The installation of a folding attic ladder requires careful adherence to safety guidelines and precise execution of instructions. Louisville Ladder offers both wood and aluminum series folding attic ladders, including the Premium, Champion, Big Boy, Summit, and Everest models. Proper installation is critical to prevent undue stress on components, potential failure, and serious bodily injury. This article details the installation procedures and safety precautions based on official Louisville Ladder documentation.
Pre-Installation Considerations
Before commencing installation, several preparatory steps must be taken. Installation necessitates the presence of two individuals – one positioned in the attic and one below. It is imperative that the folding attic ladder remains closed until specifically instructed to open it during the installation process. Prior to any work, all instruction labels affixed to the folding attic ladder must be thoroughly read and understood.
The documentation emphasizes the importance of assessing the work area for potential hazards, including overhead obstructions, floor support integrity, and temperature extremes. Adequate lighting and a reliable power source (either electrical or battery-powered) are also essential for the duration of the installation. For residential use only, the rough opening size must be framed correctly, as detailed in Table 2 (referenced in the documentation, but the table itself is not provided). If the ladder’s width exceeds the spacing between ceiling joists, consulting a structural engineer is strongly advised, as cutting into a joist could compromise structural integrity.
Temporary Support Strap Installation
Louisville Ladder provides four E-Z Hang temporary support straps to aid in the installation process. These straps are used to temporarily support the ladder’s weight while it is being positioned and secured. The installation procedure involves opening the ladder’s box and removing the unit. The straps are then attached according to Figure 5 (not provided in the source documents).
Positioning and Securing the Ladder
With one person in the attic and one below, the individual below raises the folding attic ladder into the prepared rough opening. The ladder’s door should be flush with the ceiling surface. Plywood shims, included with the unit, are used for final squaring adjustments. If the gap between the rough opening and the ladder frame exceeds a quarter of an inch, additional spacing material should be used along the entire length of the unit.
A critical step involves trimming the folding attic ladder to the appropriate length, as illustrated in Figure 7 (not provided). This requires pressing down on the climbing section to ensure the power arms are fully extended.
Wood and Aluminum Ladder Specifics
The installation procedures differ slightly between wood and aluminum models. For wood folding attic ladders and the Summit aluminum series, specific hardware is required for attachment. The documentation references attaching hardware, but does not detail specific hardware types.
For the Everest aluminum folding attic ladder, opening and closing instructions are attached to the pole hook. These instructions require two people, a folding attic ladder pole hook, and either a stepladder or a platform ladder. Opening involves using the pole hook to firmly engage the eye-bolt on the attic door and pulling to open it.
Securing the Ladder Frame
The documentation details the importance of ensuring the attic ladder is square during installation. Diagonal measurements (A1 and A2, as shown in Figure 14 – not provided) should match within 1/8 inch. If the measurements differ, adjustments to the footer end are necessary.
The use of appropriate fasteners is also emphasized. Specifically, the documentation warns against using deck or sheetrock screws in place of the provided lag screws, as these are unsuitable for supporting the ladder’s load. Standing or climbing on the attic ladder sections before adjusting the length and installing the adjustable shoes is explicitly prohibited, as it could result in a fall and serious injury or death.
Alternative Installation and Final Adjustments
In situations where lag screw installation at standard positions is obstructed, an alternative position (2*) is available. This requires shims to be positioned both above and below the alternative location. A 5/32” diameter x 3” drill bit is then used to create a pilot hole.
Once the ladder is initially secured, the plastic strap holding the ladder sections together can be removed using a wire cutter. Aluminum feet are then slid over the ladder rails, positioned for full contact with the floor, and secured with 3/4” bolts and locknuts.
Everest Aluminum Ladder Specifics – Opening and Closing
The Everest aluminum folding attic ladder has specific opening and closing instructions. Standing on the floor, the user reaches up with the pole hook and firmly engages the eye-bolt on the attic door, pulling to open it. The documentation stresses the importance of ensuring the spreader bars are fully extended to prevent accidental door closure. The ladder should be opened and closed several times to verify proper centering within the frame and to ensure it seats fully within the frame recess. If the door is not centered or binds, further adjustments are required.
Safety Precautions and Item Replacement
Throughout the installation process, safety is paramount. The documentation repeatedly warns against climbing on the attic ladder sections before final adjustments are completed. It also provides a list of replacement parts, including tension springs (part numbers 999843B and 999843D) and power arm assemblies (PR315500 LH and PR315500 RH) for the Everest and Big Boy models. For replacement parts, customers are directed to contact Louisville Ladder Customer Service at 1-888-666-2811 or via email at [email protected].
Conclusion
The successful installation of a Louisville Ladder folding attic ladder relies on meticulous adherence to the provided instructions and a strong emphasis on safety. Proper framing of the rough opening, correct fastener usage, and careful adjustment of the ladder’s length and position are all critical steps. The documentation highlights the importance of two-person installation and repeatedly cautions against premature use of the ladder before all safety checks are completed. Following these guidelines will help ensure a secure and reliable access point to the attic space.