Having a loft in your house is one of the best storage ideas one could think about. However, to enjoy the convenience and functionality of the attic, you need to gain flawless access to it. This connotes that you will have to think about buying a loft ladder. This kind of ladder helps you in reaching your house loft to store or retrieve some items you had stored up there.
But it is sad to realize that most people do not know how to select the right folding loft ladder. Is it a challenging task as many perceive it? Well, it is not. Just like any other piece of furniture, choosing a loft ladder will depend on a number of factors. Here are the various aspects to consider.
The ease to fit the loft ladder
All loft ladders may not be ideal for all buildings. This may depend on the space available, features of the ladders, and the type of hatch. See, a concertina loft ladder is ideal to fit around the frame of the hatch. This is just a minor installation which may not necessarily alter the structure of your house.
Look: making an alteration on the hatch may not be a big deal. However, it could involve a bit of cost since the local authorities might be involved in the approval of the project. If you are ready to go through such steps, you can go for those ladders which require hatch modifications. If you are not ready for that, then you can choose the ones that just require installation.
Consider who will be using the loft ladder mostly
There are some attics that have been turned to a playroom or even a bedroom for the kids. If so, it means the loft ladder will be mostly used by children. Therefore, you would require a space-saving staircase. It is the safest option in such a situation.
You can have a strong sliding loft ladder for use if adults mostly ascend to the attic. It is a good choice if it is used for storage purposes. However, they require inspection and continued maintenance. Also, you need to consider the weight of the stuff that will be stored plus the person who will be taking it up there.
The use of the ladder
It is always good to consider what use will the loft ladder be subjected to. See, if you need to store bulky or hazardous goods in the attic, you can have the sliding option. One can person can move the items up, or you can have a second person passing the items up. The sliding loft ladder is also ideal if you are to access an attic room.
However, if you are to inspect water tanks, domestic infrastructure, or to check some pipes, a concertina is a sure bet. They are easy to install and use. Lastly, on this, you need to pick the one you think is easy for you to maintain.
Conclusion
If you need quick access to your house attic for your kids, or to move up things that you occasionally use, you require a safe means. A loft ladder is the best form of the ladder to help you reach the loft. Consider the above-discussed choosing criteria, and you will eventually come up with the right one for your house.