Attic Access Pull-down Stairs

By Frank G. Ross

Attic access pull-down stairs are a convenient way for homeowners to open up additional storage space in a home. Although the concept is simple, the installation of this type of stair unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions will actually be an advanced level do-it-yourself project best left to professionals.  Even with the detailed directions that are provided with each unit, home inspectors tend to agree that the majority of attic pull-down stairs, whether installed by homeowners or professionals, are installed incorrectly.

The most common deficiencies observed are:

• Improper nails or screws. I often see drywall or deck screws used, not the proper 16d nails or 1/4"x3" lag screws. The stair maker specifies a certain type of fastener for a reason, probably related to safety.  Some screws intended for other purposes may have reduced shear strength because of how they were made so they won’t hold up to the pressure put on them by pull-down stairs. 
• Improper nailing pattern. Many times manufacturers will have a sticker saying "PUT NAIL HERE" to guide installers who then ignore it.  Again, the nailing pattern is engineered for safety.
• Legs not cut properly.  Legs need to be cut at the right angle as well as the right length.  Attic pull-down stairs are actually a type of ladder and should be as solid as a ladder before use.
• Frame not headed off properly.  The opening in the ceiling must be strong enough to properly support the load.  Most attic stairs are made to fit between joists in which case strengthening the opening is fairly simple.  In situations where the stair runs perpendicular to the joists, special consideration needs to be taken when framing the opening.
• Gaps at hinges.  This is usually an indication that the stairs have been cut to the wrong length.  The legs should not be too long or too short.  Legs too long will not allow the stair to extend properly, while legs too short put too much weight on the ceiling end of the stair for safe use.
• Loose mounting bolts.  This is a problem not so much related to installation as it is to age.  But if a stair was improperly installed in the first place, then loose mounting bolts may be likely to occur sooner.
• Lack of insulation.  Hatches in many houses (especially older ones) are not likely to be insulated and/or weather-stripped.  An un-insulated attic hatch freely allows attic air into the home which may cause the heating or cooling system to run overtime (this does not apply to an attic that has been finished and made part of the living space or to a hatch located in a vented garage).

Much of what a home inspection covers is related to safety issues.  This is especially true with attic pull-down stairs.  Here’s a quote from the Louisville Ladder Installation Instructions, “Improper installation of this folding attic ladder could put undue stress on its components and could result in failure and serious bodily injury.”  The things covered in this article might seem like small issues, but as I’ve said before, “It’s only a small thing until someone gets hurt.”