Whether you choose to get loft boarding fitted by a professional loft boarding company or choose to go down the DIY route, there are a variety of ways you can reach the end goal. But the question is, what’s the difference between each option and which loft boarding method is best?
Discover the different ways you can board your loft, the benefits, and when it’s best to hire a loft boarding company to ensure the jobs’ are finished to the right standard for your home.
Raised Loft Boarding
Raised loft boarding works using a raised subframe to lift the boards above the insulation and joists. These supports are made from extremely strong and durable engineering grade plastic. Connected between each support is a galvanised steel crossbeam that the loft boards then fit on top of. The raised design allows air to flow over the insulation and beneath the loft flooring so that problems with damp or condensation do not occur.
What are the advantages of raised loft boarding?
While raised loft boarding is typically best installed by a loft boarding company, which may potentially cost more upfront. There are actually a number of advantages to using raised loft boarding over standard, including:
-Add up to 50% more floor space to your home-
-Reduce heat loss in your home-
-Protect and enhance your insulation-
-Help to reduce your overall energy bills-
-Create extra storage space-
-Add value to your home-
We’re proud to be a loft boarding company approved to install the award-winning StoreFloor system from LoftZone. A specially designed raised loft boarding system that is the only one in the UK to be BBA approved, doesn’t affect the warranty on new build homes, can hold up to 500kg per square metre and is built to enhance the efficiency of your insulation while increasing the storage capabilities in your home.
To most people, the overall benefits of raised loft boarding outweigh the initial costs. So, if you’re looking for an easy loft boarding system that will stand the test of time and help reduce your long-term energy bills, it’s likely that raised loft boarding is the right choice for you!
Is my home suitable for raised loft boarding?
Raised loft boarding is suitable for all homes and roof styles, including cut, purlin and truss; meaning anyone can use it – even those with new builds as it doesn’t impact your warranty! Read more information on loft boarding for new builds.
Compact Loft Boarding
Compact loft boarding is another option for raising the loft boarding above the joists but is done at a smaller scale. Instead of the 279mm height of the StoreFloor, the compact package is 159mm tall, allowing for insulation up to 100mm above the joists.
While the recommended insulation depth for lofts is over 200mm, the compact allows some insulation to be retained and is not compressed, so it is still preferable to standard loft boarding.
What are the benefits of compact loft boarding?
Not every loft boarding company will offer compact loft boarding as a service. However, this style of boarding can be highly beneficial, depending on the type of property you live in, and your personal preferences.
-The perfect solution for homes with less headroom in their lofts-
-Ideal for properties with thinner layers of insulation-
-The same concept as fully raised loft boarding – meaning it still protects your existing insulation-
-Increase storage capacity in your home without losing vertical space in your loft-
Is my home suitable for compact loft boarding?
Typically, compact loft boarding is best suited for older homes as they tend to have less headroom in their attic space. However, these loft boarding systems can be installed into homes of any age, but we do highly recommend fully raised loft boarding in new builds due to the warranty being such a huge factor.
Find out more about loft boarding for older homes to identify whether a compact system is the right choice for you.
Standard Loft Boarding
Standard loft boarding is the process of laying loft boards directly over the joists and insulation in your attic. This is a method that can either be outsourced to a loft boarding company or completed DIY if you’d rather do the job yourself.
It’s typically the cheapest method as it doesn’t require any raised systems in place, but it’s often also the method that offers the least longevity. This way of boarding your loft is quick and effective, but because it squashes your insulation it can also have a detrimental impact on the quality and energy efficiency of your home (and your long term energy bills!)
This is because squashed insulation can begin to collect moisture, leading to dampness. If left untreated, this damp insulation can lead to even larger and more expensive issues, including mould and wood rot.
Some loft boarding companies even remove the insulation entirely in order to board in this way. No insulation or inefficient insulation causes the warmth in the loft is unable to be effectively retained. It will also invalidate the warranty of your new build. Find out just how important loft insulation is in preventing heat loss in your home in our recent blog.
What are the benefits of standard loft boarding?
-Easy to DIY-
-Cheaper upfront costs-
-Increase storage space-
It’s important to weigh up the potential risks that installing standard boarding presents. This style may be ideal for those on a smaller budget looking for an easy DIY option. But, despite its quick and cheap installation being tempting, it can end up costing you more than expected.
Looking for a loft boarding company near you?
If you’re looking for a loft boarding company to transform your attic into a truly reliable storage space, give us a call! No matter the size or age of your home, we’re here to help.
With loft board installers based across the UK, you can guarantee a quick and easy installation process, using a raised loft boarding system to maintain the integrity of your property. For more information, take a look at our package deals or get in touch for a quote today.