If you’re using your loft to store your suitcases, Christmas decorations, and other belongings that only need to come down once or twice a year, you probably haven’t put too much consideration into your loft hatch and ladder.
Therefore it’s likely that getting in and out of your loft can be a bit of a hassle. To make accessing it quicker and safer, you will need to invest in a good quality loft hatch and ladder. But with so many different options to choose from, which is the right one for you?
What are the different types of hatch available?
There are two main types of loft hatch, either hinged or push up.
Hinged Drop Down Hatch
With a hinged loft hatch, the lid is opened and lowered out of the way using a pole. The hinge provides a pivot point, so when the hatch is closed, a seal is created around the door to help prevent draughts. They are an ideal option in combination with loft ladders due to their ease of operation.
Push up Hatch
With push-up loft hatches, the frame is separate from the lid, meaning opening it is slightly more difficult as the door needs to be lifted up and into the loft space. They aren’t as insulated but are ideal for homeowners with less room to access the loft from below. The door is pushed up into the loft space instead of hanging down into the home.
What materials are loft hatches made from
Most loft hatches are made using cheap cuts of wood or MDF, with hinges screwed in. While this is a quick and cheap option that many loft hatch installers will opt for, it’s not the only choice and by no means the best.
At Instaloft, we only provide industry-leading energy-efficient UPVc hinge down loft hatches that meet all current building regulation requirements. This means they are adequately sealed and insulated to help prevent heat transfer in the home, preventing warmth from escaping from the living space into the loft or cold air from the roof coming down into the living space.
Some other benefits of an Instaloft Loft Hatch are:
- Creates effective access
- Energy efficient
- Easy to operate
- Discrete and minimalist
- It can easily be painted to match the aesthetic of your ceiling
Once you’ve decided on a new loft hatch, you’ll need to measure up the opening size as they are not all uniform, and some hatches may not fit at first.
If this is the case, you may need a frame installed around the edge of the opening, or the opening might need to be re-cut to suit the hatch. We will enlarge your existing loft opening and install a new energy-efficient hatch.
What are the different types of ladders available?
There is a wide range of different loft ladders available, but to know which design best suits your situation, you’ll first need to measure the height from the floor where the feet of your ladder will rest to the top of your loft floor above. This includes the top of the StoreFloor boards if you mount the ladder on the raised floor system.
Sliding loft ladders
This ladder-style is simple to install and works with most sizes of loft hatch. Typically split into 2 or 3 sections that can be extended down to the floor, sliding loft ladders are an effective solution for getting into your loft safely and conveniently as they are lightweight and easy to operate.
Concertina-style
This style of loft ladder is ideal for houses with a small ceiling opening and limited loft space as they are compact, stored directly above the hatch, which allows for extra floor space to be used inside.
Telescopic
These ladders can collapse down into a small size for easy compact storage. They are manufactured with tough working conditions in mind, making them suitable for both home and commercial use.
What are the options for loft ladder material?
Hatches aren’t the only thing where you’ll need to consider the material. Most ladders are made from aluminium or timber, and each style has its pros and cons.
Aluminium ladders offer a lightweight and easy to operate option, which you may prefer if you only access your loft occasionally. Whereas you may prefer the visual aesthetic, sturdiness and stability that a wooden ladder presents.
Having a loft ladder professionally installed by one of our expert loft ladder fitters means that you can access your loft safely and easily. Need help installing a loft hatch and ladder to your home? Get in touch to see how we can assist you and see the full range of optional extras we offer to help increase the safety of your new loft storage space.