A loft hatch is a ceiling access panel that opens into the roof void while keeping the ceiling line insulated and airtight. Our range covers the standard 562 x 726mm Manthorpe hatches, insulated Part L compliant options, fire rated loft hatches tested for ceilings, and a made to measure loft hatch built to your exact opening, despatched within 3 to 5 working days. Compatible sliding loft ladders complete the range.
Three questions settle which loft hatch you need: what size is the opening, does Part L apply to the work, and does the ceiling need a fire rating. The answers below quote the products in this category, so what you read here is what arrives.
Our standard Manthorpe hatches are 562 x 726mm, and the frame style hatches come at 530 x 740mm and 555 x 655mm. Structural openings must be cut larger than the panel itself: the 1hr fire rated ceiling panel needs an opening 5mm larger than the panel size, while the APD.LOFT picture frame and beaded frame hatches need an opening at least 7mm larger, so a 600 x 600mm hatch requires a 607 x 607mm hole. Each product’s page or datasheet states its own tolerance.
A U value measures how fast heat passes through the hatch, and lower is better. The insulated GL250-035-EPS achieves 0.35 W/m2K through 110mm of expanded polystyrene, the figure Part L work is specified to. The made to measure loft hatch achieves a calculated 0.35 W/m2K when fire rated is selected and 0.760 W/m2K in its non fire rated form. The standard picture frame and beaded frame hatches carry 50mm polystyrene insulation and achieve 0.760 W/m2K.
Fire rated hatches are needed where building regulations demand a fire resisting ceiling line, most commonly in homes of three or more storeys; if in doubt, check with building control. Two record backed options cover it: the 1hr fire rated ceiling access panel, successfully tested to give up to 1 hour integrity in a ceiling system in accordance with BSEN 1634-1:2008 and BSEN 1363-1:1988, and the made to measure loft hatch, which when fire rated is selected is supplied as a 2 hour fire rated, ambient smoke control tested and airtight hatch, tested from the room side to BS EN 1364-2:2018.
The insulated 562 x 726mm loft hatch is the GL250-035-EPS, built for airtightness as much as insulation. The door and frame are fully draught sealed with expanded polyurethane seals, and the door is held by 12 perimeter catches operated from a single sliding point, with all hinge, catch and fixing geometry kept outside the seal line so there are no air leakage paths through the hatch. Insulation is 110mm of expanded polystyrene, achieving a U value of 0.35 W/m2K and helping to meet the air leakage requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.
Two 50mm variants cover standard work: the GL250 loft hatch for new build, which screw fixes up into the timbers, and the GL250-03 loft hatch for refurb, with a twist action three point closing mechanism operable by hand or pole. Both are 562 x 726mm with 50mm expanded polystyrene insulation.
The 2 hour fire rated made to measure loft hatch is the flagship: 2 hour integrity (E) tested to BS EN 1364-2:2018 with additional guidance from BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018, tested from the room side, ambient smoke control tested to BS EN 1634-3:2004, and air permeability of 600Pa Class 3 to BS EN 1026:2016. It is tested up to 650 x 900mm in a ceiling application and finished in polyester powder coated RAL 9010 30% gloss pure white.
For 1 hour requirements, the 1hr fire rated ceiling access panel gives up to 1 hour integrity in a ceiling system, comes with a three way locking system as standard and has intumescent strips fitted on the frames. Browse the full fire rated loft hatches range for every option.
When the opening does not match a standard size, the made to measure loft hatch is built to your exact requirements. Choose non fire rated or 2 hour fire rated, smoke tested and airtight, and pick a picture frame or a beaded frame. The non fire rated version goes up to 1000 x 1200mm; the 2 hour fire rated version ranges from 300 x 450mm up to 650 x 900mm. Above 1000 x 1000mm the hatch must be hinged on the long side. Made to measure hatches are despatched within 3 to 5 working days.
Locking depends on the specification: if non fire rated is selected and the hinge side is below 650mm, a budget lock is supplied as standard; if the hinge side is above 650mm, a three way lock is supplied as standard; if fire rated is selected, a budget lock is supplied as standard.
