Installing raised loft boarding is one of the most popular ways that homeowners create additional storage space in their homes. By boarding over the joists in your loft space, you gain a flat surface that can be used to neatly organise belongings and clear out clutter from the rest of your rooms.
Current building regulations recommend a depth of at least 270mm (mineral or glass wool) in the loft – use this as a starting point rather than a finishing line.
Factors Affecting The Cost of Boarding Your Loft
1. The size of your loft space
2. Whether the area needs insulating or not
3. How much of your loft you want to be boarded
Benefits of Boarding Your Loft
1. Extra storage space for your home
2. Increases safety within your loft space
3. Storage made a lot easier
4. Cheaper heating bills, helps to prevent heat loss
5. Helps increase the value of your property
6. Better value than self-storage
Benefits of Raised Loft Boarding Systems
Raised options create a platform above your insulation so it can maintain its full intended depth and thermal performance over long periods.
Here are the main benefits of raised loft boarding:
● Doesn’t touch insulation so no compression over time
● Allows 270-300mm+ insulation depth to meet regulations
● Prevents damp & moisture build-up through ventilation
● Distributes weight evenly across joists for safety
● Fully adjustable system to account for uneven joists
Professional raised loft boarding uses a strong wood subframe that sit atop your existing joists without touching the insulation. Boards are then fixed to this frame, leaving plenty of ventilation room below to stop condensation forming. This prevents dampness and allows insulation to work as intended.
Is Professional Installation Needed?
While DIY loft boarding seems like an easy way to save money initially, it often leads to the insulation issues outlined in this article further down the line.
● Building regulations for insulation
● Working in your loft safely
● Checking your joists are able to support the new floors weight
● Using the right materials
Getting raised boarding installed by a professional loft boarding company ensures your system is perfectly fitted to avoid all these pitfalls. Proper installation also guarantees stability and safety for years to come.
At Home Counties Loft Ladders, we do not use sub contractors, all our teams are local, experienced and highly skilled specialist loft boarding installers & all our work comes with a 5 year guarantee as standard for parts and labour.
Additional Costs to Consider
● Installing a new loft ladder and hatch for easy and safe access
● Relocation of a loft hatch
● Loft lighting
● Waste removal
FAQs About Loft Boarding
Do I need planning permission for raised boarding?
You do not require planning permission to board a loft for storage
Can you put heavy items on raised boards?
Each home is different, but it is usually the strength of the joists in your loft that is the limiting factor on loading weight, not the strength of the boards. Remember loft joists are intended to support the weight of the roof and ceiling, nothing else.
How much does raised loft boarding cost?
Raised boarding costs more than standard boarding initially but saves money on energy bills long-term thanks to more effective insulation. Expect to pay slightly more for a professional raised system compared to standard boarding.
Final Thoughts
Getting raised loft boarding installed by professionals is the only reliable way to maximise your loft storage space in your home without compromising insulation effectiveness or
contravening building regulations long-term. Gain up to 50% extra storage space in your home.
Arrange Your No Obligation Survey Today! To find out if your loft is suitable for raised boarding storage, contact Home Counties Loft Ladders today to arrange a FREE no-obligation home survey. Our experts will thoroughly inspect your loft and advise the best solutions for your storage needs. Call 0808 301 9548 or email [email protected] to get started!
