How Do U Cut A Opening To An Attic

Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.

How do u cut a opening to an attic.

7 climb into the attic through the. Drive the 4 penny nails. Measure and cut two boards of the same size as the ceiling joists is preferable. Position the piece flat against the short side of the attic stair frame.

Insert the boards at either end of the opening between the main joists. Align the short points of the 45 degree cuts with the inside corners of the frame at each end. A if the chosen location is parallel to the joists mark the rough opening length on top of the joists. Do not cut the joist at this mark.

The nails will show where the joists lie in the attic. Cut the drywall straight across between the two joists connecting the ends of the two cut lines on the far edge of the attic access hole. Place another 1 by 3 inch piece of wood on its narrow edge on the floor beside the angled piece. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw.

Use long nails to nail an outline next to joists where ceiling material will need to be cut away. Cut one rafter with a handsaw to allow space for you to crawl up into the attic. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. Remove all ceiling material and insulation in the opening.

Remove the loose section of drywall. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. If the room has no ceiling mark the joists according to a or b below. If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2.

Repeat the cut on the. Check the spacing before securing the last.