Section 1.3
FINDING A SUITABLE LOCATION
Before Proceeding: You must have: a suitable ceiling and joist structure, tools and materials needed, and a
Goal: To find a location free of hazards and
obstructions that will provide room for
the installation and use of the attic ladder.
Avoid installing attic ladder
over other stairs.
Step 1.
Pick a potential location for installation.
Check that the size of rough opening is
25" x 66".
Step 2. If there is no ceiling and the attic ladder will
fit between the joists so that no joists need
to be cut, go to Section 1.6 , page 17,
"FRAMING THE ROUGH OPENING".
If there is no ceiling, but one or more joists
need to be cut, go to Section 1.5, page 16,
"CUTTING THE CEILING JOISTS".
If there is a ceiling at this location, you will
need to inspect the area above this location
as described in steps 3 and 4.
Step 3. 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.
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
Step 4. 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 wire
- 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 to 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 5. 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").
14
level flat location in the ceiling.
WARNING
Figure 3
SC
*2'
LS
SC
7' 3"
For your safety, watch out for
overhead hazards.
Do not stand or sit on the ceiling or
insulation covering the ceiling - the
ceiling is not made to support your
weight. You can fall through the
ceiling even though it looks solid.
Only the joists can support weight.
Watch out for sharp nails sticking
through the roof.
Description
FC Floor to Ceiling
Height
FC
SC Swing Clearance
LS Landing Space
* Recommended spacing
to climb ladder
LS
FC
5' 11"
10' 5" Min.
12' Max.
WARNING