SE

CO
Understanding

N
D
ED
Loft Conversions

IT
IO
N
A simple guide to loft conversion
detailing and design

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Emma Walshaw
 All information contained in this book and associated digital files (skp, dwg) are for educational purposes only.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including
photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission from the author.

The book is an informative guide and resource only. It is not intended in any way to be a substitute for the advice of a fully qualified professional who will apply their
skill, knowledge and experience to the specific projects on which they are engaged.

It is the responsibility of the users of this guide to carry out their own due diligence when working up construction details, and to seek advice from fully qualified
professionals.

Under no circumstances should any of the contents of the book be used as construction drawings or otherwise form the basis upon which any construction is built.
Drawings must always be prepared, checked and verified by a fully qualified architect or associated professional having regard to the specific construction to which
they relate.

The content of the book is based on the research, training and professional experience of the author and is true and complete to the best of their knowledge. Whilst
to the best of the author’s knowledge the content reflects current Building Regulation requirements within the United Kingdom as at the date of publication, it is the

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reader, architect, contractor or project manager’s overall responsibility to ensure compliance and to seek approval from the appropriate Building Control Officers (or
equivalent/alternative certifiers in jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom). No warranty is given or should be implied as to the accuracy of the information in
the book for any specific application.

While every effort has been made to check the accuracy and quality of the information given in the book, the author does not accept any responsibility for the
subsequent use of this information, for any errors or omissions that it may contain, or for any misunderstandings or adverse effects or consequences arising from it
use.

It should be noted that only one of many permutations of thermal insulation type and positioning is shown in each example. Insulation requirements, performance,
positioning, installation all vary according to manufacturer.

Materials and textures used in the 2D and 3D details have been selected for clarity of information – the materials or textures are not always an accurate
representation of the colour of the element or product used in reality, and not all materials and textures are available everywhere.

For full terms of use please click here

Copyright © 2022 by Emma Walshaw

ISBN: 978-1-7395952-1-0
First In Architecture

Emma Walshaw asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
Acknowledgements
A massive thank you to Aida Rodriguez-Vega for her contributions to the book.
Thank you to Johnathon Clous for his ongoing involvement in the UAD series and Richard Bollands of Home
Extension Plans for his contributions to the book.
Contents
INTRODUCTION 4
BEFORE YOU START 5
ASSESS THE BUILDING 5
EXISTING BUILDING 6
ROOF TYPE 6
PARTY WALLS 7
CHIMNEYS 8

contents
LOAD BEARING WALLS 8
FOUNDATIONS 8
PLANNING & PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT 9
PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS 9
NEW STRUCTURE 11

SAMPLE
FLOORS 11
ROOF STRUCTURE 12
DORMERS AND ROOF EXTENSIONS 12
THERMAL PERFORMANCE 15
STAIRS 17
WINDOWS AND DOORS 18
MATERIALS, CHOICES AND LIMITATIONS 20
BUILDING REGULATIONS 22
FIRE SAFETY 22
BUILDING REGULATIONS NOTES 23
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS 24
GENERAL LOFT DETAILS 30
FRONT DORMER WINDOW DETAILS 50
REAR DORMER EXTENSION DETAILS 64
ZINC STANDING SEAM DETAILS 82
FACETED ZINC DORMER DETAILS 106
VELUX DETAILS 130
RESOURCES 138
INTRODUCTION
Understanding Loft Conversions is the fifth book in the UK “Understanding
Architectural Details” series. Readers of the first four books have often
requested a publication on extensions, retrofits and conversions. This is the
first of those.

Understanding Loft Conversions, like the previous books, aims to simplify

construction details and provide clear drawings and diagrams to demonstrate
the building assembly. The book touches on assessing the existing building,
planning and permitted development, along with building regulations. We look
at how the new structure is implemented, different types of dormer options,
windows and materials.

different factors of a loft conversion.

