Loft Conversion Regulation – Safety

Loft Flooring

The existing ceiling joists will not be sufficient. Steel beams are often required to support new loft flooring.. A professional will need to draw up the structural design and all steel beams and supporting walls and floors must be fire resistant for at least thirty minutes.

Roof lights

Unless you are planning to use your loft simply as storage then roof lights will need to be installed. The main safety implication under the loft conversion regulation is that supporting rafters must be doubled up on either side of the roof lights. If roof lights are to be used in multiple units, i.e., side-by-side, then further strengthening will probably be needed.

Escape

Something which certainly should not be overlooked is the means of escape from your loft conversion in the event of fire. The loft conversion regulation stipulates that staircases should be enclosed by a door, wall or partition which is capable of resisting fire for at least thirty minutes.

However, an existing door can be retained as long as they are unglazed and are, or can be made to be, self-closing and escape windows are fitted into the loft conversion. But, the decision to retain an existing door should only be taken after confirming that the door and frame are in good repair.

Note – doors into bathrooms and toilets may have glazing which is not fire resistant but there are no other exceptions.

Escape windows are a sensible and easy precaution to take. Top hung roof lights are used as escape windows and they must have a clear opening sufficient for an adult to get through and must be located in a position where it is possible for it to be reached by a rescue ladder. For this reason escape windows are usually sited on the front elevation of the house.

Electrical

Mains powered smoke detectors must be fitted and any electrical work undertaken in the loft conversion must comply with the electrical safety section of the building regulations which means that any electrical work must be notified to your local council and be carried out by a registered contractor.

Staircases

The minimum headroom on loft stairs is two meters though if this cannot be achieved then a slightly reduced headroom may be acceptable but will have to be made clear on your building regulations application.

Ventilation

Often overlooked in the planning stage but vital in order to be granted building regulations approval. Achieving the criteria should be routine for your builder but the main points are that the ridge vents (5mm gap) must be positioned to ventilate the loft conversion above ceiling level.

To prevent condensation from a vapour check layer should be installed at ceiling level.

And, unless breather felt is used, eaves vents (25mm gap) need to be provided.

The actual government published loft conversion regulation can be read here but the above are the main safety points to consider.

For more info see the related pages below or complete the form at the bottom of the page for a free no obligation quote from tradesmen near you...

Quick Guide To The Building Regulations

Loft Conversion Regulation - A Case Study

Loft Conversion Guide

DIY Loft Conversion

Loft Conversion Prices

Loft Conversion