The two frame styles are also available as standard hatches at 530 x 740mm or 555 x 655mm, hinged short side, or made to measure: the loft hatch with picture frame, whose 25mm surround retrofits directly into the clear structural opening, and the loft hatch with concealed beaded frame, whose 25mm concealed surround is taped and skimmed to disappear into a plastered ceiling.
The GL250 hatch family is compatible with two Manthorpe sliding aluminium loft ladders: the 2 section loft ladder (2.6m) and the 3 section loft ladder (3m). Both are sliding ladders secured by a metal safety catch, not folding units, with deep non slip treads, rubber feet and a maximum load of 150kg, tested to EN14975:2006. A complete fitting accessory pack including the operating pole is supplied, so the ladder can be ordered alongside the hatch and fitted in the same visit.
Straight answers to the questions we are asked most, each quoting the product record it comes from.
Our standard Manthorpe hatches are 562 x 726mm, and the picture frame and beaded frame hatches come at 530 x 740mm and 555 x 655mm. The structural opening must be cut larger than the panel itself, 5mm larger for the 1hr ceiling panel and at least 7mm larger for the APD.LOFT hatches, so check the product page and its datasheet before cutting.
Only where building regulations require the ceiling to resist fire, which is common in homes of three or more storeys; if in doubt, check with building control. Where they do, choose between the 1hr fire rated ceiling access panel, tested to give up to 1 hour integrity in a ceiling system, and the 2 hour fire rated made to measure loft hatch, which is also smoke tested and airtight.
Part L work is specified to 0.35 W/m2K. The GL250-035-EPS achieves exactly that through 110mm of expanded polystyrene, and the made to measure hatch achieves a calculated 0.35 W/m2K when fire rated is selected, against 0.760 W/m2K for the non fire rated version.
The GL250 for new build screw fixes up into the timbers and uses 12 perimeter catches operated from a single sliding point. The GL250-03 for refurb uses a twist action three point closing mechanism, operable by hand or with a pole attachment. Both are 562 x 726mm with 50mm expanded polystyrene insulation.
Yes. The GL250 family is compatible with the Manthorpe GLL256 2 section 2.6m and GLL257 3 section 3m sliding aluminium ladders, maximum load 150kg, tested to EN14975:2006, supplied with a complete fitting accessory pack including the operating pole.
Non fire rated up to 1000 x 1200mm. The 2 hour fire rated, smoke tested and airtight version ranges from 300 x 450mm up to 650 x 900mm. Above 1000 x 1000mm the hatch must be hinged on the long side.
A picture frame has a visible 25mm surround and retrofits directly into the clear structural opening, making it the quicker fit in a finished ceiling. A beaded frame has a 25mm concealed surround designed to be taped and skimmed, so the hatch disappears into a plastered ceiling. Both are available at 530 x 740mm or 555 x 655mm, or made to measure.
At Access Panels Direct, we understand the importance of energy efficiency, ease of installation, and seamless design in your home. We have meticulously designed our loft hatches with your needs in mind. Our loft hatches are insulated to not only ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient but also come with all the necessary components, including screws, making installation a breeze. Our drop-down loft hatches’ modern, low-profile design ensures they blend seamlessly into any contemporary property, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
We specifically engineer our range of loft hatches to provide unparalleled insulation and draught-proofing. With multiple insulation options available, including various thicknesses of expanded polystyrene and polyurethane, we ensure your loft hatch is suitable for use in meeting and surpassing sustainability regulations. We carefully make every variant to include draught seals around the loft hatch frame and the door, creating an airtight seal. This design excellence meets the air leakage requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations and prevents moist, warm air from entering the roof space, a common cause of condensation and heat loss.
By choosing Access Panels Direct, you’re selecting a draught sealed loft hatch that offers protection against energy loss, ensuring ongoing energy cost savings and contributing to a more sustainable home environment. Our commitment to quality and sustainability is reflected in our selection of loft hatches, making them the perfect choice for any homeowner seeking to enhance their property’s energy efficiency and aesthetic value.
Enjoy the assurance of top quality with every purchase at Access Panels Direct. Our products, including a wide range of access panels available, offer numerous advantages.
