Blocking up Lofthatch

[garash]

The Loft Hatch in this very old property I have bought is about 14 inches square!!!. The loft is insulated and I do not have any possessions to put up there so I am thinking of boarding it up and plastering over it. Note also it is now visible in the extended sitting room but used to be in what was the passage. Are there any other reasons I should not board up?

 

[ETAF]

Do you have any water tanks, CH tanks , water pipes, power & electrics in the loft. Just speaking as a house owner, I would want access to the roof space.

 

[garash]

Yes! Electrics so I suppose that puts paid to my stupid idea although how anyone can get through a 14 inch square is beyond me so looks like I shall have to have it made bigger

 

[JohnD]

I guess that 14" is the distance between the joists. You need to be quite thin.

You can make it longer, just by cutting the plaster; but to make it double width you would have to cut a joist and add strengthening trimmers. This is best done by a competent carpenter if you are not good at woodwork. Quite easy. Cutting ceilings usually makes an incredible amount of dirt and dust.

The new loft hatch does not need to be in the same place as the old. Landing is a popular place as you don't need to occupy a room while using the hatch.

 

[JP_]

You can always move the hatch to a better place, and make it a bit bigger too! Maybe in the kitchen by the back door, so it is easier to move stuff from sheds to loft etc. Or, if access is only needed by electricians and the like, near the front door.

 

[mattylad]

I used to get through one thats about 14"x10".