Section 1.1
Important Questions
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 attic 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 assis-
tance 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.
Is your ceiling and joist structure suitable for this installation?
Ceiling Joist
Rafter
Conventional Roof Frame
Figure 1
Creating a Rough Opening
Appendix
Is your ceiling and joist structure suitable for this installation?
Figure 2
WARNING: DO NOT CUT THESE TYPES OF STRUCTURES WITHOUT
CONSULTING AN ARCHITECT OR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER.
Ceiling Joist
Rafter
Truss Roof Frame
Ceiling Joist
Rafter
Conventional Roof Frame with Braces
Connected to Ceiling Joists
Braces
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