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The real body of the book however, is the detail section. Here we demonstrate
a selection of details in both 2D and 3D format to help guide and explain the

The book covers standard loft conversion details, front dormer window
details and rear dormer extension details. The details also include some
more contemporary constructions looking at zinc standing seam details and
connections.

I hope that the book provides a good starting point for any architect, student,
contractor or self builder looking to gain a better understanding of loft
conversions, or find interesting details to consider for their next project.

Of course, the book does not claim to be a complete guide, or to include

detailed building regulation, planning or design guidance, but rather an
overview of the construction details for loft conversions.

I hope you find the book useful.

Emma Walshaw
First In Architecture

4
 bolted to existing joists - matching joists

The second option sees new joists installed above the existing structure.
NEW STRUCTURE These new joists then have the freedom to either run parallel to existing or
perpendicular. This option reduces the internal loft space greatly but provides
boltedwhich
an independent ceiling and floor structure to existing joists - larger
is sometimes joists if
desired
creating separate apartments. It is also useful if pipework or large services are
Floors required to run perpendicular to the existing joists.
bolted to existing joists - matching joists

The new floor structure will need to be able to support both the dead loads of
independent floor above existing joists hung
the loft conversion - for example the new internal walls, new dormer windows
off joist hangers at extremities - parallel to
etc. and also support the live loads - such as furniture and people in the loft existing joists
space. Existing ceilings are rarely strong enough to fulfil this role, so a new floor bolted to existing joists - larger joists
or existing floor strengthening strategy is usually proposed by the structural
engineer. In most cases, headroom is limited in a loft conversion, so the new
floor will need to be as slim as possible to maximise the room height. independent floor above existing joists hung
off joist hangers at extremities -
independent floor abovejoists
existing joists hung

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There are various ways a new floor can be installed; it is important to consult perpendicular to existing
off joist hangers at extremities - parallel to
with a structural engineer to find the right solution for your specific project.
existing joists
If there is insufficient headroom in the loft to install the new floor structure
Options include placing the new floor joists alongside the existing ceiling above the existing ceiling, and if there is adequate headroom in the bedrooms
joists, installing new structural steel beams to ‘hang’ the new joists on, or even below - another option is to support joists
the ceiling from
flush with topthe underside.
of existing New new
- requires
completely rebuilding the floor structure and remove the existing ceiling. joists are installed with the top of timber flush
ceiling andwith the
possible existing.
bolting This will hung
independent floor above existing joists
require new ceilings in the rooms below, existing lights will need
off joist hangers at extremities - to be
Although it is possible to support the new floor structure on the existing moved and possible rewiring required. This can be to
perpendicular anexisting
expensive
joistsoption but
external and internal walls, it is rarely feasible - a structural engineer will be able sometimes the only option if the headroom in the loft is limited.
to confirm whether this is an option for your project. independent joists below existing ceiling
joists - requires new ceiling
In the first option, new joists are inserted adjacent to existing joists, sometimes
joists flush with top of existing - requires new
bolted together, and hanging off new structural beams. This option is great for ceiling and possible bolting
utilising the existing structure as bracing but may reduce the head height in the
loft if floor beams are thicker than the existing are required.

independent joists below existing ceiling

bolted to existing joists - matching joists joists - requires new ceiling

The design and layout will vary according to individual project requirements.
bolted to existing joists - larger joists
TRADA publish Span Tables - a list of floor joists and the permissible clear
spans which is a useful reference guide.
11
independent floor above existing joists hung
Stairs
width of flight width of flight width of flight width of flight

The position and design of a new stair in a loft conversion is an important

consideration. Fire regulations need to be considered, along with the best
space saving opportunities.

