Have you just purchased a new home that comes with an attic? Well, there are so many way that the attic can be used, but the very first thing that you need to do is to make it accessible. Now, how can you do that? If building permanent stairs is not possible, or if there is not enough space, then you can consider buying an aluminum loft ladder. An aluminum loft ladder is a good investment in many ways. It promises a number of features that has made it one of the best choices for accessing a loft or an attic. From being light-weight, to fire proof and corrosion resistant, aluminum loft ladders do not fail to function at any time. Rather, they stay as good for a long time even if the maintenance required is not much.
The location of the ladder is important once you have decided that you will be investing in an aluminum loft ladder. You can either put one that is foldable, or one which is fixed. The ladder kits are designed in a way that it fits between existing framing in the ceiling. Before installing the loft ladder, make sure to choose a size and a perfect location for the same. The space should be that much that it allows to fit between existing ceiling trusses and joists. Some aluminum loft ladders may be designed in a way that it fits into an existing attic access hatch. Make sure to have a professional company deal with the installation as often, the access hatch may require to be enlarged or you might have to break or cut the place to make enough space. The installation of the aluminum loft ladder matters much. Once the loft or attic becomes accessible, the loft ladder will be used by anyone, including children and elderly members in the house. So you need to make sure that the bottom of the loft ladder is placed tightly or it falls in a safe spot where there is room to move about.
Types of Loft Ladders Available
The size of your attic or loft depends on how big or small your house is. Hence, what kind of aluminum loft ladder should you be investing in depends on the amount of space available as well. Loft ladders come in a variety of styles and designs and you can pick one as per your personal preference and budget.
Following are the various kinds that are available:
Telescoping or Folding- There are some ladders that fold out, while there are some that opens like a extension ladder, much like a telescope. You can also get some that open like a scissor like mechanism.
Rungs or steps- Few of the aluminum loft ladders have shallow steps while there are some that come as ladder-style rungs. It is better to hold onto the upper stairs while climbing up and down to be safe.
Ladders with handrails- Ladders with hand rails are much safer that way. Not everyone uses the attic or loft frequently, but if you do, then it is better to invest in a ladder with handrails. Often if you are going up the ladder with some things in hand, the the handrail can give you support.
A loft ladder is going to be around for a long time. So,make sure that you are buying right one, and most importantly, from a right place.