Rough Opening - Check Ladder Condition - Ladder Location - Cut Hole Ceiling - Cut Ceiling Joists - Frame Opening - Install the Frame - Ladder Install - Set Ladder's Height
Before Proceeding: You must have a suitable ceiling and joist structure, tools and materials needed, the appropriate ladder for your ceiling height (See Figure 3), and a level and flat location in the ceiling.
Goal: To find a location free of hazards and obstructions that will provide room for the installation and use of the attic ladder.
Step 1. Pick a potential location for installation. Check for the size of rough opening shown on the box or in the table below. If you are installing the attic ladder in a garage, don't forget to consider where cars will be parked.
Step 2. Check that you have the swing clearance (SC) needed (See Figure 3 and Table 1).
Step 3. Check that you have the landing space (LS) needed to let both legs rest flat on the floor (See Figure 3 and Table 1).
Step 4. If there is no ceiling and the attic ladder will fit between the joists so that no joists need to be cut, go to the section on "Framing the Rough Opening."
If there is no ceiling, but one or more joists need to be cut, go to the section on "Cutting the Ceiling Joists."
If there is a ceiling at this location, you will need to inspect the attic area above this location as described in steps 5 and 6.
Step 5. Go into the overhead space and find the area above your chosen location. This area may be located by:
A) Listening for tapping from below.
B) Measuring distances from walls or other objects common to the overhead space and the room below.
WARNING: Do not drive metal nails or other conductive objects into the ceiling unless you are sure they will not contact electric wires. Contact with an electric wire can be deadly.
Step 6. At this location in the overhead space:
A) Check that there is enough space for you to safely move around during installation.
B) Check the overhead space for storage space adjacent to the chosen location. If walking or crawling in the overhead space is desired, make sure that there is enough room to do so.
C) Check above your chosen location for hazards and obstructions such as:
- Electric wires
- Pipes
- Heating and cooling ducts
- Furnaces
- Hot water heaters or other obstructions
Note: To check for hazards, you will need to move insulation away from your chosen location. Wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves and keep your body covered to prevent fine cuts from fiberglass. Gently push aside insulation to avoid stirring up dust that may be harmful to your eyes and lungs.
Step 7. If any hazards or obstructions are present at your chosen location, look for another location or have the hazards or obstructions moved by professionals (see the Yellow Pages under "Electrical Contractors, Heating and Cooling Contractors, and Plumbing Contractors").
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