How to Enlarge a Loft Hatch
- Measure and mark the size of your new opening, plus 4 inches either side, on top of existing ceiling joists 1, 2, 3 and 4. ...
- If your new hatch spans more than 2 joists (involving cutting more than two joists) you will need to contact a specialist such as a structural engineer to ensure that no structural integrity will be lost. ...
- Remove the old hatch lid and frame.
- Clear the area and measure out the joists to cut.
- Cut and remove central joist. ...
- Add secondary bracing measure and remove plaster board.
- Measure, cut and add cross brace.
How do you install a loft hatch?
When it comes to positioning your loft hatch, ensure that it is centred between three joists, so that a section of the middle joist will need to be cut out. The best way to do this is to drill holes until you can easily insert a saw to cut out the necessary portion of ceiling and joist.
Can I enlarge my loft space?
You can also get all-in-one loft hatch and ladder kits as can be seen below. Check that the enlargement you would like does not involve cutting through any main supporting beams or timber lintels which may protrude into the loft space. As mentioned above, if in any doubt, seek advice from a professional.
Can ceiling joists be cut to fit a hatch?
Yes, the ceiling joists can be cut to fit a hatch, but you MUST brace them first before cutting, brace each side with some 4x2 spanning the hatch plus two joists each side, set the brace further back so you can install a new double trimmer joist once you've cut out the opening.
How much does it cost to widen a loft hatchway?
Assuming you have enough head room for a loft ladder you are probably looking at iro £ 150 to get the whole job done including widening the hatchway but exclusive of the cost of the ladder and the replacement hatch you'll be needing ('cos the one thats there now will be too small).
What Type of Loft Hatch are you Going to use?
What is a loft hatch and ladder kit?
How many joists should a hatch span?
Why add 4 inches to a new joist?
What is the best insulation for a hatch?
How to cut corners of a house?
Can you make a hatch fit into a loft?
See 2 more
Are loft hatches a standard size?
Are Loft Hatches a Standard Size? Loft Hatches are available in varying sizes, however this is dependent on their manufacturing material. Plastic Loft Hatches are typically designed to fit a structural opening of 562mm (width) x 726mm (length) with there being no option for a made to measure size.
Is it easy to replace loft hatch?
Loft Hatch Installation Made Easy! The installation will likely take around an hour to complete, but leave yourself longer if you don't usually dabble in DIY actitivies. The steps are relatively straightforward and by following the above you should have your new loft hatch fitted in no time.
How big does a loft hatch need to be for a loft ladder?
Are loft hatches a standard size? The most common size of a loft hatch and the size needed to conform to building regulations is 562mm x 726mm. However, other common sizes include 450mm x 600mm, 600mm x 700mm and 700mm x 900mm.
What can I use for a loft hatch?
You can choose from 12mm or 19mm blockboard, MDF or plywood. It is very heavy to work with the thicker board, but if you opt for the thinner board, you may need to add a batten to take the hinges.
How can I make my attic access bigger?
How To Enlarge an Attic Opening: 7 Tips and TricksCheck for pipes, wires, and HVAC ducts.Make sure your roof has rafters, not trusses.Measure and mark joists and ceiling.Get a reciprocating saw.Put temporary support on the joists.Cut the beams and install the headers.Install trimmers to frame your opening.
Can I cutting roof trusses for loft hatch?
Prefabricated roof trusses must not be cut without consulting a structural engineer as every part will have been carefully calculated to give maximum strength for minimum timber, cutting any part will destroy the integrity of the truss and could lead to a structural failure.
How big can a loft hatch be?
Loft Hatch Size Regulations Building regulations do not impose any restrictions on the size of a loft hatch. However, if the hatch will be used for personal access, we would recommend a minimum of 530mm on each side.
Is it illegal to not have a loft hatch?
It's a legal requirement that there is roof access to any loft space in a building. In a building of three or more stories, there is also a legal requirement for the access hatch to be fire resistant for at least 30 minutes. What kind of loft ladder do I need?
What is the standard loft hatch size UK?
