Did you know that 684,000 people die annually from falling at home? These statistics should leave you thinking about the safety of your home. More specifically, the safety of your boarded loft.
As you may know already, not all lofts are safe to walk. But the average homeowner may not know the difference between a safe and unsafe loft. So if you’ve been wondering about board loft safety, then keep reading.
What Is a Boarded Loft?
In some cases, your home may already have a built-in loft in your attic or even basement.
However, a boarded loft is an added measure of safety that can be added to new or existing loft space. To board a loft, you can use wood panels across your loft or attic space.
The loft boards will protect this area from environmental factors like water, air, and humidity. More importantly, when done correctly, a boarded loft can support your weight.
Can Anyone Build a Boarded Loft?
Many homeowners do not know this, but anyone can build a boarded loft. And you can do so without needed permits or permission from the city.
However, you would need a permit if you’re renovating the area into a living space. Or if you’re demolishing walls and adding new electrical wiring.
However, if you are creating a boarded loft for storage, you won’t need permission. And if you choose to do loft flooring, then a professional loft company can help you with that.
Is a Boarded Loft Safe?
An unboarded loft can be dangerous for many reasons. For example, you could fall if you’re walking over an unboarded loft space.
These incidents happen because this area needs a loft board to support the weight. Without the boards, you’ll have an unbalanced surface, which could lead to serious injury.
In contrast, a well-built boarded loft will be safe to use and walk over. So you can put boxes in the space. And you won’t have to fear falling through.
Nevertheless, a boarded loft is not intended for a heavyweight. So do not use this area for any parties and living space, as it could potentially collapse.
Will I Need to Install a Staircase?
Some homeowners like to save money and not install a staircase. Instead, they will install a small and sturdy ladder that leads to the loft. This is a great option. This option is also a lot cheaper than getting a staircase.
In contrast, some homeowners opt for not installing a staircase or ladder. And instead, they will climb up the loft by hand and foot.
However, this can be very dangerous, especially if the loft is very high up. So it’s always recommended to install some kind of staircase or ladder.
Why Is Loft Boarding and Flooring Important?
Aside from safety, there are also other benefits to boarding a loft. For example, space for storage, preventing heat loss, and much more.
1. Easy Storage Compartment
Some homeowners will use their garages, basement, and even backyard for storage. However, these areas can be better used for other things. For example, some people use their garages to do home projects or just maintain their cars.
Others use their basement as an extended living quarter. So by investing in a boarded loft, you can switch your storage space and have more room in other areas of your home.
2. They Are Fairly Easy to Build and Inexpensive
If you already have an unboarded loft, all you will need is flooring and boarding. Although this process sounds simple, it should still be done by a professional.
If you have attic space, a loft can be made by connecting wood boards in a triangular fashion. Overall, this renovation is not too time-consuming or expensive. You can learn more about how to board a loft here.
3. Preserve Energy in Your Home
Believe it or not, loft boards can act as an insulator. If you’re not familiar, insulation panels can be added to an attic. But you can also opt out of the insulation, and the boards themselves will conserve energy.
A boarded loft can make your home more energy-efficient by keeping it heated in the winter and colder in the summer. Meaning, you won’t have to use your HVAC system as much. And in turn, you’ll save money on your electric bill every month.
4. Increases Home Revenue
Your home revenue will naturally decrease over time. However, by making small investments, you can regain some of the original revenue of the home.
This factor matters if you have a starter home or you plan on downgrading soon. So start investing in your home today if you plan on reselling in the future.
5. Cheaper than a Storage Shed
As we mentioned earlier, a boarded loft can act as a storage space. And this can come in handy, especially since monthly storage rents can get expensive.
Not to mention, they often hold little space. So if you’re currently needing extra storage space, but don’t want to spend extra money on storage, consider getting a boarded loft.
6. Space for a Small Hobby
A boarded loft cannot support too much weight. Meaning you will not be able to furnish this area and make it “livable.”
However, some boarded lofts can support your weight and small furniture. So you can use your loft to paint, sew, knit, or do other small hobbies.
Install a Boarded Loft Today
A boarded loft can be very beneficial for storage, home revenue, and safety. So start looking at loft builders today, so you can increase your home’s worth.
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