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Glidevale Loft hatches

The energy conservation and air leakage requirements of Building Regulations (Approved Documents L and C) mean that a loft access hatch needs to be a high-performance product.

Site-constructed hatches are no longer adequate. Glidevale Loft Access Hatches have been designed and engineered under BS EN ISO 9001 to meet these latest demands.

Each Glidevale Loft Access Hatch comprises a frame which is fixed into a trimmed opening and has a seal to the ceiling and a trap door which is thermally insulated and has a flexible closed cell seal between door and frame.

Features & Benefits

  • Integral seals significantly reduce water vapour migration into the loft space, reducing condensation risk.
  • The seals also virtually eliminate heat loss by air movement around the trap door and exceed the airtightness requirement of the Approved Documents, as demonstrated by test.
  • Access hatches provide continuity of thermal insulation at ceiling level, substantially reducing heat loss by conduction through the hatch.
  • Options with enhanced insulation meet the minimum U-value requirement of the Approved Documents.
  • Optional key-operated security bolts for tenanted properties or public areas.
  • Half-hour fire resistance option with Class 0 flame spread on AH7 model.
  • One hour fire resistance on AH6 model.

Downloads

NBS Specifications

Our products are listed on NBS Source with verified specification details, making it easy for architects and specifiers to add them to their projects. Browse key technical info and application guidance directly from our NBS listings.

BIMstore

Our BIM objects are available on BIMstore, ready to view and download for free. Designed with specifiers in mind, they include key data to support efficient project planning. Browse and download directly from our BIMstore listings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the trimmed opening size mean in the brochure?

The trimmed opening is the size of the opening in the ceiling. It is the overall size required for the loft hatch to sit in.

Are there lockable loft hatches available?

Yes, there are varying lock options available for our range, please refer to the loft access hatch brochure on our website for more information. The locking options are perfect for social or private landlords for new build or retrofit as they can be suited to reduce unwanted access. The AH7 ½hr fire rated model does not have a lock option to ensure that fire integrity is not compromised.

What does ‘Part L’ refer to in the loft hatch name?

A. The reference ‘Part L’ included in the name of some of our loft hatch models refers to their compliance with Building Regulations Approved Document L1. Within Approved Doc L1, the minimum requirement for a loft within a new property is to have a U-value of 0.35W/m²K. Our ‘Part L’ models have insulation within the loft access hatch that contribute to an overall U-value to meet the requirement. Our standard loft access hatches are made with a different insulation material and achieve a U-value of 0.66 W/m²/K. These are suitable for refurbishment works within dwellings.

My old Glidevale hatch is 15 years old and needs replacing. Will the new ‘AH’ range fit in place of the old type?

If your hatch is over ten years old, it is worth checking the sizes in our brochure. There is a possibility the new hatch may be slightly smaller than the original, by about 10mm, so would require packing out when fitting.

Do you produce a loft access hatch suitable for a 3-storey house?

Yes, in the instance where an additional storey has been added to a two-storey dwelling the new floor should have a minimum REI 30 fire resistance, according to Building Regulations Approved Document B Vol 1. The Glidevale AH7 ½ hr fire rated loft hatch provides 30 minute fire resistance and is suitable for this instance. The Glidevale AH6 also provides 1 hour fire resistance when installed correctly, making it suitable for buildings with more than two storeys.

My loft space is draughty; will the loft access hatch stop the draughts from coming into the living space?

Yes, Glidevale hatches incorporate closed cell draft seals between the lid and frame, and frame and underside of the ceiling. These seals prevent moisture-laden air from entering the roof space and prevents draughts. The Glidevale range complies with the air leakage requirement of BS 5250 Clause H.3.2, and can be used to meet the requirements of Approved Document C. The AH4 push-up loft access hatch is designed with an anti-wind uplift mechanism to prevent the door from lifting when in the closed position.

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