Welcome to Ahead Loft Ladders

Your best choice for Hampshire & Sussex loft improvements

Ahead Loft Ladders is an independent local company run by a team of skilled, experienced loft ladder installers. For over a decade we’ve installed many hundreds of ladders for lofts throughout Sussex, Hampshire and the South East of England.

We supply and fit a comprehensive range of loft ladder types including wooden, metal and electrically powered models, all from the leading brands and meeting British Standards.

Make the most of your valuable loft space

All new ladder installations are guaranteed and carried out by friendly, approachable, fully insured staff members.

We're happy to provide free, no-obligation quotations. We will visit your property, measure up and finalised your requirements, to give the most accurate prices.

Call 01903 649169 today

Our Loft Services

We cover a whole range of loft-related services, from roof windows to loft lighting installation:

Customer Reviews

Read some testimonials from our happy customers

Trusted & Accredited Around Hampshire & Sussex

Your loft improvements are in good hands

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Loft Improvement FAQ

Here are some of the questions our customers regularly ask:

Most ladders open to an angle of between 60 and 80 degrees, relative to the floor.

For the best level of comfort, strength and safety, most of our ladders open to an angle between 70 and 75 degrees.

For most loft board installation jobs, we can be finished in 1-2 days.

Some boarding projects may take longer, if we have to carry out additional tasks such as:

  • Removing old boards
  • Relocation of wiring
  • Widenening loft hatch
  • Adding insulation
  • Installing loft windows
  • Clearing obstacles

For standard loft windows they are not required to be a fire escape, since the loft will not be used as a habitable room.

If you intend on getting a loft conversion in the future, the choice of Velux should be ‘top hung’ or ‘side hung’, rather than the usual centre-pivot models.

Yes, if your ladder is long enough then you can certainly use it to get into your loft space. However there a number of downsides:

  • The ladder will need to be stored somewhere and retrieved every time you access the loft
  • Ladders can be heavy and cumbersome to handle, risking scraping your walls and ceilings
  • Regular ladders don’t always open to a suitable angle to allow comfortable use
  • A ladder that isn’t long enough to fully reach the hatch could fall, leaving you trapped

For the best safety, convenience and comfort, a professionally installed loft ladder is worth the small investment.

We always recommend at least 18mm thickness for most loft boards. This is suitable for nearly any item up that would be stored in a loft, up to 25kg per m².

22mm boards are also available if the gaps between your joists is over 400mm.

In most circumstances removing your old insulation isn’t necessary and it can actually be quite beneficial to leave it.

Most insulation retains its thermal properties regardless of age, so leaving it in place will allow you to save money on the new insulating materials.

If your old insulation is in very poor condition – damp, contaminated with pest dirt or overly compressed – then replacement may be advisable.

Why Choose Ahead Loft Ladders

For your Southern loft improvement services?

Ahead Loft Ladders has been fitting attic ladders, boarding, insulation, lights and roof lights for over 14 years.

We don't bring in contractors, all work is carried out by David and our in-house team.

Here's why we're the best choice in The South for any type of loft work:

  • Highly recommended by local homeowners and landlords.
  • Over 6000 loft ladders fitted in and around The South since 2012.
  • Parts sourced from trusted manufacturers like BPS and Fakro.
  • All work carried out is covered by a full written warranty.
  • Like-for-like price matching service (excl. offers and discounts).
  • 500+ positive reviews from Google, Checkatrade and Trustist.

Latest YouTube Videos

Loft tips, advice & previous projects

Insulate boarding and Ladder #diy #insulation #loftladder #home #fakro
Replacing a old failed leaking window with a new Velux window#velux #windows #diy #loft
How quick can I fit a Fakro wood ladder
Turning this hatch around in a 1890s lath and plaster ceiling