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.

UK building regulations require loft insulation to have a total depth of 270mm for mineral wool (soft insulation). This is to ensure it achieves the recommended U-value* of 0.16 W/m²K.

High-performance insulation boards like PIR require less thickness (120-170mm) to meet the same U-value.

Insulation must not be placed right up to the eaves. Instead, leave a clear 50 mm air gap to allow adequate airflow and prevent damp retention.

*The U-value is a measure of how fast heat escapes through a part of the building. Lower numbers mean better heat retention.

Installation time can vary depending on a number of factors:

  • The type of ladder chosen (wood/metal/electric etc.)
  • How easy the attic space is to access
  • The condition and position of the loft hatch
  • Whether electrical connection is required

In general, with no surprises during the process, we expect a standard loft ladder installation to take around 2-3 hours.

If alterations are required to the loft hatch size or electric wiring is required, this can extend the amount of time required.

Not all lofts can have a tilting roof window fitted. You have to satisfy the following criteria:

  • Your roof must be pitched, with an angle between 30 and 60 degrees
  • The height in from the loft floor to the ridge (peak) must be at least 2.2m
  • The roof must be in good enough condition to support any alterations
  • Flats, listed buildings or those in a conservation area may need additional planning

If you’re still unsure, a no-obligation survey can be carried out at a time that suits you.

No, it is important not to add floorboards right up to the edge of your loft space. You should stop at least 250mm from the corners.

This is because lofts get their ventilation from the soffits at the eaves, so blocking this area will restrict airflow and promote damp.

The far corners are also not particularly usable (unless you own a large amount of triangular shaped items!).

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

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.

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