Measuring Up For Loft Ladders & Keeping In The Heat

Loft ladders are not a one size fits all solution and we often get asked how to measure up and ensure that the right loft ladder fits that persons space. If you’re planning to do this task yourself, there are several measurements you need to take before choosing your loft ladder. ?

These measurements include: ?

1. Floor to Ceiling Height – Measure the distance vertically from the floor (where the ladder will sit) to the ceiling where the hatch is located. When selecting a loft ladder the floor to ceiling height must fall within your measurements.??

2. Floor to Floor Height – This measurement is the distance vertically from the floor, again where the ladder will sit to the floor of your loft space. When looking at the loft ladder range, the floor to floor height should fall in-between your measurements. It’s important to know, some loft ladders use floor to floor and others floor to ceiling depending on the type.??

3. Loft Opening Dimensions – This is the size of the ‘hole’ in the ceiling, you should take the measurements of both the length and width. The dimensions taken are the maximum size of the hatch you could fit into your space. For example, if the hole in your celling is 550 x 1200 a loft ladder will need to be less than this to fit your opening.?

4. Vertical Clearance – Vertical Clearance is the space available in your loft for the ladder to sit vertically. Measure from the hinge of your hatch upwards to the nearest obstruction.??

5. Horizontal Clearance – Horizontal Clearance is the space in the loft you have for the ladder to sit or manoeuvre. Similar to vertical clearance, measure from the hinge of the hatch to the nearest obstruction.??

6. Swing Clearance – Swing clearance is the measurement of the arc through which folding ladders will move as they retract into the loft. Measure the distance from the hinge end of your hatch to the nearest obstruction. (Usually a wall)??

Once you have all these dimensions you are ready to start looking for your loft ladder. You can simply enter these dimensions into our loft ladder finder and let us do the work for you. If you are struggling to measure up, we also have more information here??

Now you’ve found the perfect solution for accessing the loft let’s see how we can save money using insulated hatches and other methods of keeping the heat in. ?

How Important is energy efficiency In the loft? ?

When looking at saving money on your energy bills using you loft space is a good way to do this. It’s no secret that heat rises and if you can prevent heat escaping through your loft space it’s going to keep the heat in, making your home warmer. ?

Loft Hatch Specifications – U-Value ?

When purchasing a loft hatch the specifications will state the U-Value. This specification is a measurement that considers a buildings thermal conductance heat transfer via convection and radiation.?When choosing a loft hatch the lower the U-Value the more efficient the hatch and the better the insulation. Our loft hatches range from 0.35 to 0.15 and suit a variety of budgets. ?

Loft Insulation ?

As well as having an insulated loft hatch, you should also consider insulating your loft floor if it isn’t already insulated. Loft insulation is a barrier installed on the loft floor that prevents heat escaping through the roof. Loft insulation can be installed between and across the joists, which are the horizontal beams that run along the loft floor. Insulation can also be installed between the rafters, which are the angled beams that hold the roof up.?

Loft Boarding?

Once you’ve insulated the loft floor, you can then look at boarding the loft. Loft boarding doesn’t only allow you to store more items in your loft securely but adds yet another barrier to keep the heat in and prevent heat loss. When adding loft boarding you should ensure you do not squash down and insulation with the boards, loft legs / stilts are the best approach to achieving this.?

Further Information?

If you’re looking for any further help or advice our expert team are on hand. You can give them a call on 01204590232 or email [email protected]?