When it comes to your loft conversion, head space is one of the important considerations. In fact there are actually building regulations that govern this head space. Here at Pinnacle Loft Conversions we are experts at all types of loft conversions, and we work to solve any potential issues. As a result, we have produced this guide to head height and loft conversions.
Building regulations
A big part of determining the suitability of your loft for a conversion is the head height. Building regulations state that the usable part of the roof has to be greater than 2.2m high to provide enough space. But what if your loft just doesn’t have the room? Is a loft conversion impossible? Well, the simple answer is no! There are actually three possible solutions:
Insulation weight and thickness
If your loft head height is only short by a few centimeters, then you could have a very simple solution on your hands. All you would need to do is to use slightly thinner insulation boards within both the ceiling and the floor. As a result, you could reduce the thickness of the walls and floor by a few centimeters, leaving you with required amount of room.
Regular insulation can actually take up a lot of room, in some cases it can reduce the available space by up to 30 cm! However, with advances in thermal insulation, you can use a thinner insulator and still maintain top quality thermal efficiency.
Lower the ceilings of the rooms below
This is quite a disruptive option and needs to involve specialist professionals. If you need more space in your loft, you can lower the ceilings of the rooms underneath. This will involve fully removing the ceiling and fittings new shield anchors or rawlbolts, as well as new floor joists.
However, if your ceilings in the room below are already at the British Standard of 2.4 m, lowering them wont be an option.
Raise the Roof
The final option is to remove part of your existing roof, and then rebuilding this to provide more height. However, this option does involve planning permission, and as a result, can be the trickiest option to complete. Of course, you will also need to work with specialist professionals and this could increase costs.
On the other hand, its a lot less disruptive and messy than lowering the ceilings.
In summary
If you have a loft with a head space of less than 2.2 m, why not contact the professionals at Pinnacle Loft Conversions today. We can talk you through each of the three options, and help you decide what would be the best fit for you and your home.