Are you thinking of converting that unused attic space to extend your home?

Our customers typically decide on a loft conversion to provide:

  • An extra bedroom (maybe with en-suite)
  • A playroom
  • A study / office

If you only use your loft / attic space for the storage of light items such as suitcases and Christmas decorations then the standard loose boarding, typically found in modern houses is generally satisfactory but you must remember that the ceiling joists are intended to act as a fixing for the ceiling below and are not designed to handle heavy loads.

To prevent overloading of your ceiling joists it is recommended that the loose boarding does not cover more than 50% of the usable area (that part of the roof space with a headroom greater than 1.5m (4'6"). For any use other than light storage you will need to inform your Local Council's Building Control department, who will advise you on the necessary procedures. You may be wondering why you need to notify your Local Authority? They are responsible for the enforcement of Building Regulations, which are intended to ensure that the buildings are constructed or altered to reasonable standards. In the case of loft conversions the following are examples of those matters that must be considered.

*If the space is for a use other than light storage a new floor will have to be provided. New joists will have to be installed and these must be supported and kept clear of the existing ceiling; they are not allowed to rest on the existing ceiling joists.

The existing foundations and lintels may need to be exposed to check they can carry additional loads. The floor and supporting structure may require the insertion of beams or steelwork to support the loft conversion. Structural calculations could be needed to justify the adequacy of these elements.

The Building Regulations require floors and certain walls / doors to resist any fire for a specified period. In houses up to three floors this is usually 30 minutes. If a fire was to occur in the house it is important that the occupants can escape safely therefore escape windows are a requirement. The correct form of construction will protect you and your family.

In order to prevent unpleasant living conditions, ventilation has to be provided to habitable rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. The regulations require either background (trickle) or rapid ventilation, or in certain circumstances both. Condensation can also affect areas that cannot be seen such as roof spaces. If this is excessive and remains undetected it can cause problems. Ventilation must therefore be provided to roof spaces and in loft conversions this is particularly important.

To gain access to your new room you will have to consider the type of stair you would like. Ideally you should provide a traditional type that will give safe and easy access. In the event of a fire the need to escape quickly is important. The walls and roof to the loft conversion must, in addition to keeping out the elements, also keep in the heat. They have to be constructed of materials that help reduce heat loss which can help keep heating costs down.

The Party Wall Act 1996 may also apply if you intend to carry out work which involves work on an existing wall shared with another property, building on the boundary with another property, or excavating near a neighbouring building. You must determine whether the works fall within the scope of the Act, and where this is the case you must arrange to serve statutory notice on all those defined by the Act as adjoining owners.

ThermSeal Roof Insulation is the Perfect Compliment

When planning a loft conversion, it is important to be aware of Building Regulations, which have recently upgraded insulation requirements. thermofix offers you one of the most effective and least expensive solutions available.

Just 80mm of ThermSeal Sprayed-Foam Roof Insulation, applied directly to the underfelt, gives an insulation value of 0.25Wm2K without the need of a ventilated air space. It turns the whole roof into a 'warm deck construction' allowing useful draught-free and dust-free storage areas to be created at the eaves. The rafters can then either be covered with plasterboard, or plaster can be applied directly to the ThermSeal to leave the rafters exposed.

Your new loft conversion will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, with less airborne sound able to penetrate your home.

Storage voids at eaves level are kept as part of the warm deck construction and free of draughts and fibre glass. If you're planning to convert the loft into extra living space, you will achieve a much better result - and an almost certainly less expensive one - with ThermSeal.

To make the most of your new loft space conversion, ThermSeal also supply and install a full range of VELUX roof windows.