Where possible, it is advisable to use the existing stairwell to create the new
stair up to the next level, which saves space but also gives continuity. Of
course, this is not always feasible, so each project needs to be assessed for its up
up
up
up
own design solutions.
at least at least
400mm at least 400mm at
400mm 40
The staircase also needs to be designed to create enough headroom at the
top of the stair, therefore finishing at a point in the loft where the roof pitch is
landing
relatively high. The building regulations require at least a 2m headroom at the landing

SAMPLE
door
top of the stair. There is some flexibility, where a stair terminates at a sloping door
ceiling, the headroom must be a minimum 1.9m at the centre line of the stair. door
door
cupboard
Although conventional stairs are
the most common option for a loft
conversion, it is possible to include
other styles such as spiral staircases, or
even alternating tread stairs. cupboard

Consider how often the loft room

400mm
minimum
will be used, and how important easy
1900
access to the room/s will be.
1800

400mm
minimum
The alternating tread stair is only
permissible in stairs1900that lead to just
1800

one habitable room. If children or the

elderly will be using the loft room, it Landing Design - rule of
is worth considering whether a safer thumb
conventional stair would be a better
choice. Landings - must be the same
width as the stair. A door must
half width of stair
half width of stair not swing open directly onto
up up
a landing, unless it leaves a
clear space of 400mm.
17
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
The following pages include a number of construction details relating to loft
conversions. First you will see a selection of standard build-ups that have been used
throughout the book. These provide a quick glance view to the different types of
construction with detailed information of the assemblies.

The details have been broken down into segments for easy navigation. The
segments include:
General Loft Details
Front Dormer Window Details
Rear Dormer Extension Details
Zinc Standing Seam Details
Faceted Zinc Dormer Details

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Velux Details

At the beginning of each segment there is a section diagram to show where the
details are taken, along with a contact sheet of all details in that section. You can
click on any of these images to jump directly to the detail.

The details are best viewed in two page format so that you can see the 2D detail
alongside the 3D detail. Depending on your PDF viewer, you can usually adjust your
settings in the View menu.

Standing seam angled zinc window

LC-34 detail - to existing roof

24
 SAMPLE

construction details
 INSIDE 01 OUTSIDE External Wall Types INSIDE OUTSIDE
maximum 02 new element
U-value 0.0 1. 3mm plaster skim and paint finish in existing 01
W/m²K if 03 2. 12.5mm single coat plaster dwelling (wall)
3. 100mm blockwork to SE specification 02
neighbouring 04 - not to exceed
space internal 01 4. 50mm full-fill mineral wool insulation u-value 07
05 5. 102.5mm single leaf brickwork
02
0.18W/m²K
upgraded 06 6. external finishes or neighbouring 08
property finishes 01
existing 03
07 11
element (wall) 7. VCL or tape and jointed insulation if 02
04 12
- not to exceed 08 VCL inbuilt into insulation
05 8. 40-100mm rigid insulation, thickness 07
13
u-value 0
0.30W/m²K to suite U-Value requirement 14
08
06
9. dot and dabs, attaching insulation to
07 wall and creating small service cavity 11

08 10. existing party wall construction - 12

typically 215mm solid brickwork
0 13
11. 120mm high performance rigid

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insulation or thickness to suite U-Value 14
requirement
12. 15mm fibre cement board, alternative CLAY TILE
CAVITY WALL or omission to SE specification DORMER WALLS
13. breather membrane to BS 5250: 2011
14. clay hung tiles on 25 x 38mm battens
and counter battens to BS 5534: 2014
INSIDE OUTSIDE 15. 50mm unobstructed ventilated cavity INSIDE OUTSIDE
maximum to be created with external grade new element
U-value 0.0 timber, cavity reduction or increase in existing
W/m²K if dependant on zinc manufacturer’s dwelling (wall)
neighbouring recommendations - not to exceed
space internal 16. 18mm marine grade or external grade u-value
INSIDE 01 OUTSIDE INSIDE OUTSIDE
plywood 0.18W/m²K
upgraded 02 17. zinc - vertical standing seam shown, 01
existing finish to desired specification
02
element (wall)
- not to exceed 07
01
u-value 07 08
0.30W/m²K 02 01
08 11
0 02
13
10 15
07
07
06 16
08
08 17
11
0
SOLID WALL ZINC DORMER 13 jelfjof

10
RETROFIT WALL 15
06
16
26
17

jelfjof
General Loft Details
This first set of details includes the most standard junctions that are
encountered in a loft conversion. This set includes stair and floor details,
various eaves arrangements and wall upgrade details.

