Raised Loft Boarding in Middlesbrough & the North East

Loft boarding turns a roof space you can barely stand in into somewhere useful to store things. The problem with a lot of boarding is that the boards are screwed straight onto the ceiling joists, squashing the insulation underneath. Raised loft boarding solves that: the boards sit on legs that lift them above the insulation, so you get a solid storage floor and keep the full depth of insulation working below it.

We fit raised loft boarding in homes across Middlesbrough, Teesside and the wider North East, often on the same visit as new loft insulation or a top-up, so the whole loft is sorted in one go.

Why boarding straight onto joists is a problem

Mineral wool insulates by holding still air between its fibres. The recommended depth is 270mm, but in many homes the ceiling joists are only around 100mm deep. Boarding directly on the joists over a full layer of insulation squeezes it down to the depth of the timbers. It still looks as though the insulation is there, but much of the trapped air has been pushed out and it no longer works as well.

It is common for people to top up their loft and then board straight over it, which undoes much of the benefit. Raising the boards avoids this. Our guide to boarding over loft insulation explains it in more detail.

Who raised boarding suits

• Households who need storage for suitcases, seasonal decorations, baby equipment or paperwork.
• Homes where old boards were laid directly on the joists over squashed insulation.
• Anyone having insulation installed or topped up who still wants to use the loft.
• Lofts where you have to step from joist to joist to reach a water tank or stored boxes.

Signs your loft needs boarding or re-boarding

• Boxes are sitting directly on the insulation, pressing it flat.
• You balance on the joists to move around, with the risk of a foot through the ceiling.
• Existing boards are laid straight on the joists over compressed insulation.
• Old boards are loose, cracked, damp-stained or sagging between joists.

How raised boarding works

Loft legs

Loft legs, sometimes called loft stilts, are rigid supports fixed to the tops of the joists. They lift the boarding platform above the insulation. The legs are chosen to clear the full 270mm, so the insulation underneath is not compressed, and they are fixed at regular spacings so the boards are properly supported.

Boards

Tongue-and-groove loft boards are laid across the legs and fixed down to make a firm, level platform. Boards come in sizes designed to fit through a typical loft hatch.

Insulation underneath

Before any boarding goes down, we check the insulation below. If it is thin, it is topped up to 270mm first. If it is damp, mouldy or soiled, it should be removed and replaced. Boarding over a problem makes it harder to deal with later.

Doing it properly

Keeping the eaves clear

Boards should not run tight into the eaves. Air needs to move from the eaves through the loft to carry moisture away, so we leave a gap at the edges. See loft ventilation for why this matters.

Leaving access where it is needed

Water tanks, pipe joints, junction boxes and anything else that may need attention are left accessible. Cables are routed so they are not trapped or crushed by the legs or boards.

How much of the loft to board

Most people do not need the whole loft boarded. A central area near the hatch, with a walkway to the water tank, is often enough. We look at the shape of the roof, the trusses and the headroom, and suggest a sensible area at the assessment. Loft boarding is for light domestic storage; it is not a floor for a habitable room.

Adding a loft ladder

Storage is only useful if you can get to it easily. A fitted metal loft ladder makes the loft safe and simple to reach.

Free metal loft ladder fitted with any loft boarding package over 15m², subject to survey.

Want a warmer loft space too?

Raised boarding keeps the house below warm, but the loft itself stays cold, which is how it should be with insulation on the floor. If you want to use the loft more, SuperFOIL insulation fitted to the rafters can make the space less cold. We can explain whether that suits your roof.

What affects the cost

The price depends on the area being boarded, the height of the legs needed, the shape of the loft and access, whether the insulation needs topping up or replacing first, and whether a ladder or other extras are included. You get a written quotation after a free assessment. See the loft insulation cost guide for more on what affects the price.

Who does the work

Boarding is fitted by The Insulation Company or an approved installation partner. Eligible installations come with a written guarantee of up to five years; the terms are set out in your quotation.

Areas we cover

We cover Middlesbrough and Teesside, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and York, and parts of West Yorkshire and the East Riding. See all the areas we cover, or call 0800 229 4668 to book a free assessment.