Loft ladder

[ForgeCorvus]

I need to replace my loft ladder as its a creaky old two-section ali job that was here before we moved in.

I don't want to just swap in a new one of the same type as its a PITA to use due to the edge of the trap it pulls down from.
It also means I can't draft-proof the hatch easily as it has to swing down and the ladder sticks out over the hole.

Suggestions please?

Oh BTW budget is a consideration

[grenfell]

Without knowing what sort you have it's hard to say. I'm assuming its the sort that isn't attached to the loft hatch itself and slides up into a space to the side of the hole itself. I've fitted a couple of those and while they are cheap they're not the best. A much better option is the sort that attaches to the hatch. That's the sort I've got and they seem much sturdier. One thing I've done with it is to fit hinged flaps above it. Adds insulation and has the added advantage of covering the hole if you are in the loft , it's boarded and used for storage and we can be up there without worrying about a death plunge.
If budget is a real concern you could always just go for a free stsnding ladder.

[Yorkshire Andy]

Abru used to make decent quality ladders

[ForgeCorvus]

Sorry, I should of been clear on what I've got.
Its a cheaparse version of this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265768286181 ... media=COPY

The rails only lock on one side with a spring loaded bolt going into a slot in the other ladder section and after 20 plus years its more then rickety

The hatch is roughly 27 inches square so any ladder would either have to fit inside that or move completely out of the way

Budget is a consideration not a concern. I don't mind paying for a near perfect system.
I thought about a free standing one. No storage on the landing where the trap is, so any option would need to be easy to move and storage elsewhere in the house

[jennyjj01]

Sorry, I should of been clear on what I've got.
Its a cheaparse version of this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265768286181 ... media=COPY

We have one of those, but without the handrail. The b*gger made two rectanglar wear holes in the landing carpet!
Also a few rivets broke and nearly caused a nasty accident, so Hubby drilled out all the rivets and fitted bolts.
No real idea how to insulate the ply wood door, which lets a draught through.

[grenfell]

Is altering the size of the opening feasible as that could open up more possibilities.

[Yorkshire Andy]

When my dad did his.....

The hatch was hinged downward with thr push up to release clip / catch (20mm MDF )

Once fitted a 1"² batten was tagged in place as a "rebate"

To that some brush seal was added

https://www.toolstation.com/stormguard- ... lsrc=aw.ds


Then some 25mm PIR insulation board stuck to the hatch with double sided tape ...

[ForgeCorvus]

Is altering the size of the opening feasible as that could open up more possibilities.

The attic space has been converted in a room, extra and larger joists and interlocking chipboard flooring.
Too much work for the limited benefits.... I could do it, but I like being married

We have one of those, but without the handrail. The b*gger made two rectanglar wear holes in the landing carpet!
Also a few rivets broke and nearly caused a nasty accident, so Hubby drilled out all the rivets and fitted bolts.
No real idea how to insulate the ply wood door, which lets a draught through.

Its insulating and draft-proofing that I'm after, changing the dodgy ladder so it can't kill me is just a bonus.

Yorkshire Andy: Does the brush press on the hatch or does it seal between the edge of the insulation board and the trap hole?

[Yorkshire Andy]

Is altering the size of the opening feasible as that could open up more possibilities.

The attic space has been converted in a room, extra and larger joists and interlocking chipboard flooring.
Too much work for the limited benefits.... I could do it, but I like being married

We have one of those, but without the handrail. The b*gger made two rectanglar wear holes in the landing carpet!
Also a few rivets broke and nearly caused a nasty accident, so Hubby drilled out all the rivets and fitted bolts.
No real idea how to insulate the ply wood door, which lets a draught through.

Its insulating and draft-proofing that I'm after, changing the dodgy ladder so it can't kill me is just a bonus.

Yorkshire Andy: Does the brush press on the hatch or does it seal between the edge of the insulation board and the trap hole?

Against the wood

It's not perfect but a hell of a lot better than what was there before

Plenty of draught excluder strips and seals available in various sizes fitment and thickness