Tag: advice

Advice Center, Loft Conversion

Everything To Know About Fire Safety For A Loft Conversion

15th December 20210

When converting existing roof space into a room the provision for escape needs to be considered throughout the full extent of the escape route. The protection of life in the event of a fire is extremely important and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  

Fire detection and alarm systems –  

Where new rooms are provided above the ground floor level, fire alarm systems should be installed as they can significantly increase the level of safety, by giving an early warning of fire. 

It is essential that the fire alarms are properly designed, installed, and maintained.  

Important notes –  

  • Smoke alarms should be positioned in the circulation spaces within 7.5 m of every room.  
  • No bedroom door should be further than 3 m from the nearest smoke alarm.  
  • There should be at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property. 
  • Smoke alarms should not be fixed next to or directly above heaters or air conditioners.  
  • They should also not be placed over stairs or any opening between floors. 

Ways to escape if there was a fire –  

The main escape route from your loft conversion would normally be the hallway and staircase of your home. Therefore. This route needs to be protected as much as possible and offer at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. 

How this can be achieved –  

  • All the doors that lead off from the staircase will need to be upgraded to give fire resistance or be placed with fire doors.  
  • If your stairs lead to an open plan area, they will either need to be enclosed with partition walls, to keep the escape route protected. Or, you will need to install a sprinkler system in the open plan area. 
  • You may need to upgrade the fireproofing on your ceiling below the new loft conversion. 

The main fire-resistant materials that are used are timber stud partitions and metal frame partitions. With these materials, the potential fire will be delayed for around 30 minutes.  

You will also need an escape window; this window would need to be no higher than 1.1 m above the floor and 459 x 450 mm in size. This is because you need a large enough space to escape out of in case of an emergency.  

Alternative escape routes –  

Often people who want to take extra safety measures feel more comfortable if there is an alternative exit. The best way to include this is by adding an external staircase leading to the loft conversion. Although, you would need to make sure that the external door is also fire resistant and the outside stairs should be protected from weather conditions.  

Do I Need Fire Doors If I Have A Loft Conversion - OakwoodLoft

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center, Extensions

What Are The Top 6 Different Types Of Porch?

13th December 20210

The porch is the first thing visitors see as they approach your house. So, if you are looking to create a beautiful entrance to the front of your home but are unsure of what style of porch you would like, this blog is perfect for you.  

1 – Overhang 

Firstly, simple overhang porches can be visually beautiful. An overhang is the part of the roof that extends over the edge of the house. Porch overhangs help shield your house from strong winds and heavy rain. They can also help shade windows from the sun in the summer.  

80 The Best Front Porch Ideas #frontporchideas landscape ideas front yard, porch and patio ideas, front porch ro… | Modern front porches, House entrance, Porch roof

2 – An enclosed porch  

An enclosed porch is usually the traditional style in the UK. If you have limited hallway space, an enclosed porch is a great way to add extra space and storage. Many people use these as a space to keep your shoes and coats, so you don’t have to bring your dirty shoes inside the house. You should include plenty of light in the design of this porch so it’s not dark and gloomy.  

3 – Veranda   

A veranda may be a large porch that’s a room for outdoor enjoyment and entertainment. A veranda is an open-air porch or platform that has a roof and runs across the front and sides of the home. Often, enclosed by a railing and is mainly leveled with the ground level of the home. 

Glass Verandas: Everything You Need to Know | Canopies UK

4 – Open porches  

 An open porch is one without screens or any sort of enclosure. They are usually elevated structures, with a roof overhead and open support structures. If you prefer to have an airier open space then you might prefer an open area, rather than an indoor room.  

Border Oak Porches | Border Oak

5 – Deck  

Decks are open outdoor porches or platforms without a roof. They are typically made out of wood or some simulation wood material. Many homeowners like to go for this option because the materials make the deck look warm and inviting. However, decks can be more expensive to install due to the material, installation, and maintenance. 

Wood Decks: Ipe & Exotic Hardwoods Installed in Lancaster & Central PA – Stump's Quality Decks & Porches

 

6 – Detached porches –  

A detached porch is separate and not attached to the house. They are usually connected to the house by a walkway or a wooden deck leading to it. The detached building can be screened in, open-air, glass-enclosed, or anything in between. These types of porches could potentially be more expensive because it is a separate structure from the house.  

What Is A Porch | 15 Types Of Porch Used For Home

Contact us

Contact us