The most common loft opening size is 562mm x 726mm in the UK. Which is 56.2cm x 72.6cm. Or 22″ x 30″ in inches. Standard loft hatch sizes can only really be used with a traditional extension ladder, that is placed inside the framework of the loft hatch to allow you to climb in and out of the loft.
Should you insulate a loft hatch?
Should I Insulate the Loft Hatch in My Home? In an existing home, if the loft insulation is at the ceiling level, then it's particularly important to insulate the hatch as well to prevent heat from escaping. It does not save a lot of money or CO2, but it is a quick, cheap, easy job.
How do I stop draught from loft hatch?
When the loft hatch is hinged, you will need to put either the compression seal or the foam strip on the outside perimeter on the top of the loft hatch. You will also need to put an equivalent strip on the inside of the hatch frame so the two strips meet creating an airtight barrier to stop the draughts.
Should my loft be drafty?
While a drafty house is a bad thing, drafty attics are actually a good thing when it comes to proper ventilation! Here's why: Attic insulation works best when it is dry. In the winter, attic insulation can get damp from humidity that works its way up from the heated spaces below.
How long does it take to fit a loft hatch?
Professional loft hatch/ladder installers usually do up to three jobs in a single day, so a straightforward installation should only take around two to three hours depending on the size of the hatch required and the type of ladder.
Is it possible to move a loft hatch?
In most cases the loft hatch in the cupboard can be re-located by The Loft Men to the landing ceiling or one of the bedroom ceilings with relative ease and in less than half a days work and with a lot less mess than you might imagine.
How do you open a loft hatch without a key?
You need a flat head screwdriver - like this. Put it into the hole in the hatch and jiggle about until you slot it in, then turn to open the catch.
Do you need a loft hatch?
If your loft is part of your living space, for example if it's used as a reception room, bedroom or bathroom, you will need a fixed permanent staircase to the loft. If it's used for storage, or not used except for maintenance, a folding loft ladder and hatch system is needed.
Enlarging loft hatch | Screwfix Community Forum
Hi just one more thing if any of you dont mind. Am I correct in saying I cannot extend the original opening because the joist i need to cut to do this has one of the struts bolted to it (see pic) but i can as Jord86 kindly describes, relocate the loft opening on joists that don’t have struts bolted to them ( if that makes any sense)
Widening a loft hatch - cost? — MoneySavingExpert Forum
Thanks all for the advice. It's not our current house, it's a house we're thinking of buying and I'm trying to add up all the costs - it needs new kitchen, heating, etc but these are all jobs we've done in our current house, never had the loft hatch issue though, we've already got a nice wide hatch.
How do you make a loft hatch bigger? | DIYnot Forums
Hi all, Hope somone can help. Got a loft hatch that's about 45cm x 70cm. Bit of squeeze to get the suitcases up and down and I'm looking to get a loft ladder fixed to. So, I want to widen the hatch to fit a loft ladder that needs a 120cm x 70cm opening. Is it just a case of fitting...
Cutting roof trusses for loft hatch | Screwfix Community Forum
I would be very wary of doing this, the likelyhood of the roof collapsing is minimal-zero in fact I looked at a loft where the owner had cut out half of the supporting cords so he had easier access for storage when i asked him how long they had been like that he told me almost 10 years. however if the roof were to ever fail the insurance company would certainly use the fact that the trusses ...
Enlarging loft hatch | DIYnot Forums
Hi, Looking to make a loft hatch bigger. It's in a Victorian terrace with a traditional cut roof. I've added a photo below that marks out what I am hoping to do here... The blue lines are where internal walls are supporting the joist on the left and also where the joists overlap...
Can a truss roof take a loft?
A truss frame type will likely have loads of diagnoals struts in the loft space. There are truss roof which are designed to take lofts, but your loft would be a proper attic room if that was the case.
Do you have to remove joists for a loft hatch?
You will have to remove and fit new jo ists to accomodate and support the new loft hatch and trim back the plasterboard.
Can you cut a rafter roof?
If you can walk around your loft without anything too much in the way (except junk! ) you probably have a traditional cut rafter roof. In this case you have no problem putting in trimmers (extra pieces of wood between the joists) and cutting a joist. With a trussed roof, the size of the rafters will be the minimum (for cost reasons) and they are not designed to be cut or modified in any way at all. Saves money when building the house, makes it extra expensive to modify the house later.
