Boarding plus more!

There are many different techniques and systems available on the market today to choose from to board out your loft. Each one having its advantages and disadvantages. In our experience the very best method is to firstly build a timber subframe as a foundation for which the loft flooring to sit on-top of. This method is a totally custom built timber framework, which means we can accurately set your new floor hight to float just above your insulation level, leaving enough room for air to flow and add any top-up insulation required without squashing the insulation level down. However it is equally important to recognise and set this height sparing. Oversized gaps between your insulation and your new floor height wastes valuable head space in your loft. The ability to custom set the height using this method means that we do not waste this valuable height. It might seam insignificant at the time but this can often be the difference between your ability to stand up in the loft, or having to move about bent over or on your hands and knees. The floating timber frame method also adds strength to your roofs frame and reduces bounce across your ceiling by cross bracing your roofs structure. Other methods of raising the floor level in the loft such as using plastic legs to raise the floor height above the insulation are only sold in pre determined heights which might not be the best fit for your loft. What often ends up happening is either your insulation is squashed down to accommodate the shorter leg size (This can reduce air flow in your loft and can lead to moisture build up and mould) or the longer leg which can often create a situation where the new floor level is too high, which restricts your movement, ease of use and comfort, and reduces the overall usefulness of the storage space. This method also dose not cross-base your roof frame and so it independently loads and isolates each ceiling joist. Over time these methods are far more likely to result in ceiling cracks forming, visible from your ceiling below.

We often get asked about NHBC guarantees for newly built houses. Our system of boarding out areas in the lofts for storage purposes dose not invalidate your NHBC guarantees.

All loft boarding work is completed with premium materials.

  • 18mm, P5 moisture-resistant Cabre chipboard flooring material. (We only use industry standard floor boards, its advise if having this work carried out by a professional to make sure they are using this moisture resistant 8fx2f board and not a cheap 4fx1f low grade board usually sold in packs of three. Over time these fall appart).

  • Tongue and groove leaving no gaps

  • Raised on a timber floating framework to allow for insulation, wiring and other pipe-work

  • From as little area as 8ft x 8ft upto your houses maxium useable area. (The maximum useable area in any loft is not the entire loft , it is very important not to over board any loft space, as air flow and venting are paramount to the reduction in possible moisture build up which can lead to further issues such as mould).


Please take a look at our latest videos, demonstrating the best way to board out your loft.

Insulation

Require insulation? Let us know when we visit to quote if you need an insulation top-up. 

Empire Lofts are happy to roll out your loft insulation for free, underneath any boarding you have installed. We will only charge for the cost of the insulation itself. If you need extra insulation around the boarded area, we can provide a quote for that too.

The insulation we recommend is Knauf Earthwool Loft Roll 44.

  • flexible low density glass mineral wool quilt

  • lightweight, resilient and non-combustible

  • incremental layers of 100mm thickness

Lighting and plugs

Empire Lofts will arrange for a fully qualified electrician to safely install anything you may need. We have come to know a few electricians in the area we cover and we only recommend professionals who we know will do a good job.
It is important to get a qualified electrician to do the work and be able to sign off on any new circuitry. Non professional electrics can be an issue when it comes to selling your home.

Shelves

If you are in a new build house with a truss roof, shelving can be fitted between the diagonal beams in your loft. We use the same boarding as we do for the floor, so it is moisture resistant and can be tailored to your specific loft dimensions.

Balustrade 

Empire Lofts is able to fit a loft balustrade around the hatch aperture. As well as the extra protection, a balustrade provides support when accessing the loft. These can be customised to your exact measurements and requirements.