LC-04
LC-05
LC-06
LC-07

LC-01
SAMPLE LC-08 LC-09

LC-02 LC-03

30
 LC01 - Underdraw detail LC02 - New floor detail LC03 - Support under stud walls LC04 - Eaves detail - ventilated
LC-04 Eaves detail - cold roof

LC-01 Underdraw detail / landing trimmer LC-03 Support under stud walls

Fire & sound proofing showing new joists

LC-02 alongside the existing

SAMPLE
LC05 - Eaves detail - unventilated LC06
LC-06- Flush eaves detail -
Alternative flush eaves detail - ventilated LC07
LC-07- Flush eaves detail -
Alternative flush eaves detail -warm roof LC-08- Gable
LC08 end
Gable end wall upgrade
wall upgrade detail

LC-05 Eaves detail - warm roof

ventilated unventilated detail

LC09 - Party wall upgrade detail

LC-09 Party wall upgrade detail

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LC-01
UNDERDRAW DETAIL / LANDING TRIMMER
softwood skirting double joists screwed or nailed
together to act as trimmer to
landing
floor finish

floor boarding
stairs underdrawn with 12.5mm thick
plasterboard with 3mm thick skim coat
to provide 1/2Hr. min. fire protection.
100mm glass fibre mineral wool
floor joists inbetween for sound insulation purposes

floor joist void packed

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with glass mineral wool
insulation for sound
purposes

existing or new string line to

plasterboard ceiling to stairs
provide 1/2Hr. min. fire
protection

provide strutting by herringbone,

solid or pre-galvanised mild steel
- 1 row at midspan of floor span
between 2.5-4.5m, with 2 rows
equally spaced above a 4.5m
span

2D Detail LC-01 - Underdraw detail / landing trimmer

Drawing note:
LC-01 Underdraw detail / landing trimmer
this is a typical detail of a new staircase up to the loft conversion which shows that the stairs & floor when moving into a 3rd storey of
a dwelling require 1/2Hr. min. fire protection - usually achieved by using a mineral wool insulation to provide both fire & sound
Drawing note:
protection alongside the existing plasterboard ceiling / new plasterboard to ensure an adequate amount of fire protection.
this is a typical detail of a new staircase upto the loft conversion which shows that the stairs & floor when moving into a 3rd storey of
note the double joist trimmer
a dwellingat the top
require ofmin.
1/2Hr. thefire
stairs; sometimes
protection this will need
- usually achieved toabe
by using calculated
mineral by structural
wool insulation to provideengineer
both fire &dependant
sound on
the span of the trimmer & if anyalongside
protection additional loads are
the existing to be transferred
plasterboard ceiling / newon to them to ensure an adequate amount of fire protection.
plasterboard
note the double joist trimmer at the top of the stairs; sometimes this will need to be calculated by structural engineer dependant on
the span of the trimmer & if any additional loads are to be transferred on to them

32
 SAMPLE

3D Detail LC-01 - Underdraw detail / landing trimmer

33
2D Detail Index
2D Detail LC-01 - Underdraw detail / landing trimmer 32
2D Detail LC-02 - Floor detail showing new joists alongside existing 34
2D Detail LC-03 - Floor detail showing support under stud walls 36
2D Detail LC-04 - Eaves detail - ventilated 38
2D Detail LC-05 - Eaves detail - unventilated 40
2D Detail LC-06 - Alternative flush eaves detail - ventilated 42
2D Detail LC-07 - Alternative flush eaves detail - unventilated 44
2D Detail LC-08 - Gable end wall upgrade detail 46
2D Detail LC-09 - Party wall upgrade detail 48
2D Detail LC-10 - Dormer window head detail 52
2D Detail LC-11 - Dormer window cill detail 54
2D Detail LC-12 - Dormer window jamb detail 56

