Attic Access Ladder Installation - Dangers Abound

I hated "all of the above" as one of the choices on multiple choice questions. When they are right...they are right. When they are wrong..they look right

The DIY installs are usually pretty bad but when your having this installed by the builder you would hope someone read the directions. I wish the manufactures would include the fasteners. When I see them installed with drywall screws or no fasteners through the metal brackets I won't climb on them. 

I remember in the house we grew up in, we had one of those ladders. I HATED going up that thing because it always felt like it would fall apart. Seems like these people should have the same fear.

Jay, I really really really don't like pull down ladders---they almost always go to spaces nobody should be going to anyway.  Attics are for insulation.  If they are big enough for something more, then put in actual stairs and finish it off like any normal part of the house.

Jay, I had a client in another state who sued her builder and won because the attic access ladder was not installed correctly.

Jay,

Thanks again for the post.

I guess I will be visiting my attic this evening to verify my attic ladder install.

Always tell clients of new construction to get inspections.

See that way too often. 

To answer your question, yes, air is a good holder, it holds moisture. Balloons hold air. Does that count?

Jay -- OMG, look at those nails!    I came across very dangerous looking stairs a few weeks ago.  I wouldn't step foot on those stairs.  I was afraid to put them back into place. Called the listing agent and told him so no one else pulled the stairs down. I could only envision the whole unit falling down onto someone.  Glad it wasn't me! 

That is something I was not aware of.  Boy that looks very dangerous and it seems someone could really get hurt.

This looks pretty scary. Don't think my 225 lbs are going to make it up this ladder. I think screws are the only way.

Jay, in seller's market, buyers don't bother much about the ladders - even though we believe it's not right.

Oh dear - I have noticed a lot of problems with attic ladders in a lot of homes. They are often dangerous.

Jay, That is referred to as air nailer, very functional ;) But seriously I wonder if these guys ever read the install directions.

Hey there  JAY MARKANICH,

I find it quite funny though, well that must have invisible something that holding unto it.

the builder must be a bit lazy for doing that.

Have a great day!

We need air to live, so please don't use air as a source of holder to install your attic ladder. The strength it needs to hold the ladder together might be diminishing from the air I need it to fill my lungs.

I wish builder and individuals alike took more pride in their workmanship.

Jay, thank you for teaching me what 16D. Now if someone asks me to purchase 16D...I know they are not asking for 16 D batteries.