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Velux windows as part of a loft conversion
October 23, 2015

Loft Conversion Beginners Guide

Loft Conversion Beginners Guide

The idea of planning a loft conversion can sometimes be a little daunting and confusing. Here at Loftplan our loft conversion specialists are here to take away any doubt you may have and reassure you that your loft is in safe hands.

In this blog post we’ll look at the key points to think about when you start turning your loft conversion dreams into reality, explaining everything you need to know about planning your project.

Loft suitability

These are the things you should look at when determining how suitable your loft is for a conversion:

  • Conversion assessment:The features that will decide the suitability of the roof space for conversion are the available head height, the pitch and the type of structure, as well as any obstacles such as water tanks or chimney stacks. An inspection of the roof space will reveal its structure and physical dimensions.
  • Head height:Take a measurement from the bottom of the ridge timber to the top of the ceiling joist; the useable part of the roof should be greater than 2.2m.
  • Pitch angle:The higher the pitch angle, the higher the central head height is likely to be, and if dormers are used or the roof is redesigned, then the floor area can be increased.

Low head height

If the initial roof space inspection reveals a head height of less than 2.2m, there are two solutions.

  • Solution 1: Raise the roof:This would involve removing part or whole of the existing roof, and rebuilding it to give the required height and structure.
  • Solution 2: Lower the ceiling in the room below: The ceiling height of some rooms in older properties may be 3m or more, so if the roof space height is limited there is the option of lowering the ceilings below, providing it still allows at least 2.4m.

Insulation

Loftplan can specify exactly what you require. The roof structure can be insulated in one of two main ways.

  • The first is to use a ‘cold roof’ method – this involves filling the space between the rafters with 70mm-thick slab foam insulation.
  • The other main method is ‘warm roof’ – this method uses 100mm insulation over the rafters, and a covering capping, followed by the tile battens and tiles.

 Windows

The loft conversion will require a means of getting natural light and ventilation. The most straightforward way to do this is to use rooflights. These follow the pitch line of the roof. The rafters are cut to make way for the rooflight after suitably reinforcing the remaining rafters.

No matter how you envisage your loft extension, Loftplan can help you every step of the way, contact us today for more details. Also be sure to have a look at our Loftplan Reviews site where you can read for yourself how happy our customers are with their loft conversions.

About Loftplan

Established in 1990, Loftplan have been successfully bringing lofts to life for 30 years, and are the leading loft conversions specialist across, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey.

Our professional service of expert loft conversion design, high quality craftsmanship, and attentive customer care ensures that your loft conversion is created to achieve its greatest potential; installed with both efficiency and minimal inconvenience.

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