What to Consider Before Performing Attic Stair Replacement

If you are worrisome about putting your weight on your attic stairs, it’s time to replace them. Damaged attic stairs can be a hazard not only to you, but your family as well. Not only do they present a potential risk for fall-related injuries, an outdated or improperly installed attic stair can put your entire house at risk. It’s important to be up to date on fireproof attic stairs, since many house fires begin in the attic or garage of a house and spread through old and non-fire resistant attic stairways. If you are preparing to perform attic stair replacement in your home, there are a few things to consider first.

Measuring and Planning for Placement

When you purchase an attic ladder, it will be ready to fit into the framing of the attic opening right away. This means that you need to measure the existing framing before you make a decision on the type and style of attic stair replacement you need. If you are replacing the stairs because you would like a larger opening, you are going to have to replace the framing of the opening before you can install the stairs. Deciding on framing for your attic opening will depend on the framing of your attic. If it is framed with rafters, you can get away with enlarging the current opening or creating a new attic entrance. However, if your attic is framed with a truss system, you may require the help of a roofing professional to get a safe and accurately measured attic opening cut. Above all else, inform yourself on the measurements that you are going to need to utilize based on the instructions of the attic stair replacement you have or intend to purchase.

Planning on Spacing Before Attic Stair Replacement

If you have your heart set on a bigger opening, but the spacing is too small, you’re going to have trouble utilizing your new attic stairway. The bigger the attic stairway opening, the bigger the attic stair. Firstly, make sure that when extended, your attic stairway has enough space to completely extend without any intrusions. This also means that you will have enough space to comfortably mount and dismount the ladder. Secondly, make sure that within your attic, there is space for a comfortable landing area where you can enter the attic with or without equipment in hand. Finally, make sure that when extended and in use, the attic opening offers enough room to walk underneath without bumping your head. A tight fit could lead to a fall-related injury if you do not give enough room in all these places!

Size of the Attic Stair Replacement

Before even selecting the attic stair replacement, measure the length of where the ladder will reach, from the opening to the floor surface. Additionally, after your opening is set, measure what width your attic stair replacement needs to be. Purchase an attic stair replacement that is lengthy and wide enough to accommodate the spacing. You don’t want to purchase a ladder that you find doesn’t even reach the ground after installation!

Kind of Attic Stair Replacement

Aside from making sure install goes well, you’ll need to make the decision about what kind of attic stair replacement you’ll want in your home. There are a number of different features, materials, and style to choose from. If safety is your number one concern, make sure to choose a ladder with a high fire rated safety standard. This will protect your home from spreading fire in case of an emergency. Additionally, depending on the attic’s placement, you may require a specialty type ladder. Is your attic accessible from a loft or extremely tight area? You may wish to invest in a scissor type attic stair replacement to make access to your attic easier. Lastly, make sure that you know what is most important to you in terms of added features before purchase, so that your attic stair replacement does all that you need it to!

Check out all the different brands, types, materials, ratings, and styles of attic stair replacements on our website! Order today to have your new attic stair delivered right to your home! Have questions about choosing the attic stair right for your home? Call us today to speak to an experienced staff member of Industrial Ladder at 1-800-833-0800.

 

The post What to Consider Before Performing Attic Stair Replacement appeared first on Industrial Ladders Blog.

from Industrial Ladders Blog http://ift.tt/2plI3Nk
via IFTTT