Loft conversion safety: Everything you need to know

Fire Doors

In loft conversions, fire doors are an essential. You will need to make sure that any existing doors in the loft are replaced with fire doors, and only add new doors that are fire rated. According to loft conversion regulations, you need to make sure that a safe passage from the loft space to the exterior of your property is created. The best way to do this is to make sure that all the doors on any rooms that you will need to go through on the escape route are changed to fire doors. The reason for this is to ensure that there is an effective fire escape corridor between the loft and an external door, allowing anybody in the loft to make a safe exit in the event of a fire. 

Door Closers

Since some homeowners did not like the way that they look, building regulations do allow for fire doors to be fitted for a loft conversion without the use of self-closers. However, if you want to add them for additional safety, this is your choice. The main thing to remember with fire doors is that they should always be used correctly, including keeping the doors closed to make sure that the escape route is protected, particularly during the night. 

Windows

Every loft conversion is required to include a window through which somebody in the loft would be able to escape in the event of a fire. This provides an alternative escape option if the stairway does not provide a safe escape route for any reason. To comply with building regulations, window openings should be at least 450mm wide. Any windows for your loft conversion should also come with non-locking fasteners, which are available on any standard window designed for use as a fire escape. While they are not required, it’s also recommended to get a window with release restrictors. Any windows that you add to your loft conversion should be close to the eaves level and easy to access to make it easier for anybody trapped in the loft during a fire to be rescued from the outside.  

Heating, Ventilation, and Insulation

Heat travels upwards so if you are getting a loft conversion, it’s important to carefully consider how you are going to insulate, heat, and ventilate your new room. A home that is poorly insulated can lose around a quarter of its heat through the roof, so it might be worth insulating the roof and walls properly before getting the loft conversion to improve both your property’s temperature control and energy efficiency. But while good insulation and heating is ideal for the winter, the loft space can get very warm during the summer, so it’s worth considering ventilation for your safety and comfort. The easiest way to do this is with Velux windows. However, you can also have ventilation systems or air conditioning installed as part of your loft conversion. 

No matter what kind of loft conversion you are planning or what you want to use your new room for, safety comes first. Get in touch with the team at Simply Easy Refurbs with any safety questions or concerns that you might have.