5 Signs That You Need A New Loft Ladder
Loft ladders are one of the most useful accessories for homeowners in the UK when they have a loft. If you plan to continue using your loft room for storage, then it’s important to have safe, easy access to the space, which means keeping an eye on the condition of your loft ladder.
Whether you’ve inherited a loft ladder when buying your home or have had your existing one for many years, there are some key signs that you need a new loft ladder that you should be aware of. This month at Loft Storage Rooms, we’ll point out these signs, but we’ll also give you some key info on how long loft ladders can last, whether you can repair them and how long new ones take to install.
How long do loft ladders last?
Like many things today, loft ladders are built to last, but it should be pointed out that nothing will last forever. Given their purpose, you should expect robust engineering combined with quality and strength in the materials used, but heavy, constant use will eventually take its toll – especially if they’re misused in any way.
For this reason, there is no one answer to the question of how long loft ladders last — it will all depend on the age of the ladder itself and how frequently it has been used.
Can loft ladders be repaired?
Loft ladders often come as a complete structure, which means replacement parts aren’t particularly easy to source. Attempting to DIY the repairs on your loft ladder could put your safety at risk if the overall structure becomes compromised. Meanwhile, constant repairs to an old ladder might simply make things weaker as time goes on and cost you more money than a replacement loft ladder.
Signs that you need a new loft ladder
Here are five signs that should set alarm bells ringing, meaning you need to take action if you want to continue having safe, easy access to your loft:
- The rungs are loose – When you step on the rungs, do they feel loose? If so, it means your safety is at risk when going up and down — especially with any heavy items.
The ladder doesn’t slide up or down smoothly – Your ladder should descend and ascend smoothly for safe use. If this is not the case, it could mean important parts of it have worn, making it the ideal time to replace and upgrade your ladder. A ladder that has to be forced or that moves in an unpredictable fashion is a danger to you and your family. - The ladder is rusty – For metal ladders, rust is essentially a death knell, since it means the integrity of the material has been affected. Rust not only weakens the structure, but it can also create sharp edges that can cause injuries to anyone using the ladder.
- The rungs are set too far apart – If the rungs of your ladder are not a comfortable distance apart because you’ve inherited it from someone else, then it’s time for a new one. This is so that you can get in and out of the loft with items without the risk of slipping or tripping.
- The ladder wobbles – Does the whole ladder wobble when you go up or down it? This could simply mean it needs tightening in places, but if you’ve done this and it still wobbles, then there is a bigger issue with the quality of your ladder and thus makes it worth replacing.
- The rungs are too small – You need to be able to comfortably put your foot on each and every rung for a sure footing, so if the rungs are too small for your feet, consider a replacement to avoid any accidents.
How long does a loft ladder take to install?
There is no one set amount of time it takes for loft ladder installation. This is because it depends on your current setup and whether you’re replacing an old ladder with a similar style or opting for something a little different. You can learn more about the different types of loft ladders and what they offer you in our previous post on the topic – including info on telescopic loft ladders, concertina loft ladders and wooden loft ladders.
You should allow at least several hours for a loft ladder installation, but where additional work around your loft hatch is required, this may take longer. Likewise, a loft ladder installation alongside a loft storage room conversion will take much more time to complete.
We’re always happy to help advise you on the best loft ladder for your needs when your old one has seen better days or when you want to make a change. Covering the whole of the UK – including Cambridge, Harlow and London – you can find out more about how long it takes to install a loft ladder and the various ladder options we have for you at Loft Storage Rooms by contacting us today.