1) Question: Why choose Innerloft?

Answer: We’re a trusted, family-run team specialising in raised loft boarding and loft storage solutions across South Wales & Bristol. We focus on safe installs, tidy work and honest advice based on your loft’s layout and insulation.

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2) Question: Do you do loft conversions?

Answer: No — we only do storage loft improvements (raised loft boarding, loft ladders, loft hatches/enlargements, loft insulation top-ups and loft lighting). We don’t convert lofts into living rooms/bedrooms.

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3) Question: What areas do you cover?

Answer: We cover South Wales, Bristol and surrounding areas. If you send your postcode, we’ll confirm quickly.

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4) Question: I’m worried about mess — will my home be left dusty?

Answer: We work tidy and protect the access area. Any cutting/drilling is kept to what’s needed, and we clean up as we go.

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5) Question: Do I need to be present for the duration of the installation?

Answer: Not always. As long as we can access the loft hatch and everything is agreed in advance, many customers don’t need to be home all day.

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6) Question: How long does loft boarding take?

Answer: Most loft boarding jobs are completed in a day. Larger lofts or jobs that include a new hatch/ladder/lighting/insulation can take longer — we’ll confirm before booking.

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7) Question: What else can you do for my loft?

Answer: Raised loft boarding, loft ladders, loft hatch replacements/enlargements, loft insulation top-ups and loft lighting.

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8) Question: What do you need to give an accurate quote?

Answer: For a quick and accurate quote, send:

• Postcode

• A photo of your loft hatch

• A photo of the loft space (if possible)

• New build? Include the housebuilder and your house type/plot name (we can often check floorplans)

1) Question: Will loft boarding affect my new build warranty (NHBC)?

Answer: We are often asked ‘Does installing a Raised timber deck, XL Loftlegs, Loftzone etc in our loft, invalidate our NHBC warranty?’ This has been discussed in regards to this issue at length with the NHBC Technical Department and consulted a Chartered Structural Engineer to ensure we can provide the best possible advice to our customers. It is also important to clarify that this statement applies to all raised loft storage systems.

The NHBC responded with....

‘If it is installed by the homeowner it does not invalidate our warranty, but any defects found to result from the
installation of said system e.g. condensation or structural damage would not be covered by the warranty,
therefore homeowners install it at their own risk. This applies to any changes made to the building after the
warranty period has begun’

It is therefore imperative for our customer’s peace of mind that we confirm that installing a Raised timber deck, XL Loft Legs or Loftzone kits will not cause the defects mentioned above. The NHBC has confirmed that....

‘Where access to loft space is provided, structural design is required to take account of live loading on ceiling joists for the purposes of occasional entry and maintenance and a nominal live load allowance is included in acknowledgement that homeowners are liable to place light, miscellaneous and infrequently used items, such as might be suitable for spreading across widely-spaced joists, in the loft area’

Chartered Structural Engineers confirm the above is correct and that trusses in new homes that are fitted with a loft hatch should be designed to BS 6399-1:1996*. This states that the truss must be designed to carry a 25kg/m² loading for storage and a 90Kg load to account for a person accessing the loft.

Therefore we can confirm that a correctly installed and loaded raised loft storage system will not invalidate the NHBC warranty and that if the new house was constructed with a loft hatch then the trusses should have been designed to support a storage load of 25kg/m² and a 90kg person.

*Extract from BS 6399-1:1996

5.2 Ceiling Supports and similar structures

The following loads are appropriate for the design of frames and covering of access hatches (other than glazing),

supports of ceilings and similar structures:

a) without access: no imposed load: or

b) with access: 0.25KN/m² uniformly distributed over the whole area and a concentrated load of 0.9KN so placed as

to produce the maximum effect in the supporting members

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2) Question: Do I need building regulations approval to board my loft?

Answer: For storage-only loft boarding, you don’t usually need building regulations approval. Loft conversions are different (we don’t carry out conversions). If you’re unsure, tell us what you want to use the loft for and we’ll advise.

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3) Question: Do I need planning permission to board my loft?

Answer: Loft boarding for storage does not usually require planning permission. Planning is typically relevant when altering the roofline or converting the loft into a living space.

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4) Question: Can I use my loft as a bedroom after it’s boarded?

Answer: No — boarding is for storage and safe access, not creating a habitable room. Using a loft as a bedroom requires a designed loft conversion (fire safety, stairs, structural design, insulation, ventilation etc.). We don’t provide conversion work.

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5) Question: What’s the difference between raised loft boarding and boarding onto joists?

Answer: Raised loft boarding creates a storage deck above the insulation level, helping maintain insulation performance and airflow.

