When it comes to planning your new loft conversion, there are a number of regulations and obligations to consider. One of the most important of these is fire safety. Here at Pinnacle Loft Conversions, we are Preston’s leading loft conversion experts. As a result, we have produced this guide to fire safety and loft conversions.
Fire safety regulations for loft conversions
By law, your loft conversion needs to be separated from the rest of your home by a fire resisting structure. This aims to prevent smoke and fire from entering the stairway of your loft conversion.
Smoke alarms
The first thing you should think of when you think fire safety is smoke alarms. These can and do save lives on a regular basis. For loft conversions, there are some particular rules:
• smoke alarms in a loft conversion need to be mains wired to reduce the potential problem of a dead battery
• in every floor of your home, a smoke alarm needs to be fitted.
• Your smoke alarms need to be connected so that if one detects smoke, all of the alarms sound.
• smoke alarms must be fitted within circulation spaces such as hallways and landings
• smoke alarms must be placed well away from radiators and cooking areas
• smoke alarms must be more than 30cm away from your nearest light fitting
Escape Routes
Another of the key features of fire safety in loft conversions is that there must be an escape route. This needs to be a protected escape leading from the loft to the ground floor, with passive fire protection.
Loft Stairs
Finally, your loft stairs also play a part in fire safety. Your loft conversion must be built with at least 30cm of fire resistance in place in order to protect any residents if a fire should happen.
In addition, there must also be a fire door fitted in your loft stairway so there is easier access to escape if needs be.
For more information or advice, or to begin planning your new loft conversion with fire safety features, get in touch with the professionals today, here at Pinnacle Loft Conversions.