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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about Loft Leg products, installation, insulation, loading, loft safety and compatibility.

Loft Leg FAQs

Answers about our original 175mm raised loft boarding support.

What is the height of a Loft Leg?

A Loft Leg is 175mm in height. When secured to a joist this allows up to 270mm of insulation to be used without compression.

What screws do I need to use with Loft Legs?

We recommend using 4.0 x 30mm or No. 8 x 1 1/4" multipurpose screws.

Recommended screws:

  • Wickes Ultra Gold Screws 4.0 x 30mm — product code 511087.
  • Toolstation Single Thread Countersunk Pozi Screw 4.0mm x 30mm — product code 34970.

Using screws larger or wider than 4mm x 30mm may result in difficulties screwing through the legs.

Is there any need to pre-drill holes?

No. Loft Legs have been designed so you can screw into them without pre-drilling holes. If you struggle, please check the screws you are using. We recommend 4.0 x 30mm or No. 8 x 1 1/4" multipurpose screws.

Can I screw chipboard directly on top of the Loft Leg?

Yes. Loft Legs have been designed so you can screw through the chipboard directly into the Loft Leg.

What is the maximum load I can apply to Loft Legs?

Loft Legs are strong and can support weights of 500kg. However, they do not change the load-bearing characteristics of your loft.

British Standards BS6399-1:1996 for new-build homes installed with a loft hatch require trusses to be designed to carry a 25kg per square metre storage load plus the temporary load of a person moving around in the loft.

Some homes may have been designed to exceed this, but if you want to exceed 25kg per square metre we recommend consulting a structural engineer.

Can I walk on the storage deck once constructed?

Yes. Loft Legs have been designed and independently tested to support weights in excess of the weight of an adult.

We recommend storing no more than 25kg per square metre for prolonged periods. For loads above this please consult a structural engineer.

Can I call someone for advice on installing Loft Legs?

Yes. Please contact us on 01282 861001 and speak to one of our customer service representatives.

Can you recommend fitters that install Loft Legs?

Please see our recommended installers page for details.

How high do Loft Legs raise the storage deck from the joists?

Loft Legs raise the storage deck by 175mm. When secured to a joist this allows up to 270mm of insulation to be used without compression.

Are Loft Legs safe?

Loft Legs have been independently tested by accredited laboratories to be safe when used as instructed. Please ensure you read the instructions before use. For loading of existing ceiling structures please contact a structural engineer for advice if necessary.

What insulation should be used with Loft Legs?

Loft Legs have been developed for use with matting types of insulation, sometimes called blanket or quilt insulation.

Common types include:

  • Mineral wool made from glass or rock fibre.
  • Natural materials such as sheep's wool.
  • Natural and recycled insulation made from materials such as hemp, cellulose fibre and recycled plastic bottles.

Does Loft Leg invalidate my home's structural warranty?

No. If installed and loaded correctly, installing Loft Legs will not invalidate your warranty.

Does a raised loft floor need BBA certification?

No. There is no current requirement for a raised loft floor to be BBA certified.

How do I attach a loft ladder when I have a raised loft floor?

There are lots of different loft ladders and loft hatches on the market, so there isn't one solution for all situations. Some options include:

  1. Use a ladder that folds into the footprint of the loft hatch.
  2. Attach the ladder to the raised platform so it retracts onto the storage area.
  3. Attach the ladder to the raised platform so it retracts into an area that is not part of the storage area.
  4. Create a small platform at joist level for the ladder to sit on when retracted.

Loft Leg XL FAQs

Guidance for our 300mm raised loft boarding support designed for deeper insulation.

What is the height of a Loft Leg XL?

A Loft Leg XL is 300mm in height. When secured to a joist this allows up to 400mm of insulation to be used without compression.

What screws do I need to use with Loft Leg XL?

We recommend using 4.0 x 30mm or No. 8 x 1 1/4" multipurpose screws.

Recommended examples include Wickes Ultra Gold Screws 4.0 x 30mm and Toolstation Single Thread Countersunk Pozi Screws 4.0mm x 30mm.

Using screws larger or wider than 4mm x 30mm may result in difficulties screwing through the legs.

Is there any need to pre-drill holes?

No. Loft Leg XLs have been designed so you can screw into them without pre-drilling holes.

Can I screw chipboard directly on top of the Loft Leg XL?

