Over the last few weeks, we have seen most of the UK go into national lockdowns for the third time. No one is 100% sure when these lockdown restrictions will end this time, and as with all things COVID-19 related, we've got questions.
Can tradespeople work in other people's homes during a lockdown? What precautions should you take if you are working during the lockdown? And what questions can you expect from homeowners before you arrive on-site?
Today we're going to try and demystify some of these questions so that you know what you can do and how to approach the situation safely.
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Using a ladder in cold and wet weather conditions is nobody's idea of fun. However, some people like builders and scaffolders are required to work outside - whatever the weather. There are a few things you can do to help make using a ladder in the rain safer and more comfortable. So, if you're someone who often finds yourself using a ladder in the rain, just keep reading.
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Unlike single or double section ladders, triple extension ladders pose an extra level of complexity. First of all, they're heavier than most other ladders and secondly, they're a lot more awkward to move around and handle.
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The world's longest ladder is 41.16m (135ft)!
Of all the world records that are out there, this has to be our favourite one. The world's longest ladder! According to the Guinness World Records, the longest ladder ever recorded was 41.16m (135 foot) long! It was designed and made in 2005 by the Handwerks Museum in Austria. In total, it had 120 rungs! Imagine how long it would take to get from the bottom to the top... you'd probably have to stop for a break on the way up.
Now, although we don't have the world's longest ladder here at Ladders UK Direct, we do have some long ladders that you can use to reach up high. Let's take a look at some of the longest ladders we have on offer, they might just be the ones you need!
Of course, our triple-section ladders are the longest that we offer. These ladders come in a range of lengths, reaching up to 13.97 metres! They also come in extended heights of, 10.47m, 11.97m, 12.97m. They're not quite the world's longest ladders, but if you're looking for a long ladder, these are the one's for you.
A few of its key features are:
- Wall running wheels
- D-shaped rungs
- Rubber feet
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Our longest double extension ladder extends from a stored height of 5.94m to 10.71m! Again, it's about 30-something metres shy of the world's longest ladder, but it certainly will give you enough height to reach most gutters, lightbulbs and ceilings.
They're great for tradesmen and the rope mechanism makes them incredibly easy to operate! Even the longest ladders are easy to open and closed when you incorporate a pulley system, so don't worry about wrestling with your long ladder.
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One of the great things about long extension ladders is that they collapse down into much smaller sizes. This makes transporting long ladders incredibly easy! Do you think the world's longest ladder was built in sections or in one long piece? Unlike our ladders (which can be transported pretty much anywhere) we doubt the world's longest ladder made many journeys. Imagine the size of the van you'd need!
So, while we can't offer you the world's longest, most impractical ladder we can help you with some long and highly useful ladders! If you have a specific ladder length requirement, we may be able to help you find the perfect ladder over the phone. Call us on 01446 789538.
People are constantly looking for creative ways to expand their living space and increase the value of their home. Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular ways to do this is by converting the loft into a usable space. Whether you need to add a new bedroom in time for a new arrival, or you want to add a private office space away from the rest of the house, making the most of the space in the rafters is an appealing choice.
It turns out, you can't just pop a double bed, a desk and a lamp into your loft and call it a day. As with most major renovations, there are a few legal hoops that you have to jump through before you can declare your loft conversion as a safe and functional room. You've probably seen properties for sale with the elusive promise of a 'potential fourth bedroom subject to regulations'. This just means that there's a loft that could be turned into a bedroom, so long as it complies with building regulations.
But what are these building regulations and what do you need to do to comply with them? Let's find out.
General Loft Conversion Regulations
Whether you're planning to turn your loft into a bedroom or an attic, there are some fundamental building regulations that your conversion needs to comply with. Most of these are to do with the stability and safety of the loft itself and set out the minimum requirements for things such as:
- The structural integrity of the loft floor and ceiling
- The installation of a suitable stairway access
- Any changes you plan to make to the outside of your home
- The additional fire escape route
- The insulation required in the floor and walls
READ MORE: Are Loft Conversions Worth It?
Specific Bedroom Regulations
Once you've made sure that your loft conversion complies with the various regulations listed above, you can turn your attention to the more specific, additional regulations that you must adhere to if you want to use the finished space as a bedroom. That's right, there's an extra layer of regulations in place to make sure that the room can be used as a bedroom safely. These regulations include:
- Headroom - There needs to be sufficient room for someone to get in and out of the bed without hitting their head. This might mean that you have to make alterations to the pitch or overall height of the room. Bear in mind that the headroom required along your allocated fire escape route needs to be a minimum of 2 metres.
- Insulation - When it comes to insulation for a loft conversion bedroom, there needs to be 50mm of insulation along the roof as well as sufficient insulation in the floors and walls. You should consider the additional insulation required when you're making your headroom calculations.
- Fire and safety - The requirements for fire safety vary greatly depending on the nature of your loft conversion. As such, it's important that you contact your local authority or building control specialist to ensure that your loft bedroom conversion complies. In general, taller buildings have stricter fire requirements for obvious reasons. Descending from a third or fourth storey in an emergency is going to be infinitely harder than the first or second.
- A proper loft staircase - Unlike your usual lofts that you maybe pop into once or twice a year, loft bedroom conversions require a suitable, sturdy staircase. Typical aluminium or concertina loft ladders are not appropriate for use in this scenario. Instead, you should opt for a loft staircase. These staircases offer permanent access to your loft, boast a traditional wood look, and will help you create a safe loft conversion. Check out our guide to modern staircases for aesthetic inspiration!
- A fire safety door - This door should be able to open fully allowing easy access in and out of the new loft bedroom. Doors along the proposed fire escape route also need to be replaced/upgraded to fire doors. This helps to control the spread of a fire, should the worst occur.
Does Boarding a Loft Add Value?
If you decide to do a loft conversion that complies with the necessary building regulations, it can definitely add value to your home. If your loft conversion also applies to the specific bedroom guidelines, you can safely upgrade your housing listing from a 3 bedroom property to a 4 bedroom property! This can make your home much more appealing to potential buyers when/if you decide to sell it.
Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of loft staircases, designed to help you get your loft conversion underway. If you're unsure which loft staircase is right for you, why not get in touch?
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