Roof Space Renovators offer an impressive range of attic ladders, and with so much choice it can be hard to choose!
We always have our friendly staff to help you over the phone or in our showroom, but if you’d like to be a step ahead (or above!), follow our ultimate guide to choosing the right attic ladder for you, below.
1. Location and Space Requirements
Consider what you will be using the attic ladder for. Is it just for simple roof space access, or do you want to make use of your roof space?
Choosing the right location for your attic ladder, considering its purpose, as well as truss spacing and orientation is important.
Sometimes where the existing manhole is can be the best spot, other times an alternative location may work better. Either way, the manhole can usually be enlarged, or we create an entirely new opening in a convenient location.
It is also important to ensure there is sufficient landing space in the attic, including headroom, whilst taking into consideration the dismount space below the ladder when fully extended.
Our tip is to envision or better yet, trial, mounting and dismounting the ladder while carrying items to ensure you have a practical amount of space.
2. Size and Angle
There are many widths and lengths of attic ladders on the market so be sure to measure the width between your trusses and the height of your ceiling for the right fit. Whilst your ceiling height will play a factor in the ladders climbing angle, the ladder angle also varies between brands and models. Some attic ladder models can be quite steep, whilst others have a gentler incline.
3. Load Capacity
The load capacity is how much weight the ladder can hold. At a minimum, be sure to buy a ladder suited to the heaviest person potentially using it, plus the heaviest load they could be carrying on the ladder. Note, that the higher the weight capacity, the sturdier the ladder.
4. Safety
Attic ladders can come with safety features such as handrails and wider treads. However, you can also hold on to the rungs themselves for support.
5. Opening mechanism
Attic hatches can be either finnicky, or simple to operate. The attic ladders themselves can open via folding, sliding, electric and scissor-style mechanisms.
Sliding ladders occupy the largest amount of attic floor space, while folding and scissor-style ladders are more compact. Electric styles open and close via remote control.
6. Material
Timber and aluminium are the most popular materials used to manufacture attic ladders. Some brands offer a steel version.
Whether to choose timber or aluminium is a personal preference and is usually determined by preferred brand, length of warranty, ladder placement, and style of the home where it is to be installed.
7. Frequency of use
The frequency of use for your attic ladder may determine the quality you opt for. If you enter your attic once a year, you may only need something basic to permit access.
8. Physical abilities
Health issues or concerns and age may affect the requirements you need for your attic ladder. Consider more safety features, easier opening mechanisms and gentler climbing angle, if physical limitations may prevent users from comfortably mounting and dismounting the ladder.
Our in-house roof experts will help identify your needs and recommend the best attic ladders for your home. To ensure you’re getting the best product for you, chat to our roof experts in-store for a showroom demonstration or give us a call.
