Glossary
Understand the "Loft Professional Speak"
There are many terms related to loft conversions that you may not be familiar with. On this page we have provided a glossary of the common terms with an easy to understand explanation.
A loft conversion needs to be a well informed decision and we want to help you understand and cut through the jargon so you will feel comfortable when speaking to us.
There may be a term which you are looking for missing from our list, if you know of one then drop us a line, we will be pleased to hear from you. Contact Us
Dormer
Mansard
Velux™ windows
RSJ
Staircases
Feasibility Study
A Dormer is one of the primary elements of a loft conversion. It is a loft conversion stucture generally with a flat roof and vertical sides. Check out our Gallery or Types of Conversions for more info
This is the first stage of any loft conversion. A feasibility study will allow us to work with you and determine the most efficient, cost effective way of carrying out your loft conversion. Our loft expert will be able to establish if there is adequate room under the ridge of the roof. The roof should be checked for any signs that rainwater is entering the roof space. Repairs to the roof are usually carried out during the works as part of the loft conversion process due to the construction of dormers and fitting roof windows
Contact us for a Touchstone loft feasibility study without obligation
A mansard conversion is a hipped roof with two pitches; the lower is the steeper, while the pitch approaching the ridge is much gentler, sometimes almost flat. Associated with Second Empire architecture. It is sometimes described as a "french roof"
Visit our Types of Conversions section for more info on Mansard Loft Conversions
Velux is a Danish company which specialises in loft windows and skylights. It is a brand leader and offer premium loft windows. This reason alone is why Touchstone only recommends Velux windows in all its velux conversions.
A velux conversion is one where there is no visible extension of the loft beyond the existing roof line therefore planning permission is not required.
Check out our Gallery for example of Velux conversions.
RSJ stands for Rolled Steel Joist. It is a metal beam whose cross section resembles the letter I . They are used in loft conversions to support and strengthen loft floors. Our experts would advise at the time of consultation whether an RSJ would be required. Feel free to Contact Us to make an appointment.
The staircase is an integral part of the loft conversion. Your new staircase will be specially designed by our design team to ensure it fits in with the style of your home. We can work together to choose the design of the staircase "gateway" to your dream loft room.
Browse our Gallery for example of Staircases