Upgrade loft hatch

[hyposmurf69]

I've currently got an old style loft hatch which is a wooden board that you just lift up and currently has some loose bags with insulation in.The ceiling the loft hatch may have asbestos in it, as we have artex ceilings in the house.What are my options?I'd like a lift hatch I can pull down which has thick insulation above, like he newer style loft hatches. I take it you can buy custom sized loft hatches for this?Are there any guides online in how to make a customised drop down loft hatch? The interesting part is that if I buy a custom lift hatch they usually come with a frame which I can use as if interfere with the ceiling and also if do the lot myself getting thick insulation on back of door with good seal that will then open

 

[Wayners]

If the house is older to than 30 years (1995) get the atrex tested.
I don't know of any asbestos in atrex from around 1987 ish but it's said old bags or maybe local independent manufacture could still be making material with asbestos in. Unlikely though.

I used to make a new hatch from blockboard. Stick some kingspan or other to the back to insulate.

You considering buying a new loft hatch ready made? That tends to be much more work

 

[hyposmurf69]

Thanks only options I can see are buying a ready made custom hatch but that will likely have an surround with it that I'll have a problem with the artex ceilings or custom making a hatch and nodding the surround.Was just wondering if there are any online guides to modding an older hatch,I can only find guides on installing a new hatch with new surround.
I could test the ceiling but that means disturbing it,it's like soft stipple finish but other ceilings have the artex patterns in.House early 80's.
If I do customise the hatch myself what I intend to do is re-use the lid and move the lip and then use hinges add a release mechanism and add insulation board in the back that I have.i have old spaceboards

 

[Wayners]

Early 80s atrex will probably have asbestos in. Artex company took asbestos out in the early 80s but other companies were a few years later.
If it has asbestos in you may need to get ceiling removed. Alter the timber joists and fit loft hatch.
I've removed many ceilings and got it picked up but people are frightened of it plus the advice is to leave alone. I stopped removing old artex ceilings years ago for that reason.
If its asbestos free fit new loft hatch and get it skimmed. If you have to alter joists then do that.