Loft Boarding and Your NHBC Warranty: An Ultimate Guide
- Matthew Driver
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Have you recently moved into a new build home and been told you can’t use the loft for storage? Or that installing loft boarding will void your NHBC warranty?
You're not alone—and thankfully, this information is incorrect.
Loft boarding is a smart way to increase your storage space and improve day-to-day living. More importantly, when installed correctly, it does not invalidate your NHBC warranty.
Understanding how and why can help you make confident decisions about utilising your loft space safely and effectively.
What is a new build warranty?
On completion of your purchase of a new build home you will receive a warranty and insurance protection from the property developer. This provides you with protection from any building issues on moving in, and for a period of time after.
The protection generally includes a 2 year builder warranty and at least 8 years insurance cover for physical damage to the home caused by a failure to build to the Technical Requirements. This could be structural or non-structural building defects.
Key Coverage Details:
Years 0–2: Builder is responsible for resolving any construction defects.
Years 3–10: Insurance-backed structural protection kicks in for major faults such as damage to foundations, load-bearing walls, and roofs.
Who provides new build warranties?
New build warranties are arranged by the property developer and handed over to the buyer at exchange or completion. While there are several providers, the four main organisations cover around 95% of UK homes:
NHBC (National House Building Council)
LABC Warranty
Premier Guarantee
Checkmate
This blog focuses primarily on the NHBC Buildmark warranty—by far the most widely used.
What Does Your NHBC New Build Warranty Cover?
1. Pre-Completion Protection
NHBC’s Buildmark warranty includes deposit protection—useful if the builder goes out of business before construction is completed.
2. First Two Years After Completion
This period covers non-structural defects like:
Poor workmanship
Plumbing, heating, or electrical issues
Defective windows or doors
The builder must fix these issues at no cost to you.
It also includes:
Alternative accommodation if needed
Storage costs for your belongings during repairs
Land contamination remediation, if required
3. Years 3–10: Structural Cover
This longer-term cover focuses on serious issues such as:
Structural failure in load-bearing walls or floors
Foundation problems
External cladding or rendering issues
In serious cases, it also covers alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable.
Full details of the warranty can be found here.
Can You Use Your Loft in a New Build Home?
Yes, absolutely—your loft can be used for storage, provided it’s done correctly. The loft space is one of the most underutilised areas in new homes and can offer significant benefits when accessed safely and without compromising insulation or structure.
Most new builds feature 270mm to 400mm of loft insulation, making traditional boarding methods unsuitable unless adapted. You must avoid compressing this insulation, which would negatively impact your home's energy efficiency and potentially cause condensation or damp issues.
To avoid compressing insulation you will need to raise the loft boards above the insulation. We have a blog specifically for this job, see here.
Raised loft boarding can be used to create much needed storage, or alternatively to safely access equipment that is located in the loft (e.g. solar panel inverters).
How to Board a Loft in a New Build Without Voiding Warranty
The full NHBC policy document can be found here, which outlines exactly what does and does not affect the warranty.
Use a Raised Loft Boarding System
Products like Loft Leg XL are designed specifically to create a raised platform above the insulation level. This avoids any compression, maintains thermal performance, and protects airflow through the roof space.
Consider Structural Load and Safety
If your new build has a loft hatch, it has been designed to allow light storage and occasional access. According to NHBC and EN 1991-1-1:2002* standards, the trussed roof structure can support:
25kg/m² for storage
90kg concentrated load for one person accessing the loft
This means lightweight, occasional-use storage—like Christmas decorations, boxes, or spare furnishings—is perfectly acceptable.
Generally the policy outlines that if any alterations are carried out by a homeowner after purchase, any defects that are found to result from the alterations would not be covered by the warranty.
It is therefore important to ensure that any alterations to your home after purchase do not cause defects to your home.
For loft boarding the main issues to consider are the additional loading of the roof structure, the performance of the insulation and the ventilation in the loft.
*Extract from EN1991-1-1:2002 (Superseding BS 6399-1:1996)
Section 6.3.4.2 Values of Actions
The following loads are appropriate for the design of frames and covering of access hatches (other than glazing), supports of ceilings and similar structures:
a) without access: no imposed load: or
b) with access: 0.25KN/m² uniformly distributed over the whole area and a concentrated load of 0.9KN so placed as to produce the maximum effect in the supporting members
Does Loft Boarding Invalidate the NHBC Warranty?
No—if installed properly, raised loft boarding does not invalidate your NHBC warranty.
However, any issues caused as a result of homeowner modifications—including improper boarding—will not be covered. So it’s critical to follow best practices.
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid:
Overloading the loft area beyond structural tolerance
Compressing insulation, reducing its effectiveness
Blocking ventilation, leading to condensation or mould
Improper installation without following manufacturer guidance
If the loft boarding is raised above the insulation with a system such as Loft Leg XL and is correctly installed, does not interfere with the ventilation of the loft, and not overloaded, loft boarding will not invalidate your NHBC warranty.
Best Practices for Installing Raised Loft Boarding
To stay within warranty protection and building regulations, follow these essential steps:
✅ Use a Product Like Loft Leg XL
Loft Leg XL is engineered specifically for deep insulation in new build homes, raising the floor level above 270mm+ insulation.
✅ Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions
Ensure correct spacing, secure fixing, and appropriate board types (typically 18mm chipboard panels).
✅ Maintain Loft Ventilation
Leave existing eaves and ridge vents unobstructed. Do not run boards over vent openings.
✅ Avoid Excessive Weight
Stick to light, infrequently used storage items. Do not use the loft as a living space or heavy storage area.
Need Reassurance?
If you’re still unsure, you can:
Refer to the NHBC Technical Guidance documents
Visit Loft Leg’s NHBC statement for more assurance
If you have any concerns about the work, contact the NHBC for advice. The Loft Leg NHBC statement can be found here.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Use Your New Build Loft for Storage
With proper planning and the right raised boarding system, your loft can become a valuable storage space without compromising insulation, structure, or your warranty.
At Loft Leg Ltd., we specialise in innovative solutions that help homeowners safely transform their unused lofts into functional, energy-efficient storage zones. Browse our full range at www.loftleg.com and start making the most of your home today.