In redoing this oughta-be-teardown in Biloxi we’re moving a few walls and need to move the attic access ladder (furnace in attic). Does anyone know of any code issues as to where this can be located? (Bathroom, bedroom, etc, vs the usual hall location?) I’m thinking the best location might be the bathroom.
Does it make more sense to place it parallel to joists — fewer joists cut?
(Even if it wasn’t moving we’d need to replace it, since the electrician leaned on the frame and fell through, bringing it and several ceiling joists down. Luckily there was no floor to hit, and he fell another 18 inches to the dirt that I’d just cleared of debris. He was stiff and bruised, but amazingly OK otherwise.)
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. –Benjamin Franklin
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I'm not aware of any code parameters for location of the attic access opening. Orienting it parallel with joist span is good but better orientation because of floor plan is more important.
When I locate the attic access (9 out of 10) times with an drop down attic stair, I take into the following: head room when you get to the top of the stair; how easy is it to manuever large objects to, up, and down the stair; the dropped down stair should interfere as little as possilbe any emergency exit route. I consider these my common sense code.
You might want to check the mechanical section of the building code since the HVAC is in attic. I think there is a max distance from the attic access to the equipment. Also if you have a trussed roof, you don't want to cut the bottom chord/ceiling joist.
Trusses? You gotta be kidding -- lucky to have joists at all.
Anyway, anyone want to give a thumb suck at how much space should be at the foot of the ladder? And what are typical dimensions, within a few inches?
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Make it big enough for a firefighter to get through wearing turnouts and air bottle. It's a real pain to remove the air bottle ,place it up in the attic (while keeping the mask on) climbing into the attic, replace bottle on the back. You get the picture.
As far as I know the only requirement is that it must be in the ceiling.
I've put them in halls and in closets, never a problem. I do think there is a minimum size requirement, but if your doing a pulldown that wont be a problem.
If you are doing an attic LADDER vs just a hatch then you need some fair amount of space.
Here are a couple of brands that and you can look up their specs.
http://www.bessler.com/
http://www.wernerladder.com/catalog/results.php?category_id=1&type_id=3
Lowes has the Werner.
And I would want 36" at the end of ladder to a wall.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Our code requirements are that there is 30" of headroom above where the ladder user emerges into the attic, and that whatever installed mechanical/plumbing/etc equipment is in the attic can be removed/replaced via the ladder. Also, it must be located in a easily accessible location - that portion being entirely up to the interpretation of the code enforcement official. We use a modified IRC2000 and it in the roof chapter, I think.
What does code say about the requirement for attic access period? Are there cases when none is required?
In some story and half designs (dormer style houses) with the sloped ceilings but not cathedralled all the way to the ridge, teh attic space is very very small with say only three or four feet of clearance between the ceiling joists and teh ridge board. Is access required? If so, can you really think of a reason? Afterall there is no access in a cathedral ceiling?
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R807 Attic Access: An attic access shall be provided to attic areas that exceed 30 square feet and have a vertical height of 30 inches or greater. The framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches and shall be located in a hallway or other accessible location. A 30-inch minimum headroom in the attic space shall be provided at some point above the access opening. <!----><!---->
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M1305.1.3 and M1305.1.4 Appliances in Attics and Underfloor Spaces: Attics and underfloor spaces containing appliances shall be provided with an opening and an unobstructed passageway large enough to remove the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches high and 22 inches wide. <!----><!---->
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There is also a code for distance to mechanicals from attic access panel, but I couldn't find it or it may be a local thing. We do some light commercial work also, convenience stores, strip mall type business buildings. And usually put the air handler in the attic space and have been nailed on this before, but can’t remember what the distance was. You also have to have a switched light up there if there are any mechanicals, with the switch placed by the opening so you turn it on before entering,<!----><!---->
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"The code"???????? Is that the universal code that covers all US, Canada, South America, and Europe? :-)
To add to what Kamz said I had an conversation with my BI the other day and he said "If there are ducts or wires up there you need an access hole". May be a local thing though.