cockloft

{{Short description|Inaccessible space above a ceiling}}

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 rowhouses, with the roof above sloping from front to back, creating shallow attic-like spaces.{{cite book |last1=Sturgis |first1=Russell |title=A Dictionary of Architecture and Building, Volume I |date=1901 |publisher=Macmillan |page=631}}{{cite web |last1=Ancona |first1=Salvatore |title=Attic vs. Cockloft: What's the Difference? |url=https://www.fireengineering.com/fire-prevention-protection/firefighters-and-construction-attic-vs-cockloft-whats-the-difference/ |website=Fire Engineering |access-date=29 May 2023|date=July 19, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Anatomy of Cockloft |url=https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/firedepartment/publicationsfolder/trainingbulletins/tb202321anatomyofcockloft.pdf |website=City of Cambridge |access-date=29 May 2023}}

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.{{cite web |last1=Ancona |first1=Salvatore |title=Firefighters and Construction: The Cockloft |url=https://www.fireengineering.com/fire-prevention-protection/firefighters-and-construction-the-cockloft/ |website=Fire Engineering |access-date=29 May 2023 |date=March 23, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Row HouseFirefighting Tactics |url=https://www.iafc.org/docs/default-source/1safehealthshs/shs_row-house_firefightingtactics_poster_large.pdf |website=International Association of Fire Chiefs |access-date=29 May 2023}}