Consider several factors when selecting an ideal loft ladder for your home, including floor-to-hatch measurements, storage dimensions and weight considerations.
An appropriate ladder in your house can make life much simpler and save time by eliminating the hassle of climbing up and down long ladders every time you need access to your roof space.
1. Folding Ladders
Ladders that fold into sections are among the easiest and most versatile ladders for household use, often coming equipped with handrails for additional stability and being extremely simple to operate. Youngman’s Eco 3 ladder offers this convenience with a maximum load capacity of 150Kg and its sturdy feel making this ladder ideal for quickly accessing loft space.
This ladder comes complete with an insulated trapdoor pre-mounted in the ceiling opening for added custom finishing, and also features double section handrails as well as loft hatch balustrades to provide additional safety measures.
Your loft hatch may be big enough for a folding ladder if it measures from its sides to either roof rafters, obstructions such as pipes that sit above it or both; then add this amount to the maximum length of a folding ladder (usually around 1.1m). For your own safety and peace of mind it would be beneficial to consult an expert who can then advise what options may exist for you.
If you intend to purchase a ladder for regular use, we advise selecting one with counterbalance springs to lighten the load and reduce physical exertion while climbing. Ladders with deep treads also make climbing safer and more comfortable.
2. Sliding Ladders
There are various kinds of loft ladders to choose from, but one of the easiest to assemble and install is a sliding loft ladder. This type of ladder comes equipped with a thermally insulated hatch for effortless entry into your loft space.
There is a selection of aluminium or timber sliding loft ladders to fit every home and budget, featuring easy assembly with instructions provided to help guide the process. Installing one also takes much less time than folding or concertina ladders without requiring modification to ceiling joists for installation.
The ladders are operated using a counterbalance spring mechanism, making them much simpler and safer to open or extend into position with minimal effort required from users. This helps increase safety when entering or leaving the loft by decreasing weight that needs to be supported while using them.
Before buying any ladder, it is vitally important to examine its specifications for maximum load capacity – this should be at least 150KG and consider your intended usage when doing this. If heavy lifting is planned for, a stronger timber or aluminium folding loft ladder might be more suitable.
3. Concertina Ladders
Metal concertina loft ladders are some of the easiest ladders to assemble and can fit seamlessly into most homes. Their compact folding size makes them great for smaller spaces such as apartments or townhouses.
Concertina ladders can also be installed onto flat walls, making them the ideal solution for those utilizing their loft for storage but don’t have room for full staircase. Versatile enough for both children and adults, concertina ladders offer convenient storage solutions.
Before purchasing a loft ladder, it’s essential that you take some time to accurately measure the size of your loft hatch opening. Most ladders will specify minimum sizes; nothing would be more disappointing than buying something that doesn’t fit!
Consideration should also be given to the maximum load a ladder can support and any heavy items you plan to place upon it, since ladders are intended to be sturdy yet safe. Incorrect usage could damage them irreparably. Therefore, counterbalance spring loft ladders offer reduced effort when climbing them while those which can be operated electronically can offer ultimate convenience to homeowners.
4. Wall Ladders
Wall ladders offer the ideal combination of style and function, as they come complete with their own artistic designs that add visual interest. GTV offers one such ladder with this artistic aesthetic which could become the focal point of your decor; hang a throw over the top, place a plant or small storage box for additional decorative effects!
To maximize the effectiveness of a loft ladder, it’s crucial to measure both its rough opening dimensions in your ceiling as well as its clearance arc when stored. Doing this will enable you to select a ladder tailored specifically to meet your needs, ensuring it fits seamlessly within your home environment.
Consider what you will be storing in your loft and the frequency with which you will access it. If you plan on storing heavier items, a longer ladder with deeper treads may be more appropriate than one with thinner treads. Also be mindful of its maximum load carrying capacity which typically ranges between 100kg (roughly 15.7 stones or equivalent in zookeeping terms) to 200kg (which corresponds to approximately one newborn baby elephant weight).
Remember to take your time when climbing a loft ladder; accidents can quickly unfold if you rush or fail to comply with safety measures. Just a few seconds spent making sure everything is secure can prevent an unexpected emergency room visit.
