Buying the correct loft ladder may just save your life

How easy is it to get into your attic? Do you use a step ladder? Perhaps it would be wise to consider what type of loft ladder you are going to purchase for your family?s attic.

Often, in homes, attics are musty and difficult to access easily. Most families choose to use loft (or attic) ladders because they fold up with the door and hide away, out of sight.

When one chooses a loft ladder however, it is important to take into consideration many different factors, as ladder safety is critical to personal safety. As loft ladders are fairly simple and easy to install, many people opt to do it themselves. While this is savvy and saves money, it is crucial that you educate yourself about ladder safety prior to purchasing the loft ladder.

While accidents with loft ladders are less common than accidents that are related to other ladders, it is still important to think about safety.

What sorts of things should you consider while you are looking at loft ladders? There are several simple answers to this question.

Is the weight limit for the ladder appropriate to how you plan on using it later? Most people will be climbing up and down the loft ladder with boxes, bins, and other bulky items that they want to store. Your attic ladder should be equipped to handle the maximum weight you need. You don?t want the ladder to break while you are climbing up it.

Another thing to consider is the quality of the materials. A loft ladder is not the place to skimp on price. Poorly constructed hinges, connectors, or rivets could snap and break at any moment. This could be fatal and potentially very dangerous.

How is the ladder to be installed? The way in which the ladder is installed is highly important, as this determines the sturdiness of the ladder, and in turn, its safety, or lack thereof. Ladders distribute the weight of their users through their connection to the ground. The ladder needs to be the appropriate length, then. Additionally, the rivets connecting the ladder to the attic door should be appropriately bolted and secure.

You want to make sure that the rivets are not poorly crafted or made of cheap material that easily breaks.

There are many different types of loft ladders that you can purchase. There are telescopic loft ladders, concertina, aluminum and wooden loft ladders. Each of these materials and styles serves a different need.

What type of access are you looking for? Is your loft difficult to reach?

If your attic is not just a storage space, than a loft ladder is not sufficient for your needs. Legally, if the space is regularly inhabited by anybody, you must have a permanent ladder installed.

Clearly, choosing a loft ladder is no simple matter. You should not rush the process. Make sure that you ask questions and do your research prior to your purchase. A good loft ladder should last you and your family about ten years. It?s definitely a purchase worth putting some time and effort into. Don?t risk your safety!

Jim Barrie is author of this article on Loft ladders. Find more information about Attic ladder here.