Lofts are characterized by open spaces often found on the top level of the house, the roof to be precise. exposed ducting and brickwork, people have been using them for storing their unwanted things. some lofts have very low ceilings and are dark and cold places, on the other hand: many lofts offer dramatic views of the urban skyline. Lofts are at various sizes and types ranging from small to very large places.
Very often lofts are ideal places for nests to thrive. A natural controlling factor before man built buildings would have been the number of dry cavities available for wasp nests to be built. Houses before the 1960s tend to be easier to convert, as they have a traditional rafter-and joist construction. It also is a great way to add Value to the property and increasing the size of your home.
Space saving staircases and loft ladder's are not approved in Loft conversions. But the creation of spiral staircases can be used. Whilst allowing for carrying furniture to your newly converted loft they are not convenient. When building Dormers the Planning consent is a separate issue and will be required.
Since the lofts renovation would require some structural changes particularly when you need to put in a dormer, Planning permission is mandatory in this case. Planning permission are not associated to the storing of things, but the probable effects on the setting of the listed building, moreover, the reasons for requiring approval is the design issues affecting the public domain.
It is advisable to seek some guidance from the local planning officer before starting any project. It could save you a lot of time and money in the long run. But it is the alteration to the roof that determines if you need planning permission or not.
Lofts are in much of demand today because of the ease of use provided for the investor. Lofts are not just for young people they are increasingly popular with the older generation as well. Due to the popularity and styles of building and the practical home improvement value. New home buyers are looking for houses with potential to convert.
You will have to talk to your planning authority prior to cutting out squares in your roof and replace them with glass. But one way to add further brightness to the loft is by adding velux windows in the roof this will let in natural light as well as fresh air. Since Lofts are typically rather dark places.
Their attractiveness is growing in the suburbs as opposed to conventional inner city dweller. Loft conversions are gradually but definitely spreading to the suburbs and outer cities. As they become more popular.
How To Loft Conversion
The original purpose of any loft was to act as a cold ventilation space that would expel any damp caused from rain or condensation. This cold roof space was then effectively sealed from the rest of the house by laying down layers of insulation material.
Of course, when a loft is converted, that barrier of insulation must be removed to the new roof level ceiling. And it is above that new ceiling where the loft conversion ventilation patch must be sited. If there is no ventilation above the new loft room than eventually the timbers will begin to rot because of dampness.
Making A Ventilation Path
Before the new course of insulation is fitted a 50mm air space has to be left below the underfelt of the roof tiles. This creates a ventilation path that will allow air to be expelled from the roof space before condensation forms and causes dampness.
However, on its own a ventilation path will not afford adequate protection. The ventilation path needs to boosted by inserting holes along the eaves equivalent to a 25mm continuous gap. This allows the air to enter from one side before exiting from the opposite side of the roof.
If the angle of the roof is more than 35 degrees than ridge vents may well have to be fitted; this would in effect form a vacuum which would suck up air from the eaves. But, this won't be necessary in older houses that don't have underfelt beneath the roof tiles as the air will naturally be expelled be the tiles themselves.
Other Things To Consider About Loft Conversion Ventilation
Timber stud walls are used extensively in loft conversions to create storage space along the eaves. The interiors of the cupboards will obviously be well ventilated but they may be sitting on insulation from the bedroom ceilings.
This can cause black mould but won't be a problem as long as plastic ducts are fitted above the soffits. This allows the eaves to be ventilated but also retains that important insulation.
To allow adequate air flow where skylights have been fitted ventilation holes should be drilled into the rafters on each side of the window.
Technology
As with everything else the use of new technology makes many of the old rules obsolete and this is true enough in the case of loft conversion ventilation.
Most new roofs are now built with insulation boards installed above the rafters. This creates a warm roof which doesn't need any further ventilation. The use of new breather membranes as underlay in the roof also means that the need to create ventilation paths is greatly reduced when converting the loft.
Both Roberts & Craig Ellyard are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Roberts has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recreation and Sports, Vegetarian Diet and Family. A building contractor based in westlondon, to do the loft conversion for you. Roberts's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
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