Minimum Required Attic Access

To convert your attic to living space you cannot provide access via a ladder.

Minimum required attic access.

When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. The access opening should be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location and minimum 22 x 30. One is a minimum for any attic which has the required 30 headroom vertical height. See the california mechanical code for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.

These openings not only allow mechanical and electrical contractors to. Provide a minimum of 6 8 of headroom the entire walking length of the stairs. The rough framed opening must be a minimum of 22 inches by 30 inches. R807 1 attic access in buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction an attic access opening shall be provided to attic areas that exceed 30 square feet 2 8m sq and have a vertical height of 30 inches 762mm or greater.

If the access is located in the ceiling the minimum unobstructed headrom above the opening must be 30 inches measured vertically at some point over the access. Attic access panels serve as an important safety and convenience feature in the home. See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics. Where the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members.

According to the 2006 international residential code r807 1 attic access homes with combustible materials in the ceiling and roof construction must have an access to attic areas that exceeds 30 square feet and with a vertical height of 30 inches or greater. When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. Minimum vertical height of 30 inches measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the bottom of the roof framing members. See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.

Attic access is required international residential code 2003 requires any attic area exceeding 30sf in area and that have a vertical height of 30 inches or more. If the attic space is smaller than these specs then an access hatch is not required.