Permanent Attic Stairs Code Requirements

Provide a minimum of 6 8 of headroom the entire walking length of the stairs.

Permanent attic stairs code requirements.

My reading of code seems to be that simple over current protection is sufficient for an attic. Attic stairs are generally steeper than other stairs in the home and your local building codes may make exceptions or they may not if this is the case it may give the customer a chance to get the stairs in where he wants them. 2009 ibc commercial construction. Most homes have a 1 2 drywall panel installed in the attic access opening which is fine.

Still the information might be of some interest to inspectors. The vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members. This article series explains how to inspect the condition and safety of attic stairs folding or pull down attic stairs and ladders and attic stairway railings landings treads and related conditions for safety and proper construction. 22 1 2 x 54 for the smallest pull down stairway.

Here s the full text of the code. 30 x 54 for the. The 2009 edition of the international building code ibc and the 2006 edition of the international residential code irc offer guidelines regarding attic access although not specifically pull down ladders. Don t know of any codes that would apply in.

25 1 2 x 64 often used for a longer pull down ladder attic access from a higher than standard ceiling. Minimum 10 inch stair tread depth with nosing or minimum 11 inches with no nosing. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that exceed 30 square feet 2 8 m2 and have a vertical height of 30 inches 762 mm or greater. If the only access is by a pull down stairs or by ladder through a scuttle then it is absolutely not a finished living space.

Maximum 7 3 4 inch stair riser height. Standard rough openings for typical attic pull down stairs. To convert your attic to living space you cannot provide access via a ladder. But when you put something else in the opening it must be equivalent to 1 2 drywall which has roughly a 20 minute fire resistance.

Minimum 6 8 headroom height clearance for stairway. Attic stair pull down or folding stairway construction installation inspection hazards repair questions answers. The attic has a ceiling height less than 6 at the peak of the roof. The international residential code irc is similar.