Cutting Beams in Attic for Ladder.

Gerb68

I want to install an attic Ladder which I have bought. The thing is, The length of the ladder is 115cm. If I cut through one beam then lengthwise the distance will be 110cm. This means I will have to cut through two beams to get the ladder to fit.

I've attached a pic to show what I mean.

Is the do-able or is this not advisable?

Any advice on this is greatly appreciated.

BryanF

Gerb68 wrote: »

I want to install an attic Ladder which I have bought. The thing is, The length of the ladder is 115cm. If I cut through one beam then lengthwise the distance will be 110cm. This means I will have to cut through two beams to get the ladder to fit.

I've attached a pic to show what I mean.

Is the do-able or is this not advisable?

Any advice on this is greatly appreciated.

i'd do this, but please note my caveat

ShaunC

Is it possible to rotate the ladder entry 90deg so that you will get away with cutting only one. I know this is an obvious solution but it has not been mentioned.

Gerb68

ShaunC wrote: »

Is it possible to rotate the ladder entry 90deg so that you will get away with cutting only one. I know this is an obvious solution but it has not been mentioned.

No. Unfortunatly due to bedroom partitions underneath.

mullingar

just 5 cms?

I would cut the two, reinforce the left hand cut one with a new same size parallel length of timber towards the left, maybe with a 1-2cm spacer which will give you your 115cms. make this at least 3 meters with about 20+ decent fixings!

Make sure you double up the perpindicular reinforcement between the above reinforced rafter and the uncut rafter to the right and use decent metal brackets to fix this cut rafter to the perpendicular reinforcement to stop the other rafter from spreading!!

North West

Gerb68

You can use timber to timber hangers to put a piece of timber back up @ 115cm you require. See attached

NW

mullingar

Timber hangers?

They are not designed for stretching only hanging. Use proper timber brackets to do this!

slimjimmc

If you've got pre-fabricated trusses then you really need to be extra careful as they are designed with specific loads in mind. Safest thing to do is consult a structural engineer to give you the go ahead, even if it's only to cover your posterior should you need your home insurance to repair any roofing problems in years to come.

Gerb68

Would all these issues arise if I needed to cut just one joist?

slimjimmc

Gerb68 wrote: »

Would all these issues arise if I needed to cut just one joist?

Possibly, depending on your roof construction.

There are plenty of attic ladders which don't need such a large opening, 2 piece sliding ladder, telescopic ladders and concertina ladders need very little space. Might be cheaper and safer to change your ladder rather than making unsure cuts or hiring an engineer. I reckon you'll be ok if you replace the bit you cut out and reinforce the other joists but cut your roof at your own risk.