created for her.

Loft boarding must accommodate the quirks of an older property

Boarding an older property is not without its challenges. The older the property, the bigger the challenges, but they can all be overcome.

Visit a modern housing development and you will see rows of houses built to repeated designs. Older properties come in all shapes and sizes, with extensions and add-ons over the decades or centuries that have changed the shape of the roof space. Joists may be in awkward spaces and often there are water tanks, old pipes and other obstacles to work around. In these cases, boarding may take longer than usual as each board must be cut to accommodate the quirks and angles of the building.

Raised loft boarding can protect timbers and allow for increased insulation

Whilst owners of new-build properties are very cautious about any boarding method that might invalidate their NHBC warranty, owners of period properties should also think about protecting roof timbers. Condensation may be an issue, and we might suggest raising the level of the boarding to protect the timbers or allow for additional insulation. Insulation is important as older buildings may not be as heat efficient and existing insulation may not meet current regulations. When quoting, we would look at the head room in the loft. If this were an issue, and we needed to raise the boarding, we might advise sticking to boarding a central section.

Fitting a new loft hatch can radically improve heat retention

In an older property, the loft opening might not be in the right position, possibly under the shallowest part of the roof line.  We can move the loft opening entirely or change its orientation. In addition, fitting a new loft hatch can radically reduce draughts and improve heat retention on the floor below.

This is where you will get the benefit of employing a professional loft improvement company. We have been boarding lofts and fitting loft ladders for more than a decade in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, and in that time have boarded thousands of older and period properties. We are always happy to talk through the installation when quoting. Contact us now or visit our Facebook page to see photos of our recent work.

Loft Boarding Installation

5 reasons homeowners in Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester should board their loft

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We are rather biased, but we think that everyone who can, should board their loft. So here are the five reasons why you should get on with this home improvement job.

  1. Space – this is the big one. We all want more space in our homes. More than ever, our homes are multitasking spaces, where we balance home working or study with family, hobbies, home exercise and pets. And that’s without all the stuff we accumulate! With the cost of homes per square metre rising quickly, you could add 50% more space to your home through loft boarding if you already live in a double-storey building. 
  2. Proper Storage – we all have items that we need, or want to hang on to, but don’t want to look at every day. Not just the Christmas tree decorations, but sports equipment for a hobby we don’t have time for at the moment, or sentimental boxes of photos. Unless you are Marie Kondo, then the chances are that you have items you don’t want to let go of. Putting them in the loft means that you can keep your living areas clutter free.
From this…
To this!
  1.  Safety – believe it or not, every week we see people who have already been storing items in their loft without boarding. That means they have been wobbling about up there, running the risk of coming through the ceiling. It does happen and not just in sit-coms! If you are already storing items without boarding, then do the sensible thing and get it boarded.
  2. Organisation – Creating a dedicated storage space means an opportunity to get organised. We are talking about clear stacking boxes with lids and labels that will mean no more rooting around for that travel plug, airbed pump or whatever item is needed in a hurry, but could be in any of tens of places!
  3. Time – the other precious commodity in our lives! Stu’s Loft Ladders has the tools, supply contacts and, most importantly, the expertise to board your loft in half a day in most instances. If you are thinking that you will get around to DIY loft improvements, save yourself the time and hassle by calling in the professionals. It is not only a question of time, when you factor in the cost of materials and hiring or purchasing the right tools, then professional loft boarding becomes cost-effective too. 

Stu’s Loft Ladders works in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Alcester, Redditch, Studley and most of Warwickshire and Worcestershire. We are always happy to provide a quote for your loft boarding job with no-obligation. You can see examples of our recent work on our Facebook page

When it comes to loft hatches bigger is better in Stratford-upon-Avon and Redditch

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Do you struggle to get larger items into your loft? It’s frustrating – all that loft space that you could use to get awkward items out of sight in your home, but the loft opening itself is too small.

Don’t panic – give us a call. Enlarging loft openings and fitting new hatches is our bread and butter!

We can fit a new loft hatch

Some houses were built with a small loft opening and many new builds still are. We can remove the old hatch door and surround, open a larger space and fit a new surround. 

We offer maintenance-free, white plastic as well as timber that you can stain or paint to the colour you want. Depending on the loft ladder you choose, we offer hatch options up to one metre in length.

