Loft Ladders Review: The Slider Three Section Sliding Model
These days, finding space to store all the possessions you’ve accumulated over the years isn’t a simple matter. A brief glance into any closet is sure to reveal that there’s little or no room to spare. For many homeowners, there is a solution, though. If you have a loft, we’re willing to bet that you’re not fully exploiting its potential as a storage area. Why? Well, you’re likely to say that the ladder is old, rickety, and for those reasons, unsafe. Substandard loft ladders prevent you from transporting heavy or bulky items up to the loft for storage. The solution? An upgraded loft ladder, which might be much less expensive than you think. Read on to learn more about these loft ladders and the standards that govern them. We’re also pleased to offer a review of one loft ladder we’re quite keen on: the affordable Slider three section loft ladder.
Loft Ladders: More Space Efficient than Loft Stairs
If you have limited space, then a loft ladder is a much better choice than loft stairs. It takes up a much smaller area, and is generally significantly less expensive to fit, because it requires fewer components. This shortens the build time, and keeps the labour cost down, particularly if you plan to install the ladder yourself. There is an excellent variety of models and types available at many different price points, but we’ve found the Slider to be exceptionally affordable without compromising either the quality or the design. Although folding, telescopic, and electronic loft ladders are available, we like the simplicity, quality and high functionality of a sliding model, especially one with safety features such as handrails and non-slip feet. A word of caution, though: before buying a loft ladder, be sure to check for any special rules or requirements that might apply in your particular area.
Loft Ladders: About the Slider Three Section Model
This affordable ladder is suitable for installation in areas with floor to loft heights between 2.13m and 3m. It sells for only £69.99 including VAT and most sellers offer free delivery to sites on the UK mainland. We like this ladder for more than just its reasonable price. It offers the ideal combination of strength and quality. The ladder has the added benefit of being supplied with two locking catches, instead of the usual single one. This feature helps to prevent the twisting that often occurs on the decidedly lower quality ladders available from our competitors. The ladder also features sturdy, easy to see red handrails at no additional charge. These ensure that the ladder is safe to use, and less prone to breakage or damage. You should always look for a loft ladder that conforms to the EN14975 standard.
Loft Ladders: About the Important EN14975 Standard
A loft ladder that carries this designation has successfully passed an exhaustive set of tests designed to evaluate its overall performance, durability and maximum safe load. Such tests include the static load test already mentioned, along with a fatigue test. Also evaluated is the torsion of the treads or rungs. The rungs or treads are tested for their bending strength and the overall construction and design of the ladder are evaluated. A certified ladder should have a safe climbing angle and also a safe tread or rung pitch. Anti-slip surfaces on loft ladders rungs are also necessary. The free width between stiles is measured for conformity, along with the depth of the bearing surface. In addition, the distance between the floor and the top of the first tread or rung and the distance between the last tread or rung and the loft floor are evaluated for correctness. A loft ladder’s operability is also tested under the EN14975 standards. Aspects of testing include surface finish and sharp edges etc. The feet are tested. Even the user instructions and markings on the ladder are evaluated for clarity and correctness. The ladder’s dimensions are validated, along with its geometry (angles). In addition to static loading, cyclic loading is measured. Finally, deflection tests are performed.
Loft Ladders: Key Features of the Slider Three Section Model
The ladder will support a maximum load of 150kg and because it fully conforms to the EN14975 standard, you can be assured of superior performance and durability. The treads on this ladder are designed to deliver sure footing, thanks to a non-slip design that makes ascending and descending both safe and comfortable. The ladder’s precision pivot arm makes sure that the ladder is easy to operate. The ladder’s non-slip rubber feet are both a safety feature and a way to protect floors and floor coverings from damage. A fixing kit with all necessary components is included. A unique feature of this particular ladder is that it comes with all the hardware you’ll need to convert a lift up type loft hatch door to the swing down type that’s required by the ladder.
Loft Ladders: More About the Slider Three Section Model
Another important feature of this ladder is a design in which the ladder’s rungs pass through its stiles and are securely crimped on the outside. The result is a stronger and neater ladder. An extra-long operating pole made from durable, corrosion-resistant aluminium makes the ladder exceptionally easy to deploy or stow. This model is suitable for floor to loft floor heights between 2.13m and 3m. It includes full instructions written in plain English. This ladder needs a minimum hatch length of 42.1cm and a minimum hatch width of 38.1cm. Also required is a 1.20m minimum length required behind the hatch, along with a minimum stowing height of 0.71m. Finally, there’s a free lifetime guarantee on all parts, something that’s typically not offered by competitors.
Loft ladders like the Slider three section model will add value and versatility to your home.
