Welcome to Ahead Loft Ladders

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.

No, you should try to retain as much ‘fluffiness’ and height as possible from your insulation.

This is because it is the air pockets between the fibres that provides the insulating barrier, not the fibre itself.

This is the approach many DIYers will take when boarding their lofts, however it is not a great approach if you have loft insulation.

Compressing insulation directly under loft boards will remove any air gap and lead to potential damp from condensation.

Since the warmth from your house will directly meet the cold loft air, moisture can easily condense on the boards and rafters, leading to a mouldy smell.

Most automatic loft ladders are mains powered, so will not operate during a power outage. However there are some models that include a battery backup, suitable for 10-15 uses without external power.

A handful of models can also be operated manually if power is not available.

Speak to us about the available options and we can help select the right model for your needs.

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

In most cases this would not be something we would consider. There are a number of reasons for this:

• A lot of cheap online electrically operated ladders are of very low quality
• We cannot guarantee the fit, finish or safety of a ladder not purchased from one of our recommended suppliers
• Measuring and fitting an automatic loft ladder is a complicated process, and should be carried out by a professional before purchase
• Getting an unrecognised model to work with your loft hatch may be difficult or impossible

Safe access to your loft should be your priority, which is why the best approach is for Ahead Loft Ladders to visit your property and provide a no-obligation quote.

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.

Yes, if your loft requires really heavy duty access capacity, we can install a steel ladder with a capacity of 250kg.

However, for the majority of residential properties, an aluminium loft ladder offers more than enough load capacity for standard use.

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.