Yes. Loft Leg XL has been designed so you can screw through the chipboard directly into the leg.

What is the maximum load I can apply to Loft Leg XLs?

Loft Leg XLs are very strong and can support weights of 350kg. However, they do not change the load-bearing characteristics of a loft.

If you want to exceed a storage load of 25kg per square metre, we recommend consulting a structural engineer.

Can I walk on Loft Leg XLs?

Yes. Loft Leg XLs have been designed and independently tested to support weights in excess of the weight of an adult.

The legs are not suitable for heavy foot traffic or habitable rooms. We recommend storing no more than 25kg per square metre for prolonged periods.

What loft boards are compatible with Loft Leg XL?

Loft Leg XL can be used with Conti loft boards, Wickes loft panels, B&Q loft panels, Homebase loft panels and suitable 18–22mm thick chipboard sheets.

Can I board the loft in a new-build home?

If your house was originally constructed with a loft hatch, the answer is yes.

Loft Leg XL has been designed specifically for raising boards in new-build homes.

Does Loft Leg XL invalidate my home's structural warranty?

No. If installed and loaded correctly, installing Loft Leg XL will not invalidate your home's structural warranty.

Does a raised loft floor need BBA certification?

No. There is no current requirement for a raised loft floor to be BBA certified.

Do you have any recommended installers of Loft Leg XLs?

Please see our recommended installer list for further information.

How do you attach a loft ladder when you have a raised loft floor?

There are lots of different loft ladders and loft hatches on the market, so there isn't one solution for all situations. Some options include:

  1. Use a ladder that folds into the footprint of the loft hatch.
  2. Attach the ladder to the raised platform so it retracts onto the storage area.
  3. Attach the ladder to the raised platform so it retracts into an area that is not part of the storage area.
  4. Create a small platform at joist level for the ladder to sit on when retracted.

Loft Ledge FAQs

What is a Loft Ledge?

Loft Ledge is an easy and convenient solution that maximises the energy-efficient storage space in your trussed roof.

Loft Ledge utilises the normally unused space between trusses and is designed to fit standard roof truss constructions.

The kit comes complete with two brackets, a chipboard shelf and four screws.

Loft Ledge is manufactured and assembled in the UK from recycled materials.

What is a truss and a trussed roof?

Trusses are prefabricated, triangulated wooden structures used to support the roof. Most modern homes built from the 1970s onwards have been constructed with a trussed roof.

Will Loft Ledge be suitable for my loft?

If your roof is of trussed construction, the answer is yes. Loft Ledge has been designed for standard modern trussed roof constructions and has inbuilt flexibility to allow for variations in truss angles and spacing.

Does the Loft Ledge kit include everything?

Yes. The brackets, screws and chipboard shelf are included. All you need is a screwdriver and tape measure.

How much weight will the Loft Ledge hold?

Loft Ledge has been tested to hold weights of over 30kg. However, we do not recommend storing more than 12kg for prolonged periods, and the load should be spread evenly across the ledge.

Is the chipboard FSC certified?

Yes. The chipboard provided is FSC certified.

Is Loft Ledge manufactured from recycled materials?

Yes. The plastic, chipboard and cardboard box are manufactured from recycled materials.

Where is Loft Ledge manufactured?

Loft Ledge is designed, manufactured and assembled in the UK.

How do I install Loft Ledge?

Loft Ledge has been designed to install easily. Please refer to the fitting instructions for full installation guidance.

What storage area does each Loft Ledge provide?

Each Loft Ledge kit provides a storage area of approximately 0.53m x 0.53m (21" x 21").

How many Loft Ledges can I fit in my loft?

The number depends on the number of trusses in your loft. You can position a Loft Ledge in the space between suitable trusses.

Loft Light FAQs

What is a Loft Light?

Loft Light is a 320 lumen battery-powered LED light.

How bright is Loft Light?

Loft Light produces 320 lumens, equivalent to a 32 watt bulb.

What batteries does Loft Light require?

Loft Light requires three D batteries.

How long will the batteries last?

Battery life depends on how often you use your loft. Tests have shown batteries can last up to four years when used for approximately 20 minutes each month.

Will Loft Light be suitable for my loft?

Yes. Loft Light is suitable for all lofts and roof constructions.

What is included in the box?

The box includes the Loft Light, a 2m pull string, a reflective strip and two screws.

