Attic hatch type/brand advice

I have a split level flat with two attics. I have no need of a built in ladder as I have a telescopic I need to keep around downstairs anyway but I will be using the main loft for storage (if that is relevant). The current hatches are just wooden frames with thin wooden boards.

I want ones that are well insulated and 'airtight'. Cost isn't a huge issue (I would prefer effective over cheap). Having googled around I have not been able to decide what to get. I don't drive so will need to get them delivered and I have not found customer reviews useful most of which are: 'I haven't fitted it yet but it looks okay', 'It was delivered quickly' or 'It was easy to fit'. So I hope someone can give my some info of what to buy.

Further info: Both hatches are not uniform in size on opposite sides. I'm not sure that's relevant as they will need to be properly fitted anyway. The small loft hatch is about 570mm on the long sides and 320-335mm on the short sides. The big hatch is roughly square about 660-740mm on each side. First pics are of large hatch. Last one is of small hatch.

a strip of Draught Seal should do the trick. maybe some insulation on the back for overkill. is there any need for more than that? you growing weed?
just a heads up, if you have no air flow in your attic at all you will be inviting condensation build up, which will cause mould

The building is old and there is a lot of air flow in the attics, I want the hatches air tight so that dust from the roof does not come down during windy weather.

I want the hatches to be insulated properly as I am soon to start insulating the attics with 270+mm of sheep's wool (or similar, such as Thermafleece CosyWool, I haven't decided yet). Currently there is no insulation at all. I see no point in going to the lengths and expense of that and not have as good hatch insulation as practically possible.

I am a freeholder and although the attics are not part of my freehold I am the only flat with access to these attics and I will live here until I am too old to manage the stairs. As such I plan to install shelving units in the main attic (which actually has enough head room for a conversion but, like I said, I don't own it) so that over half of one of my rooms is no longer used for storage. So I'll be going up several times a week. I think a proper hatch is the way forward. If I was not going to live here for 20 years then gluing some insulation on the boards and draught seal would be acceptable.

For ready made loft hatch you will need to adjust the dimension of existing , easier just to cut a decent piece of ply or mdf and glue on some Celotex insulation .

I am aware that a ready made loft hatch will need to be fitted properly and I was going to employ someone to do that. Like I said, I will be insulating with at least 270mm in the attic and using the hatch reguarly. I don't want to have to push the board up and shove it to the side every time. I want a drop down hatch. Would it be a better idea to have one made?

Due to water ingress in both lofts the ceilings all need redecorating anyway.

vapd said:

I am aware that a ready made loft hatch will need to be fitted properly and I was going to employ someone to do that. Like I said, I will be insulating with at least 270mm in the attic and using the hatch reguarly. I don't want to have to push the board up and shove it to the side every time. I want a drop down hatch. Would it be a better idea to have one made?

Due to water ingress in both lofts the ceilings all need redecorating anyway.

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Well this is a diy site but any loft installer can fit what you require .

I want to buy the hatch not have someone buy it for me. That's DIY?

Dunno how old you are but if you’re you’re going using it for storage and will be going up there at least a few times a week for the next 20 years, a proper set of steps built into a hatch would be my choice. I bought it from a company called Sunlux. I fitted mine myself earlier this year. Much, much better than trying to get things up on a ladder and they have a good seal on them too. I paid £134 for my ready made hatch.