SAMPLE
2D Detail LC-13A - Dormer window pitched roof eaves detail with gutter 58
2D Detail LC-13B - Dormer window pitched roof eaves detail with flashing 60
2D Detail LC-13C - Dormer window pitched roof eaves detail with mansard 62
2D Detail LC-14A - Dormer wall sole plate aligned with inside face of ext wall 66
2D Detail LC-14B - Dormer window sole plate with French doors and Juliet balcony 68
2D Detail LC-15 - French door and Juliet balcony plan detail 70
2D Detail LC-16A - Rear dormer wall sole plate ‘insert’ into existing roof structure 72
2D Detail LC-16B - Rear dormer wall sole plate ‘insert’ into existing roof structure with window 74
2D Detail LC-17 - Flat roof eaves detail 76
2D Detail LC-18 - Dormer - flat roof / ridge abutment 78
2D Detail LC-19 - Dormer - flat roof /edge abutment 80
2D Detail LC-20 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - window jamb 84
2D Detail LC-21 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - window head 86
2D Detail LC-22 - Standing seam zinc dormer eaves detail - fall to forward gutter 88
2D Detail LC-23 - Standing seam zinc dormer eaves detail - fall back to existing roof 90
2D Detail LC-24 - Standing seam zinc detail - window cill 92
2D Detail LC-25 - Standing seam zinc base detail - to existing roof 94
2D Detail LC-26 - Standing seam zinc base detail - to existing wall 96
2D Detail LC-27 - Standing seam zinc dormer abutment detail - to party wall 98
2D Detail LC-28 - Forward sloping dormer - ridge abutment to existing roof 100
2D Detail LC-29 - Rear sloping dormer - ridge abutment and valley gutter to existing roof 102

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2D Detail LC-30 - Zinc dormer - side junction to existing roof 104
2D Detail LC-31 - Standing seam angled zinc dormer detail - fixed window jamb 108
2D Detail LC-32 - Standing seam angled zinc dormer detail - opening window jamb 110
2D Detail LC-33 - Standing seam angled zinc dormer detail - fixed window head 112
2D Detail LC-34 - Standing seam angled zinc window detail - to existing roof 114
2D Detail LC-35 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - ridge vent 116
2D Detail LC-36 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - eaves and connection to existing roof 118
2D Detail LC-37 - Standing seam zinc dormer cheek to window plan detail - fixed window 120
2D Detail LC-38 - Standing seam zinc dormer cheek to flush window plan detail - fixed window 122
2D Detail LC-39A - Standing seam vertical zinc dormer corner detail A 124
2D Detail LC-39B - Standing seam vertical zinc dormer corner detail B 126
2D Detail LC-39C - Standing seam vertical zinc dormer corner detail C 128
2D Detail LC-40 - Velux balcony 132
2D Detail LC-41 - Velux vertical eaves window 134

SAMPLE
2D Detail LC-42 - Typical roof light in pitched roof 136

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3D Detail Index
3D Detail LC-01 - Underdraw detail / landing trimmer 33
3D Detail LC-02 - Floor detail showing new joists alongside existing 35
3D Detail LC-03 - Floor detail showing support under stud walls 37
3D Detail LC-04 - Eaves detail - ventilated 39
3D Detail LC-05 - Eaves detail - unventilated 41
3D Detail LC-06 - Alternative flush eaves detail - ventilated 43
3D Detail LC-07 - Alternative flush eaves detail - unventilated 45
3D Detail LC-08 - Gable end wall upgrade detail 47
3D Detail LC-09 - Party wall upgrade detail 49
3D Detail LC-10 - Dormer window head detail 53
3D Detail LC-11 - Dormer window cill detail 55
3D Detail LC-12 - Dormer window jamb detail 57

