Welcome to Ahead Loft Ladders

You don’t usually need to apply for planning permission to put a Velux / Skylight / Rooflight window in your loft. As long as it doesn’t protrude more than 150mm from the existing roof surface, it falls under ‘permitted development rights’.

There are exceptions for listed buildings, or those in in conservation areas, national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty.

You should also check with Building Regulations, as this is not the same as planning permission. This will ensure it is structurally safe to add windows to your property.

If you use your loft primarily for storage, then a loft ladder is not a legal requirement.

However, A ladder fitted by a professional company like Ahead Loft Ladders can make loft access far easier and safer. If you intend on accessing the loft space regularly, a dedicated ladder is a worthwhile investment.

For converted lofts that are used to increase living space, a permanent fixed staircase in required under UK Building Regulations.

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.

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.

Telescopic ladders are made of aluminium for the main tubes and steps, with a combination nylon, ABS plastic and rubber for the fittings and feet.

Concertina-style ladders are usually aluminium construction, however some heavy duty or commercial models use steel to allow for extra capacity.

For all types of high quality loft ladder, fixings and bolts should be steel.

Any solid boards fitted to a loft should have at least a 50mm gap above your insulation.

This prevents the material from ‘bridging’ the gap and allowing condensation to form.