How do I install Loft Light?

Please refer to the Loft Light fitting instructions for installation guidance.

How many Loft Lights do I need?

Loft Light will illuminate approximately a 10m² area. For very large lofts two or more Loft Lights may be necessary.

How long is the pull string?

The pull string is 2m long and can be adjusted to the correct length.

Can Loft Light be used in other rooms or buildings?

Yes. Loft Light can also be used in rooms or outbuildings where there is no mains electricity, such as sheds, wood stores and other dry outbuildings.

Is Loft Light suitable for outdoor use?

Loft Light is not waterproof and should not be installed where water can come into contact with the product.

Where can I buy Loft Lights?

Please see the current Loft Leg retailers and stockists.

Loft Lid FAQs

What is a Loft Lid?

Loft Lid is a simple solution for the safe installation of downlights in a loft space. Simply secure it over the downlight and install insulation around and over the top of the Loft Lid.

Why use Loft Lid?

Loft Lid creates a protective barrier around downlights to help prevent overheating.

It also creates an effective dust seal and acoustic seal and helps prevent heat escaping from the home into the loft space.

What downlights are compatible with Loft Lid?

Any downlight with a maximum power of 50W and dimensions less than 209mm long x 150mm wide x 150mm high can be protected with Loft Lid.

What are the dimensions of Loft Lid?

The internal dimensions are 209mm x 150mm x 150mm. The external dimensions are 222mm x 162mm x 152mm.

What sealant should be used with Loft Lid?

Loft Lids can be sealed with a general or all-purpose silicone sealant.

Are Loft Lids safe?

Loft Lids have been independently tested by accredited laboratories to be safe when used as instructed. Please ensure you read the instructions before use.

How do I install Loft Lid?

Please refer to the Loft Lid installation instructions and installation video.

What is the maximum wattage of downlight that I should use with Loft Lid?

The maximum wattage of downlight is 50W.

Is Loft Lid fire rated?

Loft Lid is made from fire-retardant material and, as it is specifically designed for use in a loft, it is not required to have a fire rating. Loft Lid conforms to current UK building regulations and relevant European/British standards when installed correctly in a loft.

What do I do with the transformer?

As a general rule, if the lamp has a halogen bulb place the transformer outside the Loft Lid and above the insulation. If the bulb is LED, place the transformer inside the Loft Lid.

Loft Bulb FAQs

How bright is a Loft Bulb?

Loft Bulb is 4000 lumens, equivalent to eight 40W bulbs.

What bulb fitting does Loft Bulb have?

Loft Bulb has a B22 bayonet fitting and will fit standard B22 bayonet fittings.

I don't have a bayonet fitting in my loft. Can I still use Loft Bulb?

Loft Bulb currently fits B22 bayonet fittings. An adaptor can be purchased separately to convert an E27 screw fitting for use with a B22 lamp.

Loft Lip FAQs

What is a Loft Lip?

Loft Lip is a finishing product designed to give a neat, professional edge around a loft hatch opening.

  • Creates a tidy trim around the loft hatch opening so it looks finished.
  • Provides ventilation around the hatch area, helping airflow in the loft.
  • Helps stop dust and insulation falling into the room below when the hatch is opened.
  • Designed for straightforward installation around standard loft hatches.

What size loft hatches is Loft Lip designed for?

Loft Lip is designed for loft hatches up to 600mm x 750mm and can be used on raised loft flooring with up to 400mm of insulation installed.

Is Loft Lip easy to install?

Yes. The kit is designed for simple DIY installation with minimal tools required. Clear instructions are included.

What tools do I need to install Loft Lip?

The following tools are required:

  • Stanley knife
  • Straight edge
  • Staple gun and staples

Can Loft Lip be used with any type of loft hatch?

Loft Lip is compatible with most timber and uPVC loft hatches. If your hatch is non-standard, measure carefully to confirm fit. The maximum dimensions of the loft hatch should not exceed 600mm x 750mm.

Do I need a professional to install Loft Lip?

No. Loft Lip has been designed so most homeowners can install it themselves, but a tradesperson can fit it if you prefer.

Will Loft Lip work alongside other Loft Leg products?

Yes. Loft Lip is designed to complement the full Loft Leg range, including Loft Leg and Loft Leg XL. It will also work with other raised loft floor systems.

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