Why Loft Boarding is Beneficial
Loft boarding offers a multitude of benefits for homeowners as it enables you to transform your loft for more efficient use. Here are some of the key advantages of boarding a loft:
Maximising Storage Space
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of loft boarding would be the enhanced space you are given when you are now able to walk in yout loft more safely. By creating a stable, usable floor, you can move around more easily and use the loft for storage more efficiently.
Improve Energy Efficiency & Reduce Bills
When installed correctly, especially with a “raised loft boarding”, loft boarding can enhance your home’s insulation. Prevent heat loss and maintain a warmer home with loft boarding. Watch your heating bills reduce over time with lower energy consumption.
Increase Property Value
Additional storage space is a highly desirable feature for potential homebuyers. A well-organised and easily accessible boarded loft can make your property more attractive and could even add value to your home. The improved energy efficiency also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.
Enhance Safety & Accessibility
Boarding provides a safe and stable surface to walk on in your loft, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, or damage to your ceiling.. Many lofts are already used for storage, but boarding makes it far safer and easier to access items, preventing the risk of stepping through the ceiling or balancing precariously on joists. Combined with a purpose-built loft ladder, it makes accessing your loft much easier and more convenient.
Protection of Insulation
Traditional methods of storing items directly on insulation can compress it, significantly reducing its effectiveness. Raised loft boarding systems prevent this by creating a space for the insulation to remain at its full depth and perform optimally.
Potential For Future Loft Conversions
While primarily for storage, a boarded loft, especially with suitable head height, lays the groundwork for potential future loft conversions into an extra bedroom, office, or playroom, further increasing your home’s value and functionality.
Preparing for Loft Boarding
Whether you’re boarding your loft yourself or hiring a specialist to come in, clearing your loft is the first step in preparing for boarding.
What is Raised Loft Boarding?
Raising your loft boarding offers a superior solution for maximising storage while preserving the efficiency of your home’s insulation. These systems create a robust storage deck elevated above your existing insulation layer. This crucial design feature prevents your insulation from being compressed, a common issue with traditional boarding methods that can significantly reduce its thermal performance. By keeping your insulation fluffy and effective, these raised boarding solutions ensure your home remains energy-efficient, keeping heat in during winter and out during summer, all while providing a strong, safe, and accessible platform for all your storage needs.
Is it a good idea to board your loft?
Yes, in most cases, boarding your loft is an excellent idea and a highly beneficial home improvement. Increased storage space is the primary benefit for most homeonwers.
Can I board directly onto the loft joists?
In almost all modern homes, it is NOT a good idea to board directly onto the loft joists, especially if you have, or plan to have, adequate insulation. If you board directly onto these joists, you will inevitably squash any insulation that is deeper than the joist height. Compressed insulation loses its thermal properties significantly, meaning it won’t insulate effectively, leading to heat loss and higher energy bills.
How much value does a boarded loft add?
While the exact value of a boarded loft in your home may vary or is hard to pinpoint, it certainly offers many attractive qualities, making it more appealing for buyers.
- Extra, easily accessible, and usable storage space is a huge selling point for most buyers. It signals a practical, well-maintained home.
- In a competitive housing market, a well-presented home with excellent storage solutions can stand out.
- If the boarding is installed correctly with uncompressed insulation, it contributes to better energy efficiency. A better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is increasingly attractive to buyers due as it signifies lower running costs.
- It adds to the overall perceived functionality and spaciousness of the home, even if it’s not an official “room.”
Can you walk on a boarded loft?
Yes, the primary purpose and major benefit of properly boarding your loft is to create a safe and stable surface that you can walk on.