Loft boarding has become increasingly popular in recent years, as homeowners look to make the most of their unused loft space. With house prices continuing to rise, many homeowners are choosing to extend their homes vertically rather than horizontally. By converting their loft space into a usable area, they can increase the size of their living space without having to move to a bigger property.
Loft boarding involves laying a sturdy floor in your loft space, which can then be used for storage or even as an additional room. There are many benefits to loft boarding, including:
Increased storage space: Many homeowners use their loft space for storage, but it can be difficult to access if there is no proper flooring. By laying a floor in your loft, you can create a safe and easily accessible storage area.
Additional living space: Loft boarding can also be used to create an additional room in your home. This could be used as a bedroom, home office, or even a playroom for the kids.
Increased property value: Loft conversions are one of the most popular home improvements, and adding a boarded loft can increase the value of your property. This is especially true if you add insulation and other features to make the loft space habitable.
Before you begin loft boarding, it’s important to consider a few things. Firstly, you need to ensure that your loft is suitable for boarding. Not all lofts are suitable, especially if the roof is low or the space is cramped. You should also check whether your loft is structurally sound and whether it is well ventilated. A professional loft boarding company can help you assess your loft and determine whether it is suitable for boarding.
Once you have established that your loft is suitable for boarding, you can begin the process. Here are the steps involved in loft boarding:
Clear out the loft: Before you begin, you need to clear out any items that are currently stored in your loft. This will make it easier to lay the floor and ensure that the space is clean and tidy.
Install insulation: If your loft is not already insulated, you should consider installing insulation before you lay the floor. This will help to keep the space warm and reduce your energy bills.
Lay the floor: The next step is to lay the floor. This involves laying a layer of boards on top of your loft joists. The boards should be screwed into place to ensure that they are secure and won’t move.
Add lighting: If you plan to use your loft space as a living area, you will need to add lighting. This can be done by installing a light fitting and wiring it into your home’s electrical system.
Consider ventilation: It’s important to ensure that your loft is well ventilated to prevent condensation and damp. You can do this by adding roof vents or installing a mechanical ventilation system.
Consider access: Finally, you need to consider how you will access your loft space. This could be done by adding a loft ladder or even a staircase if you plan to use the space as a living area.
It’s important to note that loft boarding should only be carried out by a professional. Attempting to do it yourself could be dangerous, especially if you are not experienced with DIY or have limited knowledge of loft conversions.
In terms of cost, loft boarding can be a cost-effective way to create additional living or storage space in your home. The cost will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your loft, the type of flooring you choose, and any additional features you add such as insulation or ventilation.
Overall, loft boarding is a great way to make the most of your unused loft space. Whether you’re looking to create an additional living area or just need extra storage space, loft boarding can help. Just make sure you hire
