A Guide to Loft Boarding in New Build Homes
Your new build home represents a significant investment, and maximising available space while protecting your warranty is crucial. One of the most common questions we receive at Brickkickers concerns loft boarding: can you board your loft without compromising your warranty?
New build homes often come with limited storage space, making the loft an attractive option for storing seasonal items, luggage, and family keepsakes. However, many homeowners hesitate to utilise this space due to concerns about their warranty. The good news is that you can indeed board your loft while keeping your warranty intact - when done correctly.
For homes with maintainable equipment in the loft - such as mechanical ventilation, alarm systems, or solar panel controls - the Construction Design and Management regulations of 2015 actually require appropriate boarding. This requirement ensures safe access for maintenance personnel.
Over our years of conducting new build inspections, we've encountered numerous myths about loft boarding. Let's address these concerns:
Insulation Compression
Many believe boarding will compress insulation and reduce its effectiveness. When properly installed using a raised system, loft boarding actually preserves your insulation's performance while providing valuable storage space.
Weight-Bearing Capacity
There's a persistent myth that new build roof structures cannot support additional weight. In reality, new builds constructed with a loft hatch must meet BS6399-1:1996 standards, which require trusses to support both a 25kg/m² storage load and a 90kg person accessing the space.
Dampness Concerns
Some worry that boarding creates dampness issues. However, when installed with proper ventilation consideration, loft boarding poses no inherent risk to your home's moisture management.
The Importance of Proper Ventilation
Modern new builds are designed with high levels of insulation, creating a significant temperature differential between living spaces and the loft. Combined with everyday activities that generate moisture - cooking, showering, laundry - this can lead to increased humidity in your roof space.
The key to successful loft boarding lies in maintaining proper airflow. Industry standards recommend maintaining a 50mm gap between boarding and insulation. This space allows air circulation that prevents condensation build-up and protects both your boarding and roof timbers.
Warranty Protection
The National House Building Council (NHBC) has clear guidelines regarding loft boarding. Homeowner-installed boarding does not automatically invalidate your warranty. However, it's important to understand that any issues arising from improper installation wouldn't be covered under your warranty terms.
When considering loft boarding, we recommend:
Professional Assessment: Have a qualified professional evaluate your loft space before proceeding with any work.
Raised Systems: Use purpose-designed raised boarding systems that maintain proper ventilation gaps.
Load Distribution: Ensure even weight distribution across joists when storing items.
Documentation: Keep records of any professional installation for future reference.
With proper installation, your loft can provide valuable storage space without compromising your home's integrity or warranty. Consider these practical tips:
Store items away from eaves to maintain ventilation
Use plastic storage containers to protect items from any potential moisture
Keep heaviest items close to the loft hatch for easier access
Maintain clear paths to any serviceable equipment
Regular inspection of your loft space helps ensure continued safe usage. Watch for signs of condensation or excessive dust build-up, which might indicate ventilation issues needing attention.
Boarding your new build loft can significantly increase your home's usable space while maintaining your warranty protection. The key lies in proper installation that respects ventilation requirements and weight limitations. By following professional guidance and maintaining appropriate documentation, you can safely transform your loft into valuable storage space.
Remember, if you're unsure about any aspect of loft boarding or other new build features, Brickkickers' experienced inspectors are here to help. Our comprehensive snagging surveys can identify potential issues and ensure your home maintains its warranty protection while maximising its potential.