Maintenance tips for loft ladder

To ensure that the product is assembled and fitted correctly, these instructions should be followed carefully. If you have any difficulties, contact your dealer for assistance.

WARNING: DO NOT DISMANTLE the loft ladder once it has been assembled.

NB! For models in which the ladder is fixed to the trapdoor (not ClickFIX^® model). If, during installation, you wish to detach the ladder to reduce the weight of the loft ladder, loosen the screws between the metal bracket and the ladder itself. Do not loosen the screws on the trapdoor as these can easily be overtightened when reassembled. An overtightened screw may lose its grip on the timber and, in serious cases, fall out.

Positioning the loft ladder:

Wear gloves when removing insulation material. Check that the area selected for positioning the ladder is unencumbered by electrical wiring, water pipes, heating/cooling pipes, etc. If necessary, get a qualified craftsman to remove such encumbrances. Make sure that there is sufficient clearance (distance A) for the ladder to rest on the floor. Make sure that there is sufficient space for the ladder to fold out to its full length (B) (see figure 1).

For two-section models, make sure that there is sufficient swing space.

For specific measurements and adjustment options, see the assembly instructions supplied with the product.

We recommend that you wear goggles and mask for protection from falling dust and other particles from the attic. Remove all items of furniture from the work area. Cover the floor.

Frame and cut the opening through plaster/other ceiling material. The size of the ceiling opening is stated on the packaging. The opening must be at least 10 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the ladder casing. This allows space for spacer blocks and ensures that the loft ladder is fitted perpendicularly. If the loft ladder cannot be fitted in the normal way, i.e. parallel with the ceiling joists, contact a qualified craftsman for advice.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show how to frame the ceiling opening. If you fit the attic ladder parallel to the existing ceiling joints, only single ceiling joists and single transverse joists are required. If you fit the attic ladder at right angles to the joists, you will need to make double transverse joists of the same size as the existing ceiling joists.

WARNING: If the ceiling joists are made in a material other than timber, e.g. steel, contact a qualified craftsman. Never saw through a load-bearing joist without advice from a qualified craftsman. Take great care when sawing ceiling joists. For safety's sake, if there is no attic flooring, lay planks across the ceiling joists to allow safe passage in the attic during installation.

To keep the loft ladder in place in the ceiling opening during installation, you are advised to fit temporary supports. If the trapdoor will be clad, the loft ladder must be fitted as many mm higher in the opening as the thickness of the cladding.

Cladding material must not weigh more than 6 kg per m2. Cladding material must not be more than 12 mm thick. We recommend that the cladding is affixed using construction adhesive.

WARNING: It is important that cladding is fitted firmly and correctly. When affixing cladding, the ladder must NOT be loaded.

One fitter goes up into the attic room, taking all the tools he needs. The other fitter remains below. ClickFIX? models can be installed by one person (using a work platform).

Lift the ladder up into the attic. Before lowering the loft ladder into the opening from above, attach 2 supporting planks under the ceiling opening. The loft ladder rests on these supports (see figure 5).

Fold the ladder so that the frame can be attached to the ceiling opening. Make sure that the loft ladder is level and perpendicular. Attach the loft ladder with 100 mm screws (3 on each long side and 2 at each end). Don't forget to attach blocks on the back of the fixing points (see figure 6).

When the loft ladder is firmly attached, remove supports.

WARNING: Do not use the loft ladder before it is firmly attached to the opening and adjusted to the correct ceiling height.

Vapor barrier:

When the loft ladder is firmly attached to the deck, the vapor barrier must be attached in the correct way. The space between the loft ladder and the joist construction must be well-insulated to avoid thermal bridges.

Pull down and unfold the ladder. Fold the lower section of the ladder under the middle section, so that the top and middle sections are aligned (see figure 6).

Make sure that the treads are horizontal. To shorten the ladder precisely, follow the instructions for the specific model.

Note whether the ladder is supplied with plastic feet. For most models, the ladder can be fine-tuned after shortening.

DO NOT SHORTEN THE LADDER TOO MUCH. If the ladder is too short, it may unexpectedly fold up during use, thus risking serious personal injury.

To check that the ladder is the correct length, unfold it to its full length. All sections of the ladder must be aligned perfectly with no gaps, and both strings must rest flat on the floor (see figure 7).

The following drawings show how to use the loft ladder safely.

To improve safety, we recommend that you fit the following accessories:

• Hand rail (see figure 9)
• Balustrade (see figure 10)

To order the above accessories, contact your dealer.

WARNING:

Never modify the product. The manufacturer accepts no liability whatsoever for personal injury or damage caused to the building or parts thereof by a product, whose construction has been modified.