Loft access for larger people

FayL

Hi

I hope you can help. I'm a single parent with three children under 5 and am struggling with space in my house. The dad of my middle child suggested making use of the space in the loft. The thing is I'm what people politely describe as a big girl (I weigh about 24 and a half stone) and I'm not happy with the current arrangement of a metal ladder and loose boards. I tried to go up the other day and got about 2 steps up but the ladder didn't feel safe. When I checked it showed a weight limit of just over 15 stone.

I would like to know what the limits are of ladders and also whether the boarding would take my weight ok. Like I say I am a single parent so cannot rely on someone else to put things up and down.

Anyone had similar problems?

Thank you

globetraveller

http://www.diy.com/nav/build/ladders/loft-ladders?tmcampid=29&tmad=c&ecamp=Sea266151442061666594757&ef_id=U28ePgAABSQ@f7Hr:20140531075510:s&noCookies=false
These ones take what they say is a safe working weight of 23 and a half stone.

Norman_Castle

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GRAND-Wooden-Loft-Attic-Ladder-Multiple-Frame-Sizes-Options-Available/310702290818?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222003%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D22474%26meid%3D7283786493735790297%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D9725%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D310947833641&rt=nc

31.5 stone and much safer than step ladders.

Mankysteve

Just remember that your loft floor wont be designed to take a lot of weight. basically just don't put too much heavy stuff in there/ don't go walking over up there without at least some board and even then its to be avoided no matter your weight.

PasturesNew

What are you putting up there that's so vitally important? I hate lofts... and loft ladders.... etc. I've never put anything in a loft.

Is it possible to get a secure/insulated shed in the garden? You can get good/secure ones, with a good lock, insulated against damp.... and more accessible.

themull1

My husband cant go in the loft cos he cant fit through the hatch!!, so i have to. We got the floor strengthened and it boarded out, and an aluminium ladder. It still feels a bit unsteady, but maybe its because its lightweight. I still prefer putting stuff in the shed though!!