Boarding directly onto joists can compress insulation and reduce its effectiveness, and it’s not suitable for many modern lofts.

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6) Question: New build loft storage — can you check my house type / plans?

Answer: Often, yes. If you know your housebuilder and your house type/plot name, we can sometimes check the floorplans to understand access, truss layout and the best storage options.

1) Question: Can you board over loft insulation without squashing it?

Answer: Yes — in most cases we install raised loft boarding so you can store items without compressing the insulation. Squashed insulation performs worse and can contribute to condensation issues. A raised system keeps insulation effective while allowing the loft to breathe.

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2) Question: Can you lay boards directly onto the joists?

Answer: Sometimes, but it depends on your loft. In many homes (especially newer properties) boarding directly onto joists can reduce insulation performance and restrict airflow. We’ll recommend the safest option based on joist height, insulation depth and how you plan to use the loft.

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3) Question: Can I board the entire loft?

Answer: Most people don’t need the whole loft boarded. We usually install a dedicated storage area (and an access route if needed). This helps keep ventilation paths clear and avoids compressing insulation across the loft.

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4) Question: Do you offer different raised loft boarding options?

Answer: Yes — we offer different raised systems because every loft is different. Options include XL Loft Legs, a raised timber deck system, and LoftZone. We’ll recommend the best option based on insulation depth, joist height, access and budget.

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5) Question: Do you provide a loft insulation top-up service?

Answer: Yes — we can top up loft insulation across South Wales & Bristol, either as a standalone job or alongside loft boarding. If your loft is already insulated, it’s worth checking you’ve got enough to get the maximum saving.

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6) Question: What insulation depth should I have? (270mm / 300mm)

Answer: Many homes aim for around 270mm–300mm of loft insulation, but the right setup depends on what’s already there and whether airflow is maintained at the eaves. We can advise based on a quick photo showing the existing depth.

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7) Question: Can loft boarding cause condensation?

Answer: Condensation is usually caused by moisture in the home + poor ventilation in the loft. Problems can occur if insulation is compressed or ventilation paths are blocked. We install loft storage with airflow in mind to help prevent condensation issues.

1) Question: Is my loft hatch big enough?

Answer: Often yes, but many loft hatches are too small for safe access or for getting storage boards into the loft. If you send a photo (and the hatch size if you know it), we can advise quickly.

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2) Question: Can you enlarge my loft hatch opening?

Answer: Yes, in many homes we can enlarge the loft hatch opening to improve access and safety. The best option depends on the loft layout and the direction of the ceiling joists, so we’ll confirm what’s possible before booking.

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3) Question: Do you replace loft hatches?

Answer: Yes, we can replace old or damaged loft hatches and fit a neater, better-sealed hatch where needed (especially useful if the existing hatch is draughty or poorly fitted).

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4) Question: What types of loft ladders do you install?

Answer: We install loft ladders suited to your ceiling height and hatch position. We’ll recommend the best ladder for safe access and ease of use, based on your space and how often you use the loft.

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5) Question: Which loft ladder is best for me?

Answer: That depends on the hatch location, ceiling height, landing space and who will be using it. If you want something easy and safe to use regularly, we’ll guide you to the best option for your home and budget.

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6) Question: Can you install a loft ladder if I don’t have one already?

Answer: Yes, if your hatch position and space allow it, we can supply and install a suitable loft ladder and make access safer and easier.

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7) Question: What information do you need to quote for a new hatch or ladder?

Answer: A photo of the hatch is the best start. If you can, also send:

• Hatch size (approx.)

• Floor-to-ceiling height

• A photo of the landing area below the hatch (so we can check clearance)

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8) Question: Will a new hatch/ladder make the loft safer to use?

Answer: Yes, improving access is one of the biggest safety upgrades. A proper ladder and a good hatch setup make loft access more stable, safer and easier, especially when combined with loft lighting and a boarded storage area.

1) Question: Do you install loft lighting?

Answer: Yes, we install loft lighting across South Wales & Bristol, either as part of loft boarding/access work or as an upgrade to make the loft safer and easier to use.

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2) Question: What type of loft light do you install?

Answer: Most customers choose a bright, low-energy LED loft light (often a batten-style light) to properly light the storage area and the area around the loft hatch.

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3) Question: Where does the loft light switch go?

Answer: We’ll advise on the best switch position so it’s easy to use when accessing the loft — usually near the loft hatch/ladder access point.

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4) Question: Can you add loft lighting when you install loft boarding?

