INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION FOR ATTIC LADDER
INSTALLERS, CARPENTERS, CONTRACTORS - Read all warning notes. Warning notes contain important safety tips. - In order to assure safe use of the attic ladder, proceed according to the installation instruction. - The attic ladder is not safe to use, unless it is completely installed according to the following instructions.
Table of content I. Important issues to consider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 2 - are you able to install attic ladder? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 2 - will attic ladder satisfy your expectations? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I. IMPORTANT ISSUES TO CONSIDER Before you start any work read carefully all instructions, in order to make sure that you have a proper spot for installation and tools. rafter Are you able to install attic ladder? ceiling joist In order to install this attic ladder, you need to know how to cut wood and use framing square. Not being able to do the above, installation of this product should be done by a professional installer (refer to yellow pages).
II. YOUR PACKAGE SHOULD CONTAIN: ó Attic ladder fully assembled and ready for installation. You should not dismantle assembled product for installation ó Control rod Prior to installation inspect the product for any cracks in the wood. Make sure that the metal elements are not damaged and securely fastened. III.
IV. FINDING A SUITABLE LOCATION FOR INSTALLATION Before you begin: make sure that you have required tools, manpower, and the construction of the ceiling is suitable for installation of the attic ladder. Look for a space free from obstacles and dangers. Make sure that the space will allow proper installation and use of the attic ladder. Make sure that the lenght ot the attic ladder is suitable for your ceiling height (fig.4, table 1). FC STEP 1 Choose potential installation spot.
V. CUTTING A HOLE IN THE CEILING Before you begin: find a spot which is: ó free form any obstacles in the attic area ó free from obstacles in the ceiling ó big enough to carry out the installation ó big enough to use a step ladder WARNING! Do not cut, file nor nail anything to the ceiling until you are sure that the chosen space for installation is free from dangers and other obstacles. Contact with electric wires can be deadly. STEP 1 Prepare the work area.
VI. CUTTING THE CEILING JOISTS Before you begin installation spot You should now have the cut out hole in the appropriate spot. STEP 1 ceiling joist If the room has a ceiling in which you made the opening proceed to step 2. If there is no ceiling in place mark the joists according to instruction A or B, below. A - If the chosen location is parallel to the ceiling joists, mark the length of the opening on the top surface of the joist as shown on Figure 9. Do not cut the joist as marked. Fig.8.
VII. FRAMING THE INSTALLATION OPENING Before you begin The distance between the joists should be the same as the width of installation opening. All cut joists must be attached to the joists that have not been cut. WARNING! For your own safety mind all dangerous elements above your head. Do not sit on the ceiling - it is not designed do carry load. Only joists will withstand load. In order to make a working area place several boards across the ceiling joists.
Double headers STEP 1 P Measure the length of the header ďPĒ between uncut joists (Figure15). The measurement should be done perpendicular to the joists. STEP 2 Cut to size 4 headers. For that purpose use timber similar in size to existing joists. STEP 3 Position one header at the end of the cut out joist (Figure16). It must fit tightly between the uncut joists. If needed use a hammer to set the header in the appropriate place. Fig.15. P- Distance between the ceiling joists.
Installation of stringers STEP 1 Measure the length of the stringer ďWĒ between the cross-beams (Figure18). The measurement should be perpendicular to the headers. W STEP 2 Cut the stringer to size. Use timber similar in size to the existing ceiling joists. STEP 3 If the joists do not make up the other two sides of the frame, you need to install one more stringer of the same length as before. On Figure 18 only one stringer is needed because the ceiling joist makes up one side of the frame. Fig.18.
IX. POSITIONING THE ATTIC LADDER Before you begin: You must have temporary support boards installed at both ends (Figure20) STEP 1 Take out the control rod (Figure21). Leave the control rod for the person working below the ceiling. STEP 2 One person must go in to the attic space while the other person stays below. Fig.21.
X. SHIMMING, SQUARING AND NAILING THE ATTIC LADDER. Before you begin: The attic ladder should be resting on the temporary support boards. The lid should be openable but do not unfold legs of the attic ladder. D1=D2 D1 D2 Warning! Do not unfold legs of the attic ladder yet. Use of the attic ladder is not safe yet. Do not step on the attic ladder nor leave it unattended until completely installed and both legs are adjusted to rest on the floor. This can damage the attic ladder and cause severe injury.
XI. TRIMMING THE ATTIC LADDER LEGS Before you begin: The attic ladder should be properly shimmed and securely nailed to the frame in the proper location. Measure A and B WARNING! Use of the attic ladder is not safe yet. Do not unfold the attic ladder yet. Do not step on the attic ladder nor leave it unattended until completely installed and both legs are adjusted to rest on the floor. This can damage the attic ladder and cause severe injury. STEP 1 Make sure that the lid is fully open.
STEP 5 Measure the ďAĒ and ďBĒ distance from the top edge of the bottom section of the attic ladder and mark it on both legs (Figure29). Trim lines must be accurate in order to avoid trimming the legs too short. Mark A and B Note: A will be shorter than B WARNING! If the trimming line is marked along the rung, you should reposition the full run of steps where it is attached to the lid. The trimming line must not be in line with the rung (Figure30).
FAKRO AMERICA, L.L.C. 311 W. Laura Dr Addison, IL 60101, USA tel. (630) 543-1010 fax. (630) 543-1011 e-mail: sales@fakro.info www.fakro.info www.fakro.com “FAKRO” and the FAKRO logo are registered trademarks of FAKRO Group. All specifications are subject to change without prior notice. ©2003 FAKRO GROUP IMSS-USA-A4GB-09.04.
