A proper loft ladder makes the loft part of the house. We supply and fit metal loft ladders in Cardiff homes, measure them to your ceiling height and hatch, and sort out the hatch itself so it is safe to climb through and does not let heat leak out of the house.
Most people who call us are fed up with balancing a stepladder on the landing, or with an old wooden ladder that wobbles. Metal loft ladder fitting is a small job that makes a big difference, and it pairs naturally with boarding and insulation.
Who a loft ladder suits
- Anyone who uses the loft for storage more than once or twice a year.
- Homes where getting into the loft means carrying a stepladder upstairs.
- People having loft boarding fitted, because storage is only useful if you can get to it.
- Homes with a water tank, boiler or aerial equipment in the loft that needs occasional access.
- Older homeowners or anyone who wants a handrail and a steadier climb.
Signs you need a new loft ladder or hatch
- You use a stepladder and have to pull yourself up through the hatch.
- Your existing ladder is wooden, warped, loose at the hinges or does not reach the floor properly.
- The hatch is too small to get boxes or yourself through comfortably.
- The hatch door is a loose board with no insulation, and you can feel cold air around it.
- The ladder hangs at an awkward angle because it was not made for your ceiling height.
The ladders we fit
Aluminium sliding ladders
Sliding ladders come in two or three sections that slide over each other and stow on the loft floor next to the hatch. They are sturdy, simple and suit most standard hatches. They need some clear space in the loft beside the opening to slide into.
Aluminium folding ladders
Folding (concertina-style or section-folding) ladders fold up and are often mounted on the hatch itself or on a frame in the opening. They suit lofts where there is not much clear floor space beside the hatch, and they are quick to put up and away.
Handrails and extras
A handrail at the top of the ladder gives you something solid to hold as you step on and off, which is where most slips happen. We can also fit a pole or hook to open the hatch from the landing and a light switch near the opening. New electrics should be connected by a qualified electrician.
For a fuller comparison, see our guide on choosing a loft ladder.
Measuring for a loft ladder
Getting the right ladder is about two measurements, and getting either wrong means a ladder that is dangerous or will not fit.
- Floor-to-ceiling height. Measured from the landing floor to the top of the loft floor, not just to the ceiling. Every ladder has a minimum and maximum height range, and one at the wrong length sits at a bad angle.
- Hatch opening size. The clear opening, measured between the joists or trims. Each ladder needs a minimum opening to fit and fold properly.
We also check the space on the landing for the ladder to swing down without hitting a wall, stair or doorway, and the clear space in the loft for it to stow. Narrow Victorian landings in parts of Cardiff can make this tight, so it is worth having it measured rather than guessing.
Enlarging or forming a loft hatch
Many older houses have small hatches, and some have no hatch at all, or one in an awkward place like a bathroom ceiling. We can enlarge an existing opening or form a new one.
Ceiling joists carry load, so you cannot simply cut through them. Where a joist has to be cut, we fit timber trimmers to carry the load around the opening so the ceiling stays properly supported. We then frame and line the hatch, and make good the ceiling edge ready for decorating. If the joists or ceiling show signs of damage or poor previous alterations, we will tell you before we start.
Insulating and draught-proofing the hatch
A loft hatch is a hole in your insulation. A bare hatch door lets warm, moist air from the house straight into the cold loft, wasting heat and adding to condensation in the roof. Our ladder fits come with an insulated hatch door and a draught-proofing seal around the frame, so the opening performs much more like the rest of the ceiling. If your loft insulation itself is thin, we can deal with that on the same visit: see loft insulation.
What affects the cost
Loft ladders are priced after a free survey, because the price depends on what your hatch and landing need. The main factors:
- Ladder type and length. Taller ceilings need longer ladders.
- Hatch work. A ladder that fits your existing opening is simpler than enlarging or forming a new hatch.
- Hatch door. Replacing a loose board with an insulated, sealed hatch.
- Extras such as a handrail, light or boarding around the opening.
- Combined work. Fitting a ladder alongside boarding or insulation is usually better value than separate visits.
What happens on the day
We protect the landing, carpets and stairs, then carry out any hatch work first: cutting, trimming and framing the opening. The ladder is then fitted to the frame and adjusted so it reaches the floor at the correct angle, with the feet trimmed to length where the design allows. We check it opens, closes and stows smoothly, fit the hatch seal and any handrail, and clean up.
A straightforward ladder swap into an existing suitable hatch is usually a short job. Hatch enlarging adds time, and if plaster around the opening needs making good it may need decorating once dry.
Using your loft ladder safely
A well-fitted ladder is far safer than a stepladder, but a few habits make a difference:
- Face the ladder going up and down, and keep one hand on the ladder or handrail.
- Make sure it is fully extended with both feet flat on the floor before you climb.
- Do not carry big loads up in one go. Pass boxes up to someone, or push them ahead of you onto the boarded area.
- Keep the landing clear below the hatch, and keep children away while it is down.
- Close the hatch after use so it keeps sealing in the warmth.
If anyone in the house is less steady on their feet, a handrail and a ladder with wider treads are worth asking about at the survey.
Aftercare
- Keep the treads and hinges free of stored items and dust.
- Do not exceed the ladder load rating, and carry heavy items up in smaller loads.
- Check the fixings feel tight now and again, especially on a ladder used often.
We fit loft ladders across Cardiff and the surrounding towns. See all our areas, or call 0800 229 4668 for a free survey.