The two standard types of loft ladder, the folding ladder or the sliding/concertina ladder, work in a slightly different way, however the method used to fit them is very similar.
When fitting a loft ladder, the key measurement to consider has to be the floor to ceiling height of the gap that you intend your ladder to fill. The ladder has to be sufficient to fill the space you want to cover, but not so large that it is too heavy to operate.
However, there are other key spaces surrounding your ladder that need to be considered when deciding how to fit your loft ladder.
Each of these spaces should be carefully measured and free of obstacles and potential hazards to make the product you choose the right one for you.
Loft Hatch Dimensions
This is the space required in the ceiling for the hatch of the loft to fill. Most loft ladders come with a suitable loft hatch which will then have to be fixed into the ceiling to create the opening you require. Ensure the full area is free of electricity and plumbing obstacles or, consider moving such hazards to create a viable space.
Loft Opening Space
Understanding how large the area required for the hatch to actually open is essential when fitting your ladder. Typically a hatch will swing downwards and out and must be able to operate freely to achieve optimum safety.
Vertical and Horizontal Clearance
Clearance space both above and below the hatch is not only required for storing the ladder when it is compressed, but is also required to swing the ladder up and back in order to position it correctly. Make sure there is sufficient room in the loft for easy storage but equally that there are no low hanging beams or obstacles that will stop operation of the ladder once it is fitted.
By taking into consideration these simple measurements, fitting the loft ladder will be easier and your product will be much more likely to provide safe and secure access to your loft for many years to come.
Joelle, Sterk Systems
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