A cockloft is a horizontal void between a building's uppermost ceiling and its roof, with no habitable or accessible space. It is typically of combustible construction, with limited or no access. A cockloft may create a large space over multiple occupancies or adjoining buildings. Cocklofts are commonly present in North America in older commercial buildings and
rowhouse
A terrace, terraced house ( UK), or townhouse ( US) is a type of medium-density housing which first started in 16th century Europe with a row of joined houses sharing side walls. In the United States and Canada these are sometimes known as row ...
s, with the roof above sloping from front to back, creating shallow
attic
An attic (sometimes referred to as a '' loft'') is a space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building. It is also known as a ''sky parlor'' or a garret. Because they fill the space between the ceiling of a building's t ...
-like spaces.
Cocklofts have particular significance in firefighting, since they are difficult to access, are unlighted, require stooping or crawling, with no walkable floors, and are typically constructed with exposed lumber. Fire may remain active and undetected in such spaces, and may
flash over when oxygen is introduced by ventilation.
See also
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References
Architectural elements
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