Loft Storage
Summary: How to use your loft safely for storage
There are quite a few specialist loft companies throughout the UK most of which will supply a comprehensive service that covers anything from planning through to a full loft conversion.
More and more now people are looking to move up rather than out. Often, maybe due to financial restraints and other reasons people find that there is no need to go for a full loft conversion. In these cases, loft areas can be converted into loft rooms, or storage areas. Many companies operating in this market will provide all the products you might associate with carrying out this work, some will very often also assist with planning issues etc....
Most companies will either have in-house specialists with all the necessary knowledge and expertise to complete the job from start to completion or will work closely with a contractor that they may cover specialist areas when required. Most companies will also have a great deal of knowledge in the many products and accessories available on the market and will be able to advise on the best purchases
The first step in gaining access to your loft is to install a loft ladder. This can be done quite simply, and very inexpensively. You will no longer feel the need to go into the shed and get that rickety old ladder out, lug it up the stairs, only to risk breaking your neck! Sliding aluminium ladders are fine for the occasional foray into the loft, but if used more regularly a wooden loft ladder is perhaps a more pleasing to look at, especially if the ladder is left extended for any period of time. Loft ladders can be purchased from most of the many DIY sheds around of from Screwfix by clicking through from the Top Tools area at the base of this project
If you are looking to tackle the installation of the loft ladder yourself it can be done very easily, most ladders will come with complete fitting instructions.
Once you have gained access to the loft for your storage, the next stage is to introduce some light. The most simple and effective way of doing this is to install a roof window. Roof windows are also a very handy escape route in the event of a fire in the property. Again, most loft conversion companies will supply this service or there are many independent contractors that will carry out this job for you.
Insulation of your loft and storage area is a great idea (especially if this space is going to be habitable) and insulation can be bought, again, from many DIY sheds, Screwfix to the right or the entire job can be covered by a specialist company.
There is a huge range of roof windows available on the market in many sizes, shapes and colours, some of which are DIY kits. They come complete with full instructions and are relatively straight forward to fit if you have some basic knowledge of DIY. Once fitted you will be amazed how much light this will introduce into your attic space, and this is where the magic begins. All those boxes and bits of unused furniture can now be safely stored away or the home office you always wanted will now be well lit!
It is sometimes useful to install some loft boarding to enable you to make the most of the space available in terms of storage. Again most general builders are experienced in it's fitting of you can approach a specialist loft conversion company to carry out the work for you. Again, if you have some DIY knowledge then you may feel like giving it a bash yourself. All materials necessary to complete the job can be purchased from DIY sheds or from Screwfix to the right
There is generally no need for planning permission when contemplating adding a roof window, or installing a ladder, insulation and floor for using your loft for storage, so this really is the quickest and easiest way to making good use of your loft. Once you have taken the first steps to do this you might realise the potential to go ahead with a full loft conversion!
When undertaking a full loft conversion the possibilities are huge and the range of products vast. Some ideas to consider are staircases, spiral staircases, roof domes, roof window blinds, insulation, and underfloor heating, what the space is going to be used for, e.g. storage, home office, gym with sauna, playroom additional bedroom etc....
Please remember putting cases etc on top of insulation (especially when laid at 90 degrees across joists) is not a great idea. You can lift the floor to your loft with some simple timber studwork to give you a good platform for a few cases.
All project content written and produced by Mike Edwards
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