Beanzntoast New Member
Hi all firstly i hope you’ve all had a nice Christmas. Secondly could anybody enlighten me as to what kind of roof construction i have (if you can tell from the pics) is this whats known as a cut roof or trussed roof or something else.
Jord86 Screwfix Select
You have a double, cut roof, with purlins, hangers, struts and probably binders all supporting the roof.
Beanzntoast New Member
You have a double, cut roof, with purlins, hangers, struts and probably binders all supporting the roof.
Beanzntoast New Member
Hi just one more thing if any of you dont mind. Am I correct in saying I cannot extend the original opening because the joist i need to cut to do this has one of the struts bolted to it (see pic) but i can as Jord86 kindly describes, relocate the loft opening on joists that don’t have struts bolted to them ( if that makes any sense)
Jord86 Screwfix Select
Lengthwise not a problem, right up to the strut if required. Widthways you can, BUT it would require a lot of extra work, possibly adding another strut, collars, more than likely coach bolting everything together but it's a bit difficult to tell without being there.
What does a loft hatch mean?
Loft hatches come in a number of different dimensions for lofts of all shapes and sizes. A larger loft hatch may mean easier access but could look unsightly depending on its location. It’s worth finding the hatch that offers the greatest balance of size, positioning, and aesthetics for your home.
Why is it important to have access to the loft?
Easy access to the loft is an important part of maintaining a healthy home. Whether you’re on the lookout for extra storage space, or damp and mould have you concerned about your roof space, being able to get into the loft is vital. The easiest way to do this is with a suitable loft hatch.
How to measure for support beams?
First, measure the width between three joists, centred on one joist. Then, add twice the width of the support timbers (usually around 50mm) to accommodate the support beams which will be added later. These timbers need to be the same size as the joists in your ceiling. Once you have this measurement, this is the length that will be removed from the central joist later.
Can you cut a joist on a roof?
Other safety considerations include never cutting a joist connected to a roof strut or hanger, through two adjacent joists, or a strut, hanger, rafter, purlin, binder, or collar. Doing so could lead to serious issues, as these will have been designed to hold a certain weight as part of the whole roof system.
Do you have to enter the loft to install insulation?
Older homes built before the early 20 th Century often don’t even feature loft access, as it was thought there would never be a need to get into the roof space. Nowadays however, we understand the importance of proper roof ventilation and loft insulation, both of which often require you to enter the loft to install.
Can a loft hatch be cut?
If your loft hatch is going to be so large that a roof truss or more than two joists need to be cut or altered, we’d absolutely recommend you consult a professional as this can compromise the structural integrity of your property.
What Type of Loft Hatch are you Going to use?
You can either build your own bespoke hatch or you can now buy ready made loft hatches that you simply fix into your new opening.
What is a loft hatch and ladder kit?
Loft hatch and ladder kit – Three section ladder with safe, spring loaded lowering mechanism and also insulated loft hatch
How many joists should a hatch span?
If your new hatch spans more than 2 joists (involving cutting more than two joists) you will need to contact a specialist such as a structural engineer to ensure that no structural integrity will be lost. You can also visit our loft conversion project for more information
Why add 4 inches to a new joist?
The reason we have added 4 inches is that you will later need to add 2 timbers either side of your new opening. These timbers will need to be the same size as your current joists – in this case the joists are 2 inches and we need 2 either side hence the 4 inches.
What is the best insulation for a hatch?
As mentioned above, look for a hatch with insulation material fixed to the back (preferably fire resistant). 35mm of insulation is standard but 50mm is better. 105mm is the ideal amount of insulation to comply with part L of the building regulations.
How to cut corners of a house?
Use a drill and suitable drill bit to create enough holes in one of the corners to allow you to insert a saw and cut along the lines that you have marked out.
Can you make a hatch fit into a loft?
Depending on the size of the opening into your loft that the hatch will fit into will really dictate this as most ready made hatches are made to set sizes. If your new opening is going to be a slightly odd size then a bespoke build solution may be the only route you can take.
