Garage Attic pull down stairs

ndegaris · April 8, 2015, 10:22pm

2011 home with attic pull down stairs, should the hatch or openings around the hatch have some sort of fire protection/rating?

bburleson · April 8, 2015, 10:30pm

Does the drywall on the common wall go up to the roof in the attic space, or end at the ceiling?

ndegaris · April 8, 2015, 10:35pm

Ends at the ceiling

kramm · April 9, 2015, 2:29am

Yes.

In garages that have access to the attic, a hatch cover made from an approved, fire-rated material should protect this access at all times. Missing or opened covers should be called out, as should covers made from flammable materials, such as thin plywood. Garage attic door must be constructed such that the 45 minute rating is maintained; any drywall edges on both the hatch and the surrounding area exposed to physical damage are protected. The cover or door is installed so that it is permanent (non-removable) with hardware to maintain it in a closed position with latching hardware to maintain it in a closed position. This could be accomplished by the use of spring loaded hinges, door closer, or hardware that will not allow it to be left in an open position when not in use. A single bolt type or hook and eye hardware does not provide a positive closure since these would allow the door to be left open. Likewise drywall screws are “fasteners” and not hardware so they cannot be used as the only means of keeping access doors closed.

ndegaris · April 9, 2015, 11:41am

Kenny, Thank you

kramm · April 9, 2015, 12:46pm

Your welcome.
I had a client call and say thank you a month ago for being up front on the fire dangers in garages and that he should tape and mud the joints, he had it done and 2 yrs later, he lost 3 cars because of a faulty wire in a car. The amazing thing is the contractors only had to sister one joist because of a small burn area smaller than your fist.
This is your job you never see.

ndegaris · April 9, 2015, 12:59pm

Wow! You just never know when something like that can happen. Good call keep it up.

gromicko · April 12, 2015, 2:59am

Wow Kenny.