Attic Access Hatch Size

Is there a requirement for certain size or type access to furnace air handlers in an attic.

Attic access hatch size. There are hundreds of things to detail properly to achieve an airtight home but one of the most commonly overlooked in a typical new house is the attic access hatch. The access opening should be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location and minimum 22 x 30. The attic may be accessed through a scuttle door or attic hatch usually located in a closet or main hallway. For i think the first time in newer construction warranty inspection i came across one with just a little scuttle hatch instead of a attic stair.

Rigid insulated sheathing such as extruded polystyrene r 5 per inch is recommended. A hinged loft trap is easier to use and the better option if you are. This type of attic access is featured by a set of pull down wooden and metal stairs that are concealed by a ceiling hatch. Loft hatches provide you with an entry point into your loft.

The ceiling hatch is generally the size of a door and is set within a recessed panel. Measure and mark the size of your new opening plus 4 inches either side on top of existing ceiling joists 1 2 3 and 4. After the trim or base is aligned to seal properly insulation should be added to the attic side of the hatch. This is generally about a 22 by 30 hole in the ceiling of your house into unconditioned space so it certainly deserves some consideration.

The most common type of attic access style is the attic ladder and hatch system. The rough framed opening. The 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches. Minimum vertical height of 30 inches measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the bottom of the roof framing members.

All cuts and new timbers that need to be made and fixed to form a new loft hatch. Standard loft hatch sizes can only really be used with atraditional extension ladder that is placed inside the framework of the loft hatch to allow you to climb in and out of the loft. If the attic space is smaller than these specs then an access hatch is not required. These marks are indicated as a in the above and below images.

Cut the insulated sheathing inch less than the hatch size to allow for clearance when moving the access panel. According to the 2006 international residential code r807 1 attic access homes with combustible. With drop down or push up fire rated and insulated loft hatch doors and panels we have the loft access door for you.