How Do U Cut A Opening To An Attic

Check the spacing before securing the last.

How do u cut a opening to an attic. The nails will show where the joists lie in the attic. Do not cut the joist at this mark. If the room has no ceiling mark the joists according to a or b below. Cut the drywall straight across between the two joists connecting the ends of the two cut lines on the far edge of the attic access hole.

Remove the loose section of drywall. Trace the top edge of the bottom piece of wood on the side of the angled piece. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access.

Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. 7 climb into the attic through the. Use long nails to nail an outline next to joists where ceiling material will need to be cut away. Remove all ceiling material and insulation in the opening.

Cut one rafter with a handsaw to allow space for you to crawl up into the attic. Drive the 4 penny nails. Measure and cut two boards of the same size as the ceiling joists is preferable. If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2.

Align the short points of the 45 degree cuts with the inside corners of the frame at each end. Insert the boards at either end of the opening between the main joists. Position the piece flat against the short side of the attic stair frame. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw.

Place another 1 by 3 inch piece of wood on its narrow edge on the floor beside the angled piece. A if the chosen location is parallel to the joists mark the rough opening length on top of the joists.