Paul Bianchina, Attic ladders can make space more accessible

All that space above your ceiling is certainly a tempting area to consider when you're drowning in a sea of Christmas ornaments, fall decorations and other rarely used items.

But the question is whether or not you can use the area safely, and how you can access it easily and without risk, ideally without having to lug out a ladder every time you need to get up there.

• Can you safely use your attic for storage? Whether or not an attic can be used safely for storage depends on the framing that supports the ceiling; the size and span of the lumber used to frame the attic; the weight of the items being stored; and other variables that are unique to each home.

The typical trussed or stick-framed attic is capable of supporting light loads that are evenly spaced, such as boxes of decorations or light clothing. What most attics are not suitable for is the storage of heavy, concentrated loads, such as tools, files or boxes of paper.

It's also important to understand that the joists, rafters and other framing components — or the members of the trusses — found in your attic make up a carefully sized and constructed structural triangle that supports the roof and the ceiling. For that reason, never attempt to cut or alter the attic framing or use the attic for heavy storage purposes without first consulting with an experienced contractor, architect or structural engineer.

• Attic access ladders. If you've determined that it's safe to use the attic for storage, or even if you just want a more convenient way to get up there for periodic maintenance and inspections, you might want to consider installing a permanent attic access ladder.

Attic ladders are safe, convenient and eliminate the need for moving and setting up step ladders or extension ladders, which can be especially problematic if your attic access is in a closet or other tight area.

Attic ladders are available in wood, aluminum and steel, in a variety of sizes and prices to fit just about any situation and budget. All are designed in sections so that they can fit into tight attic access openings.

Probably the most common design has three or four hinged sections that fold over each other. Other designs have sections that slide over one another, similar to an extension ladder, or “scissor” type sections designed to rapidly unfold with minimal force. Just about all of them are designed to fit between existing joists or trusses without any cutting, and are actually quite easy to install.

• Shopping for an attic access ladder. There are several things to take into consideration when shopping for an attic ladder. The first, most important things you need to know are the height from the floor to the finished ceiling in the area where the ladder will be installed and the distance between the ceiling joists or trusses. These two measurements are key and will help narrow your choices.

Next on the list is the load capacity of the ladder. That's a rating of how much weight the ladder can hold, and is a combination of the weight of the user and whatever is being carried. At the low end, you'll typically find ladders with a rating of 250 pounds, while better ladders will be rated at 300 up to as much as 375 pounds. Better ladders not only will be able to handle more weight, they'll also feel much sturdier and more stable when you're climbing them.

From there, you'll want to look at some of the ladder's features. All attic ladders will come pre-assembled in a frame, ready for installation. At their most basic, that's all you'll get — you'll have to provide the materials for the door and trim.

Better ladders come as a complete package, with a paint-grade door and molding already in place, which can greatly simplify installation. Other features in some of the upgraded ladders include handrails that give you something to hang onto as you climb, and some include an insulation blanket to cover the opening from above to prevent heat loss. (Insulation blankets are available as an add-on for any attic ladder and are highly recommended.)

One final consideration that's a nice safety feature, but that comes at a price, is a fire-rated access ladder. These types of ladders have an attic hatch cover manufactured from fireproof materials, typically with a special gasket that expands when heated to create an additional seal. They're designed to prevent the spread of flames into the attic and are especially useful if the attic access is in the garage, where many fires start.

Attic access ladders are available from home centers, hardware stores and other retailers, as well as online, either in stock or by special order. Prices typically range from under $100 to about $400 for standard units, and $500 and up for a fire-rated unit.

Have a home repair or remodeling question for Paul? He can be reached by email at improvingyourhome@ykwc.net.