Larger loft hatch means less hassle

It might be that you don’t need to store larger items, but you find it awkward carrying items of any size up a ladder and into the loft. The larger the opening, the more space you have to manoeuvre – the whole process feels easier and you are less likely to injure yourself.

So take a look at our loft hatches page or give us a call straight away on 07712 327889.

5-star Reviews – Why You Can Trust Us For Your Loft Improvement Job Wherever You Live in Warwickshire and Worcestershire

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Have you looked at our review page? If you are thinking about having your loft boarded or a loft ladder fitted, then we suggest you do.  We have just had four new reviews posted – all genuine, all from very happy customers. And it means the world to us. Without customer recommendation we wouldn’t have a business. Word of mouth, whether literal or digital, is what keeps us in work – and we are very busy!

Trust, respect and quality in loft improvements

What the reviews mean for customers is a trust – that we will do what we say and that we will treat you and your home with respect. It also is a testament that the quality of our work is what you would expect and by that we mean nothing less than excellent!

So, we are not blowing our own trumpet – we will let our customers do that for us! http://www.stusloftladders.co.uk/Reviews/

Three Steps to (Storage) Heaven for homeowners in Warwickshire and Worcestershire

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We like to keep things simple! When it comes to how to improve your loft, there are three main things to consider:

  1. Boarding
    This is the game changer! No more wasted space and no trying to precariously balance things, or worse yourself, on joists. With boarding costing around £35 per square metre, it is good value for money in relation to the space you will gain. If you are thinking about boarding the loft yourself, read our blog post first to check that you have the necessary skills and tools for the job. We get it done in less than a day and clear away all leftover materials and any mess. 
  2. Fixed Loft Ladder
    Make using the loft safe and make it easy. A fixed ladder means that going up to the loft is a breeze. If you already have a fixed loft ladder, but it is a bit heavy and clunky, why not change it for a modern, light version. Life is too short to dread going up to the loft!
  3. Loft Opening
    Is the hatch in the wrong place, like a bedroom or over the stairs? If it is in the right place, but awkward to get to and use, we can enlarge the opening or change the orientation to be more convenient. Changing the loft opening so that it is not over stairs is a job that we do quite often. We can fit a new hatch and surround and leave the ceiling looking as if the new hatch was always there!

There you have it – three steps to maximising your loft space. Contact us now to arrange a no obligation quote, or take a look at our services page for more information.

How to make the most of loft storage – our top tips for Stratford-upon-Avon homeowners

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There is no doubt about it – boarding the loft and fitting a fixed loft ladder is a sure-fire way to create useable storage in your home, whilst freeing up living areas. For customers who have recently had their loft boarded by our team, or those thinking about it, these are our top tips for making the most of all that new storage space:

Box clever

Cardboard boxes may be a cheap and light option, but there is nothing more frustrating whilst searching for an item than to rummage to the bottom of a box to find it is not there. Instead, we recommend buying a set of clear, stackable boxes. Most DIY stores sell them and often have offers when buying more than one. We are all trying to avoid buying plastic, so make sure they last – the cheap, brittle kind can be a false economy and may crack and need replacing. 

If you do opt for cardboard or recycled plastic (which won’t be transparent), label the contents clearly. Group similar items together and write or tape a list of the contents on more than one side so that you can see the list easily, whichever way the box is facing.

Keep a lid on it

A certain amount of dust will fall onto whatever you store in the loft, so we recommend boxes with lids. Lids will not only keep the dust and grit out, but also provide a barrier to spiders and moths.

Honey, I’ve shrunk the clothes

If you haven’t tried vacuum packing clothing, then it is a revelation. Belongings that would fill an entire box, shrink down to a tiny size and, best of all, moths and dust mites can’t get in! Think of the space you could create in your wardrobe if you could take out some of your bulky winter items.

Shine a light

Searching around a loft with the torch on your phone is a tricky business. LED lighting options are now far more powerful than they once were. Look for battery operated lights that can be angled and attached easily where you need them. LED lights with a sensor will make life easier.

Bespoke options

You could consider having shelving built as part of your loft build or retro fitting some. We are often asked to build-in shelving to accommodate suitcases or sporting equipment.

If you would like a quote to board your loft or fit a fixed ladder, contact us now. You can see photos from some of our recent jobs on our Facebook page.