ChatterBank1 min ago
Loft Ladder Problem
8 Answers
Hi,
When I bought my house a couple of years ago, the previous owners had installed a fairly new set of wooden loft ladders. However, we are finding that in the winter, it is almost impossible to pull them down. We suspect that the wood is swelling due to the dampness of winter and as a result they are extremely difficult to slide up and down. The problem is non existent in summer.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this issue? I am sure a set of aluminium ladders would solve the problem but I'd rather not have the expense of buying new ladders if I can help it!
Thanks in advance!
When I bought my house a couple of years ago, the previous owners had installed a fairly new set of wooden loft ladders. However, we are finding that in the winter, it is almost impossible to pull them down. We suspect that the wood is swelling due to the dampness of winter and as a result they are extremely difficult to slide up and down. The problem is non existent in summer.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this issue? I am sure a set of aluminium ladders would solve the problem but I'd rather not have the expense of buying new ladders if I can help it!
Thanks in advance!
Answers
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.I would recommend beeswax, both as a lubricant for the sliding surfaces and to seal the wood.
Given that beeswax will assist in sealing the wood – my advice would be to struggle through this winter, as best you can. Then during the dry summer months, apply the beeswax – otherwise you are likely to seal in the current dampness, and always have this problem.
Given that beeswax will assist in sealing the wood – my advice would be to struggle through this winter, as best you can. Then during the dry summer months, apply the beeswax – otherwise you are likely to seal in the current dampness, and always have this problem.
Lakeland sell a product (can't remember its name I'm afraid) that is advertised as a lubricant for sticking drawers etc. I have used this very successfully on drawers in an old cabinet in the shed that swell up in winter. You should be able to get it to seep into the interface between the sliding sections to allow you to get them to move. Then in summer I'd follow Hymie's advice with maybe just giving the surfaces a light sanding first to just give everything a little more play.