Rough Opening - Check Ladder Condition - Ladder Location - Cut Hole Ceiling - Cut Ceiling Joists - Frame Opening - Install the Frame - Ladder Install - Set Ladder's Height
Questions to Ask
Are you capable of installing this attic ladder?
To install this attic ladder you should have sawing, squaring, and aligning skills similar to those required to install a window or a door frame. If you do not have these skills you should hire a professional carpenter to install this unit (see the Yellow Pages under "Building Contractors, Carpenters, Home Builders, Home Improvements, or Contractors-General").
Does this attic ladder meet your needs?
This attic ladder is for residential use only. Installing this attic ladder in commercial buildings and apartments may violate building codes that require fire-rated ceilings and prohibit storing materials in the overhead space. Check with your local fire marshal or building department before installing the attic ladder.
The capacity of the attic ladder (person plus materials being carried) is 300 pounds for Models S2208 and S2210.
Is your ceiling and joist structure suitable for this installation?
This attic ladder can be installed in structures with conventional wood roof frames (See Figure 1). If a ceiling is present, you must have an access hole in the ceiling that allows you to enter the overhead space for a pre-installation inspection.
Roof support structures that have braces connected to the ceiling joists or which use trusses (See Figure 2) cannot be cut without destroying the load-bearing capacity of that section of the roof. Do not cut joists that are part of a braced conventional frame or truss without first consulting an architect or structural engineer (see the Yellow Pages under "Architects or Structural Engineers").
The attic ladder should not be installed in a ceiling that has any of the following:
- components of heating/cooling systems embedded in the ceiling
- joists made of materials other than wood
- metal reinforced plaster
- suspended ceilings
If your ceiling contains any of the above, do not attempt to install the attic ladder. Contact a professional for assistance with your specific needs (see the Yellow Pages under "Heating and Cooling Contractors, Building Contractors, Carpenters, Home Builders, Home Improvements, or Contractors-General").
Do these instructions meet your needs?
These instructions describe how to install the attic ladder parallel or perpendicular to the ceiling joists. Contact a professional if you want the attic ladder installed in some other direction relative to the joists.
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