A loft can be an incredibly valuable space in any home. With the right loft boarding, you can turn this underutilized area into a functional living space. However, before you can start using your loft, you need to ensure that it is safe and that you have the proper flooring in place. Loft boarding is an excellent solution for this, and in this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about loft boarding.
What is Loft Boarding?
Loft boarding involves installing a raised floor in your loft area. This raised floor will create a stable and safe surface for you to walk on, and it can also help to increase the amount of usable space in your home. Loft boarding is typically made from a type of chipboard or MDF, which is strong enough to support the weight of people walking on it.
Benefits of Loft Boarding:
Increased Storage Space: Loft boarding provides additional storage space for items that may not fit in your home. You can store anything from seasonal decorations, sports equipment, and boxes of clothes. A well-installed loft boarding system will provide additional space without affecting your headroom.
Improved Insulation: Loft boarding can improve the insulation in your home, helping to keep it warm in the winter months. If your home is poorly insulated, you can lose up to 25% of your heat through the roof. Loft boarding with proper insulation materials can reduce heat loss, saving you money on energy bills.
Increased Property Value:
A properly installed loft boarding system can increase the value of your home. Potential buyers will see the additional living space as a selling point, and it can help to set your property apart from others on the market.
Easy Access: Loft boarding makes accessing your loft area more comfortable and more secure. A raised floor eliminates the need to balance on joists or crawl through insulation. You can access your loft space safely and confidently, without fear of injury.
Installation Process:
Loft boarding can be a DIY project for those who are confident in their abilities, but for most people, it is best to hire a professional. Professional installers will ensure that the work is completed safely, and they will have the necessary experience to install the floorboards correctly. The process involves the following steps:
Inspecting the Loft: The first step is to inspect the loft area to assess its suitability for loft boarding. Factors such as joist spacing, insulation, and headroom will all be taken into account.
Preparation:
Once the loft has been inspected, the installer will prepare the area by removing any existing insulation and debris.
Laying the Floor:
The installer will then lay the loft boards across the joists, creating a raised floor. They will also install insulation materials beneath the boards to improve insulation.
Edging:
After the floor has been laid, the installer will add edging to prevent items from falling off the raised platform.
Finishing Touches:
The final step is to add a finish to the loft boarding, such as painting or varnishing.
Materials Used:
The most common materials used for loft boarding are chipboard and MDF. Both of these materials are strong enough to support the weight of people walking on them and are cost-effective options. The thickness of the boards used will depend on the spacing of the joists in your loft. It is essential to ensure that the boards are thick enough to support the weight of the items you intend to store on them.
Insulation:
Insulation is an important consideration when installing loft boarding. Without proper insulation, you can lose a significant amount of heat through your roof. The insulation materials used will depend on the type of loft you have. For example, if you have a cold roof, insulation will be installed on the floor of the
