Welcome to Ahead Loft Ladders

Your best choice for Hampshire & Sussex loft improvements

Ahead Loft Ladders is an independent local company run by a team of skilled, experienced loft ladder installers. For over a decade we’ve installed many hundreds of ladders for lofts throughout Sussex, Hampshire and the South East of England.

We supply and fit a comprehensive range of loft ladder types including wooden, metal and electrically powered models, all from the leading brands and meeting British Standards.

Make the most of your valuable loft space

All new ladder installations are guaranteed and carried out by friendly, approachable, fully insured staff members.

We're happy to provide free, no-obligation quotations. We will visit your property, measure up and finalised your requirements, to give the most accurate prices.

Call 01903 649169 today

Our Loft Services

We cover a whole range of loft-related services, from roof windows to loft lighting installation:

Customer Reviews

Read some testimonials from our happy customers

Trusted & Accredited Around Hampshire & Sussex

Your loft improvements are in good hands

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Loft Improvement FAQ

Here are some of the questions our customers regularly ask:

UK building regulations require loft insulation to have a total depth of 270mm for mineral wool (soft insulation). This is to ensure it achieves the recommended U-value* of 0.16 W/m²K.

High-performance insulation boards like PIR require less thickness (120-170mm) to meet the same U-value.

Insulation must not be placed right up to the eaves. Instead, leave a clear 50 mm air gap to allow adequate airflow and prevent damp retention.

*The U-value is a measure of how fast heat escapes through a part of the building. Lower numbers mean better heat retention.

Older style loft ladders would often be a single solid ladder that slid up horizontally in-between the rafters. However those are rarely used these days, due to the space required and how cumbersome they are to handle.

Modern loft ladders use a folding, sectional or concertina construction, meaning they often don’t use much more footprint than the loft hatch itself.

We always recommend at least 18mm thickness for most loft boards. This is suitable for nearly any item up that would be stored in a loft, up to 25kg per m².

22mm boards are also available if the gaps between your joists is over 400mm.

If you use your loft primarily for storage, then a loft ladder is not a legal requirement.

However, A ladder fitted by a professional company like Ahead Loft Ladders can make loft access far easier and safer. If you intend on accessing the loft space regularly, a dedicated ladder is a worthwhile investment.

For converted lofts that are used to increase living space, a permanent fixed staircase in required under UK Building Regulations.

For most loft board installation jobs, we can be finished in 1-2 days.

Some boarding projects may take longer, if we have to carry out additional tasks such as:

  • Removing old boards
  • Relocation of wiring
  • Widenening loft hatch
  • Adding insulation
  • Installing loft windows
  • Clearing obstacles

No, you should try to retain as much ‘fluffiness’ and height as possible from your insulation.

This is because it is the air pockets between the fibres that provides the insulating barrier, not the fibre itself.

Why Choose Ahead Loft Ladders

For your Southern loft improvement services?

Ahead Loft Ladders has been fitting attic ladders, boarding, insulation, lights and roof lights for over 14 years.

We don't bring in contractors, all work is carried out by David and our in-house team.

Here's why we're the best choice in The South for any type of loft work:

  • Highly recommended by local homeowners and landlords.
  • Over 6000 loft ladders fitted in and around The South since 2012.
  • Parts sourced from trusted manufacturers like BPS and Fakro.
  • All work carried out is covered by a full written warranty.
  • Like-for-like price matching service (excl. offers and discounts).
  • 500+ positive reviews from Google, Checkatrade and Trustist.

Latest YouTube Videos

Loft tips, advice & previous projects

Insulate boarding and Ladder #diy #insulation #loftladder #home #fakro
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Turning this hatch around in a 1890s lath and plaster ceiling