06 Aug 2016

6 Major Considerations on Attic Storage Ladder Installations

Your Guide to a Safe, Durable and Sturdy Roof Storage Ladder by Attic Lad WA

Whether it’s a spacious storage haven or a tiny crawlspace, attic storage ladders are the secret stairway that leads you into a whole hidden world. Its efficiency determines whether your attic becomes a frequently used space or a forgotten zone. A good attic ladder makes every trip up and down safer, easier and quicker.

From squeaky springs to rusty jams, faulty ladders can be hazardous. Unfortunately, due to its rare usage, tell-tale signs are frequently ignored. Here are some common signs of a faulty ladder:

–    Failed springs

–    Damaged hinges

–    Cracked lumber

–    Missing nuts and screws

–    Incorrect length

If you can identify with the above, it might be time to hire a professional to install a new attic ladder. Whether it’s an upgrade or a replacement, Attic Lad WA is Perth’s expert on the subject. We’ll discuss some important considerations and point you in the right direction towards a safe and convenient new attic ladder.

Attic Ladder PlacementAttic Ladders Perth

Start with location. Your attic ladder needs clearance space to extend. When choosing a place, make sure to avoid any possible obstructions such as an air-conditioning unit. Ensure the bottom of the ladder is well pitched to the ground in an open space with enough room for you to maneuver around when the ladder is fully extended. Installing one near your home’s staircase landing, for example, might not be a great idea.

Quick Tip: Attic Ladder in Laundry Room

Here’s an example of an ideal ladder installation I recently completed in Shenton Park. My client, Kevin, and his wife had newly renovated their property and were looking for an upgrade on their storage space. I installed a quality wooden ladder with a 10sqm attic above their laundry area. Kevin was kind enough to leave me a great review!

Attic Ladder Frames

Your existing attic floor is most likely framed with either trusses, or individual rafters and floor joists. The standard framing uses the latter which can be easily be reinstalled or reorganized. This is unlike the truss roof that is more rigid and should not be readjusted or cut due to its interlocking system. If you are thinking of enlarging your attic entrance but are unsure of where to start, it is always wise to engage professional help to decide on your best course of action.Perth attic storage

Quick Tip: New Attic Space

Looking to reinforce or revamp your attic space? Give us a ring. I provide the best value, price, and service when it comes to attic storage. My installations start at $2200 for a 10sqm platform complete with an attic ladder.

 

 

Attic Ladder Materials

Steel, aluminium or wood, it’s not just about aesthetics. I usually recommend aluminium as they are lightweight and rust-resistant. Aluminium ladders can stand the test of time and conditions such as humidity and temperature changes.

Although heavier to operate, some of my customers prefer the traditional wooden ladders. They are incredibly strong and sturdy, making it easier to carry heavy items up and down without the shakes. They tend to be a popular choice for elderly clients.

Deluxe Aluminium Attic Ladder

Quick Tip: Working with your Budget

No matter your budget, I’ve got you covered. Working very closely with all my clients, I understand their requirements and make professional recommendations based on many years of my experience. Prices start at $995 for a fully installed ladder.

You can pick from my attic ladder range of aluminium or wood.  Call us to discuss your options.

Attic Ladder Weight and Length

Attic ladders are not designed to hang free at the bottom, nor should they leave any scratches on your floor. The bottom stiles should always accommodate the correct angle to sit flat on your floor. Attic ladders come in different lengths. It’s important to correctly measure the height from floor to the ceiling in order to install your ladder correctly.

Another safety consideration is the weight capacity of your ladder. It’s always wise to go by the weight of the heaviest person who will be using the ladder, in addition to the load that he or she will be carrying. This means that the 250-pounds option is usually safe, but a ladder with a 300 pounds’ capacity would be a better choice.

attic / loft ladderQuick Tip: Custom Height Ladders

I install ladders going up to a ceiling height of 3.3 meters. Here’s a recent wooden loft ladder I’ve done for a federation style home in Redcliffe. The ladder reached a 3m high attic.

 

Getting Started

I hope this article has helped you to understand the importance of proper installation for a safe attic storage ladder. If you still have any questions, we would be happy to answer them. All you have to do is call us on 0423 423 334, or leave a message to get a free, no-obligation quote. My amazing customers have scored me a 5 out of 5 based on over 450 reviews. You can check out more of my great testimonials and completed projects on Facebook & Google.