SAMPLE
3D Detail LC-13A - Dormer window pitched roof eaves detail with gutter 59
3D Detail LC-13B - Dormer window pitched roof eaves detail with flashing 61
3D Detail LC-13C - Dormer window pitched roof eaves detail with mansard 63
3D Detail LC-14A - Dormer wall sole plate aligned with inside face of ext wall 67
3D Detail LC-14B - Dormer window sole plate with French doors and Juliet balcony 69
3D Detail LC-15 - French door and Juliet balcony plan detail 71
3D Detail LC-16A - Rear dormer wall plate ‘insert’ into existing roof structure 73
3D Detail LC-16B - Rear dormer wall plate ‘insert’ into existing roof structure with window 75
3D Detail LC-17 - Flat roof eaves detail 77
3D Detail LC-18 - Dormer - flat roof / ridge abutment 79
3D Detail LC-19 - Dormer - flat roof / edge abutment 81
3D Detail LC-20 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - window jamb 85
3D Detail LC-21 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - window head 87
3D Detail LC-22 - Standing seam zinc dormer eaves detail - fall to forward gutter 89
3D Detail LC-23 - Standing seam zinc dormer eaves detail - fall back to existing roof 91
3D Detail LC-24 - Standing seam zinc detail - window cill 93
3D Detail LC-25 - Standing seam zinc base detail - to existing roof 95
3D Detail LC-26 - Standing seam zinc base detail - to existing wall 97
3D Detail LC-27 - Standing seam zinc dormer abutment detail - to party wall 99
3D Detail LC-28 - Forward sloping dormer - ridge abutment to existing roof 101

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3D Detail LC-29 - Rear sloping dormer - ridge abutment and valley gutter to existing roof 103
3D Detail LC-30 - Zinc dormer - side junction to existing roof 105
3D Detail LC-31 - Standing seam angled zinc dormer detail - fixed window jamb 109
3D Detail LC-32 - Standing seam angled zinc dormer detail - opening window jamb 111
3D Detail LC-33 - Standing seam angled zinc dormer detail - fixed window head 113
3D Detail LC-34 - Standing seam angled zinc window detail - to existing roof 115
3D Detail LC-35 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - ridge vent 117
3D Detail LC-36 - Standing seam zinc dormer detail - eaves and connection to existing roof 119
3D Detail LC-37 - Standing seam zinc dormer cheek to window plan detail - fixed window 121
3D Detail LC-38 - Standing seam zinc dormer cheek to flush window plan detail - fixed window 123
3D Detail LC-39A - Standing seam vertical zinc dormer corner detail A 125
3D Detail LC-39B - Standing seam vertical zinc dormer corner detail B 127
3D Detail LC-39C - Standing seam vertical zinc dormer corner detail C 129
3D Detail LC-40 - Velux balcony 133

SAMPLE
3D Detail LC-41 - Velux vertical eaves window 135
3D Detail LC-42 - Typical roof light in pitched roof 137

143
Understanding Loft Conversions
A simple guide to loft conversion detailing and design

Understanding Loft Conversions is a simple guide to carrying out a loft conversion.

The book explains the main considerations required to carry out a loft conversion,
and explores numerous construction methods for achieving conversions of different
types. The book features over 40 construction details, in 2D and 3D.

What’s included:

The Existing Building Planning and Regulations

• Roof type
• Party walls
• Chimneys
• Load bearing walls
• Foundations
SAMPLE
• Planning and permitted
development
• Building regulations
• Fire safety

Construction Details
New Structure • General loft details
• Floors • Front dormer window details
• Roof structure • Rear dormer extension details
• Dormers and roof extensions • Zinc standing seam details
• Insulation • Faceted zinc dormer details
• Stairs • Velux details
• Windows and doors
• Materials

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