Transform your loft's potential with raised loft boarding. Maximise space and functionality, unlocking a versatile and valuable area in your home.
The loft often remains an overlooked gem in our homes. Yet when given the right touch, this space can transition from a dusty void to a vibrant, functional part of your home.
And that's where the magic of raised loft boarding comes into play.
It offers a way to maximise space and functionality, transforming your loft into a versatile and valuable area.
If you're curious about this solution, you're in the right place. Today we're looking at the ways that utilising raised loft boarding can revolutionise your home's layout and appeal.
Keep reading!
Understanding Raised Loft Boarding
Raised loft boarding is the ideal solution for homeowners looking to enhance their loft space.
While traditional loft boarding sits directly on the joists, potentially compressing insulation and affecting energy efficiency, raised loft boarding using Loft Legs is designed to protect and preserve the underlying insulation.
By creating an elevated platform above the joists, this ensures that insulation performs optimally, maintaining the thermal efficiency of your home.
The boards used in raised loft boarding are typically made from 18mm thick tongue and groove Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or chipboard and are great for strength, stability, and longevity. Both options are readily available from national DIY retailers such as Wickes and Homebase, or builders merchants such as Travis Perkins or Jewson.
By choosing raised loft boarding, homeowners can enjoy a harmonious blend of practicality and performance, making their loft a more accessible and usable space.
Benefits
One of the most compelling advantages of raised loft boarding is the remarkable transformation it brings to the space.
With this method, your loft evolves from a mere attic to a well-organised and accessible area. It can be perfect for storing seasonal items, luggage, or anything else that needs to be tucked away yet be easily accessible.
But the benefits extend beyond mere storage.
Raised loft boarding plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing your home's insulation. By allowing for sufficient space for the insulation material to be at its full height and function efficiently, it ensures better thermal regulation of your home, saving you money.
Studies have shown that compressing insulation can reduce its thermal efficiency by over 50%.
Raised loft storage not only keeps your living spaces more comfortable but can also contribute to reduced heating costs during colder months.
Plus, the additional storage solutions introduced by raised loft boarding reduce the need for lots of storage in the habitable rooms below. This can declutter the rooms while keeping your cherished possessions close and secure.
Design Considerations
When transforming your loft with raised boarding, careful planning is important.
Start by assessing the space available in your loft. Consider the head height, angles, and existing structures to envision how the boarding will fit and function.
Next, think about how shelving can be used to create an organised area. The goal is to ensure the new boarding and shelving system creates the most useful storage space possible. A handy blog specifically on creative shelving solutions for the loft can be found here.
Loft safety and accessibility are paramount. You want to be sure that the loft is easily accessible, through a well-installed loft ladder with hand rails. Ladders with safety features, such as hand rails, are a good idea as you are not only going up and down the ladders, invariably you are also carrying items at the same time.
Also consider the structural integrity of your loft. In planning, consider factors like the weight capacity of the boarding and whether the structure of your house can support any additional weight.
For new build homes, the design of the roof structure will take into account the weight of an adult moving around in the loft as well as 25Kg/m2 for storage. It is important not to overload the loft as this could cause structural issues. For older properties it may be necessary to get a professional to check the structure before boarding the loft for storage.
Installation Process
The installation of raised loft boarding is a process that can be carried out as a DIY project or by using a professional installer.
For those who prefer the DIY route, it's essential to start with the right tools and materials, including the Loft Legs or Loft Leg XLs, your choice of boarding material, an electric screwdriver, and screws. The process involves screwing Loft Legs onto the ceiling joists/roof trusses, measuring and cutting the boards to fit the loft space, then securely fixing them onto the Loft Legs to create the raised loft floor. A more detailed blog on the installation process can be found here along with a handy installation movie here.
This raised platform not only preserves the insulation beneath but also provides a stable and durable surface.
However, for homeowners who are not comfortable with DIY projects, hiring a professional can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
A professional installer can assess the structural integrity of your loft, advise on the best materials, and ensure the boarding is installed correctly and comes with an extensive warranty. For those who are interested in this route a list of recommended installers can be found here.
Creative Uses
Once your raised loft boarding is in place, the possibilities for utilising this new space are only limited by your imagination.
From simply using your raised boarding for accessing equipment in the loft to using it as a fully organised storage haven the possibilities are endless.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
When considering a home improvement project like raised loft boarding, it's essential to weigh the costs against the long-term benefits.
Initially, the expense may seem significant, especially if it is a large or complex loft or if you opt for a professional installation.
The cost can vary depending on the size of your loft, the materials used, and whether additional features like a loft ladder or lighting are included. However, it's important to view this as an investment in your home.
The immediate benefit is the increased usability of your loft space, be it for storage or simply as safe access to equipment in the loft. In the long term, raised loft boarding can increase your property's value, making it a financially savvy move.
Additionally, improved insulation can lead to energy savings, reducing your heating bills during colder months. While the upfront cost is a consideration, the overall return on investment, both in terms of functionality and financial value, can be quite substantial.
Environmental Considerations
Raised loft boarding, when approached correctly, can align with sustainable practices and contribute to a more eco-friendly home.
The improved insulation resulting from proper loft boarding can significantly reduce your home's carbon footprint. By keeping heat from escaping in the winter and reducing the need for excessive heating, you contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Careful consideration of the materials used is key. Loft Legs are manufactured from recycled plastic. While opting for sustainable, responsibly sourced materials like FSC-certified wood can ensure that your loft is not only useful but also environmentally conscious.
Some manufacturers offer loft boarding made from recycled wood, which further reduces the ecological impact.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for integrating renewable energy solutions in your loft space. For instance, if you have a well-insulated and boarded loft, it may become feasible to install solar panels on the roof, and have safe access to the invertor in the loft, further enhancing your home's energy efficiency and sustainability.
To create an even more energy efficient loft, ensure that the loft hatch is insulated and is airtight. If the loft hatch is not airtight, warm air can easily escape into the loft from the rooms below. Also, use Loft Lids over any downlights in the ceiling that protrude into the loft to maintain the airtightness of the ceiling. This ensures warm air does not escape through the holes in the ceiling created for downlights.
Raised Loft Boarding
The transformation of your loft with raised loft boarding is more than just a home improvement project... it's a step towards maximising the potential of your living space!
Now you know the many reasons why using raised loft boarding can be a game changer for your home.
And if you want more ideas and advice when it comes to lofts, we've got you covered. Not only do we specialise in raised loft storage products, but there's a ton of info on our site.
From storage ideas to loft lighting tips, we can help you elevate your loft space!