Loft Boards

What Are Loft Boards? 

A loft board is a type of engineered wood panel specifically designed to create a flat, stable, and load-bearing surface within an attic.

These boards are typically manufactured from robust materials such as chipboard, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), or plywood. 

The main benefit they provide are twofold: safety and utility. Loft boards provide a secure pathway for walking, eliminating the risk of accidental falls or damage to underlying insulation.

Crucially, this newly established floor space simultaneously unlocks an abundance of storage possibilities, allowing you to declutter other areas of your home and make them more usable.

From storing cherished record collections to tucking away seasonal decorations, or even as a foundational step for a future loft conversion, loft boards offer a versatile flooring solution.

Many contemporary loft boards also feature a tongue-and-groove interlocking system, which facilitates a snug fit and enhances the overall structural integrity of the laid floor, preventing movement and creating a seamless surface.

At Materials Market, we offer a vast selection of Chipboard Loft Boards.

Benefits

• Expanded, Usable Storage Space: This is arguably the most immediate and impactful benefit. Loft boards transform an often-underutilised, dusty void into a clean, stable, and easily accessible area for storage. This allows homeowners to declutter living areas, free up space in bedrooms and garages, and neatly store seasonal items, rarely used belongings, or cherished collections.
• Safety and Accessibility: Unboarded lofts can be hazardous. Navigating across exposed joists risks accidental falls, injury, and potentially putting a foot through the ceiling below. Loft boards create a continuous, solid surface, making it safe and easy to move around, access items, and perform any necessary maintenance on pipes or wiring.
• Protection of Insulation and Improved Energy Efficiency:
  • Prevents Compression: Without boards, walking on loft insulation can compress it, significantly reducing its effectiveness. Raised loft boarding systems are designed to sit above the insulation, ensuring it remains at its optimal depth and continues to provide maximum thermal performance.
  • Reduces Heat Loss: By maintaining adequate insulation depth and creating a more sealed environment, loft boarding contributes to preventing heat loss through the roof. This leads to a warmer home in winter, a cooler home in summer, and ultimately, lower energy bills.
  • Safeguards Against Damage: Boarding protects the insulation from general wear and tear, dust, and accidental disturbance.
• Increased Property Value: A well-boarded and accessible loft adds tangible value to a property. Potential buyers often view additional usable space, especially for storage, as a highly desirable feature. It presents the home as more organised and functional, enhancing its appeal on the market.
• Versatility and Future Potential: While primarily used for storage, a boarded loft offers versatility. It can be adapted into a hobby room, a discrete home office, or simply a cleaner, more pleasant space for occasional use. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for a potential future loft conversion, as the initial structural work for flooring is already complete.
• Cost-Effectiveness Compared to External Storage: For those considering off-site storage solutions, boarding a loft can be a far more cost-effective long-term alternative. It provides immediate, on-demand access to belongings without recurring monthly fees. 

Safety Considerations for Loft Boarding

Beyond structural integrity, several critical safety considerations must be meticulously addressed during and after loft board installation to ensure a safe and healthy environment:

• Electrical and Pipework Clearance: Ensure all electrical cables, pipes, and gas lines remain unobstructed and uncompressed, routed safely above boards or protected within conduits to prevent hazards and maintain accessibility.
• Downlight Protection: Install proper downlight covers or fire hoods to prevent overheating and fire risk from recessed lighting, maintaining a safe air gap.
• Ventilation Integrity: Maintain adequate loft ventilation by ensuring boards do not obstruct eaves or roof vents, crucial for preventing condensation, mould, and timber decay.
• Safe Access: Utilise a securely installed, weight-rated loft ladder, with handrails if needed, for safe and stable access.
• Even Weight Distribution: Distribute stored items evenly across the boarded area to prevent localized overloading and potential structural damage.
• Fire Safety Regulations: Adhere to local fire safety regulations, including requirements for fire breaks or emergency access, particularly for more extensive loft usage.
• Respiratory Health: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - such as dust masks, gloves, and eye protection - when working in the loft to safeguard respiratory health from dust and fibers.
• Professional Installation for Complexities: For complex structures, unusual joist spacing, or heavy storage requirements, engage qualified professionals to ensure adherence to safety standards and building regulations.

Loft Board Installation Tips 

• To ensure optimal strength, it is essential to arrange the boards in a staggered pattern, avoiding alignment of the joins, which could weaken the structure. 
• Pay close attention to prevent any wires running through the loft from getting trapped. 
• When cutting the boards, consider providing convenient access to the tops of light fittings.