Answer: Yes, adding loft lighting at the same time as loft boarding is often the easiest option, because we can plan the light position around your new storage area.

1) Question: Will loft boarding make my loft safe to use?

Answer: Loft boarding can make the loft much safer to access and use by creating a stable area to stand on and a clear storage space. Many lofts are risky because you’re stepping on narrow joists, moving around insulation, or trying to balance near the hatch with limited light.

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2) Question: Is it safer for tradespeople to use the loft for maintenance (electricians, internet, alarm systems)?

Answer: Yes, a boarded area and clear access route can make occasional maintenance much easier and safer, especially where equipment or cabling is located in the loft. We can create a designated storage area and, where needed, a safe access route.

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3) Question: Can you create an access route across the loft?

Answer: In many cases, yes. If you need safe access to a specific area (for example to reach equipment, tanks or cabling), we can advise on the best layout while keeping insulation and airflow in mind.

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4) Question: Can I put heavy items or a gym in the loft?

Answer: Lofts are usually designed for light, occasional storage, not heavy loads. If you’re considering heavy items or gym equipment, we’ll advise cautiously, and in some cases you may need a structural engineer’s advice depending on the property and loading required.

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5) Question: How do you reduce the risk of damage when using the loft?

Answer: The biggest improvements are a stable boarded storage area, safe access (ladder and hatch), and good loft lighting. We’ll recommend the right combination based on how you plan to use the loft.

Question: What is a PIV system (Positive Input Ventilation)?

Answer: A Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) system gently introduces filtered fresh air into your home (usually from a loft-mounted unit). This helps dilute moisture and stale air, which can reduce condensation and help prevent mould where everyday humidity and poor ventilation are the main issue.

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Question: Which PIV units do you install?

Answer: We install proven PIV systems including Vent-Axia Pure Air Home and Nuaire Drimaster models. We’ll recommend the best option based on your home size, loft access, and the symptoms you’re trying to solve.

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Question: What problems can PIV help with?

Answer: PIV is most commonly used to help with condensation, mould around windows, musty smells, and homes that feel “stuffy” due to poor airflow. It works best when the issue is moisture from normal day-to-day living (showers, cooking, drying clothes) rather than a leak or structural damp.

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Question: Will PIV fix mould and condensation in every home?

Answer: Not always. PIV can work very well where the problem is condensation-related moisture, but it won’t fix leaks, rising damp, penetrating damp, failed guttering, or other building defects, those issues need repairing first. Existing mould should also be cleaned/treated.

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Question: Do PIV units come with a heated option?

Answer: Yes, both Vent-Axia and Nuaire ranges offer heated versions. Heated PIV can help take the chill off the incoming air during colder months. Whether it’s worth it depends on the property and your preference.

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Question: Where is a PIV unit installed?

Answer: Most PIV systems are loft-mounted, with a ceiling diffuser fitted in a suitable location (commonly a landing/hallway). We position the diffuser to help air circulate effectively while keeping it comfortable and discreet.

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Question: Can I control it from the loft, or from the landing/hallway?

Answer: Control options vary by model. Some settings are set during installation (on the unit in the loft). Depending on the model chosen, user controls may also be available so you can adjust settings without needing loft access. We’ll talk you through the best control setup for your home.

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Question: Can I switch it on/off or use a boost mode?

Answer: PIV is usually designed to run continuously at a low level for best results. Some models and control options allow adjustments (including higher-rate settings depending on the unit). We’ll advise what’s available on the unit you choose and how we’ll set it up.

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Question: Are there different PIV options and price levels?

Answer: Yes. PIV systems come in different specifications and price points. A standard unit provides continuous, filtered ventilation.

Higher-spec models can be supplied with optional upgrades and add-ons (for example a heater, additional control options, or enhanced features depending on the manufacturer and model).

We’ll recommend the right setup based on your home, your symptoms, and your budget and we’ll clearly explain what each upgrade does and whether it’s worth it.

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Question: Will PIV make my house cold or create drafts?

Answer: Most people find the home feels fresher rather than colder. Air is supplied gently, not like a strong draft. If you’re concerned about cooler air in winter, we can recommend a heated unit.

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Question: Is a PIV system noisy?

Answer: These systems are designed for quiet, low-level operation. Noise is usually minimal when the unit is installed correctly and set up appropriately for the property.

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Question: What do you need from me to advise or quote for PIV?

Answer: For a quick, accurate quote, please send:

• Postcode

• Photos of the condensation/mould areas (windows/walls/ceilings)

• A photo of your loft hatch and (if possible) the loft space

• Tell us if you’d prefer heated or standard, and if you want easy user control options