We frequently receive inquiries regarding whether the installation of Loft Trac in your loft will affect your warranty. To address this concern, we have engaged in extensive discussions with leading UK warranty providers and consulted Chartered Structural Engineers to ensure we offer our customers the most accurate guidance. It is essential to note that this statement pertains to all properly installed raised loft storage systems.

The prevailing response indicates that the installation of a raised loft storage system does not invalidate your warranty. However, any defects arising from the installation of such systems (including but not limited to condensation or structural damage) after the construction of the home will not be covered by the warranty. Consequently, homeowners undertake such installations at their own risk. This stipulation applies to any modifications made to the property after the warranty period has commenced.

Structural engineers, warranty providers, and the British Standards governing the design of ceiling supports and structures confirm that when access to a loft space is provided, appropriate structural design is necessary. This design must consider live loading on ceiling joists for occasional entry and maintenance, as well as a standard live load allowance, acknowledging that homeowners may store light, miscellaneous, and infrequently used items in the loft area. Specifically, the European Standard EN1991-1-1* (superseding British Standard BS 6399-1:1996) stipulates that if access is granted, the truss must be engineered to support a loading of 25Kg/m² for storage and a 90Kg load to accommodate a person accessing and navigating the loft.

A properly installed and loaded Loft Trac raised loft storage system will not cause structural or condensation issues.

We can therefore affirm that if loft access is provided, a correctly installed and loaded Loft Trac raised loft storage system will not invalidate your warranty.

Notably, prominent UK developers such as Barrett Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Redrow, Bellway, Keepmoat Homes, Vistry, Persimmon, David Wilson Homes, Bloor & Charles church and Storey Homes are integrating Loft Trac into their house builds to facilitate safe access to equipment situated in the loft space.

*Extract from EN1991-1-1

Section 6.3.4.2 Values of Actions

The following loads are appropriate for the design of frames and covering of access hatches (other than glazing), supports of ceilings and similar structures:

a) without access: no imposed load: or

b) with access: 0.25KN/m² uniformly distributed over the whole area and a concentrated load of 0.9KN so placed as to produce the maximum effect in the supporting members