If you are renovating your loft space, installing new infrastructure like a boiler or an electrical appliance, or simply trying to create storage space in your loft, then fitting a loft crawl board is imperative for both your safety and productivity.
The reason for this is that lofts can be dangerous places to work. If you don’t have a secure work platform in place, you can easily fall through the loft insulation and loft floor, which is not designed to sustain your weight.
This is especially true if you are moving heavy objects in a tight space, which requires a sturdy work area - especially given the tight proximity of your surroundings.
However, understandably, you might not know how to use a loft crawl board properly. You have to ensure it is safely fitted, that you possess the necessary safety equipment and that the crawl boards comply with building regulations.
This is what you need to know about using a loft crawl board:
Make Sure You Don’t Mount the Boards on Electrical Items or Pipework
One of the most important pointers you need to remember when it comes to using a loft crawl board is that it shouldn’t be mounted to exposed electrical equipment, wires, or pipework.
The reason for this is simple - you will place an unnecessary load on weak items which are likely to cause damage to your home - whether with a power cut, water leak, or even immediate electrocution.
Instead, you should ensure that the loft crawl board is mounted to secure materials - such as structural supports.
Work to the Layout of Your Particular Loft
Of course, aside from the basic safety measures, you need to abide by, the way you install loft boards will depend on the shape and size of the loft space in your home.
Traditional homes tend to have joint or rafter roofs, which are comparatively easy to install a loft crawl board inside of. This is because they offer a great deal of open space, compared with the trussed roof design often found in newer properties.
Your approach to installing a loft crawl board will also depend on your requirements.
For example, you may want to install raised loft flooring, which allows air to pass over the insulation and under the floor boarding in your loft. This ensures that any potential damp problem is eliminated.
Mounting the Board
Many people mount the crawl board directly to the ceiling joists, which is adequate but doesn’t leave much space between the boarding and the insulation. This can lead to dampness due to the lack of overall airflow.
Alternatively, you can use raised floor boarding, which enables the insulation - such as mineral wool - to breathe.
When working with insulation in such a confined environment (that will typically contain dust), it is recommended that you wear a dust mask to protect your lungs from damage.
You should also be careful when passing the materials through the loft hatch using the loft ladder. Have someone at both the top and the bottom to ensure no one person is carrying too heavy a load.