Foldable stairs to the attic: features of the device

The attic is rarely used, but the stairs leading to this room should be comfortable, compact and safe. Usually the owners of the house use a ladder or stationary ladder installed on the street. To save space in the house, comfortable use and safe lifting set folding system.

Foldable stairs in the house is designed to use the attic as needed. It is comfortable to use, since it can be brought into working condition without much effort, and the need to free a large area is also eliminated. The main feature of this system is that the principle of its use is similar to the principle of operation of ladders.It is important to consider not only a large number of advantages, but also some features.

Benefits.

• Security. Folding ladder steady and strong. At any time, regardless of weather conditions, it is possible to safely climb to the attic. Some types of folding systems are equipped with steps and railings.
• Compactness. Small-sized construction system allows you to save useful space in the room and in the attic. The decomposed state of the stairs requires little space.
• The convenience of use. This type of product develops quickly and effortlessly. There are ready-made electric drive design models.
• Easy installation. In a set for installation of a folding ladder there is a simple instruction. Following it, even a person without experience will not be difficult to establish a model. The system does not require additional strengthening of the walls, floor and ceiling. The ease of construction allows you to easily move and install the product in another place.

• Efficiency. The finished system is cheaper than a fixed ladder. Folding model can be made at home.
• Aesthetics. The ladder is located on the manhole cover in the ceiling surface, and high-quality finish will support the look. The design is completely hidden, so it does not spoil the interior.
• Folding system the attic is removed, it is convenient when there are children in the house or the area of ​​the room is small. The design is visible only when used, so you do not need to select a design for the interior.

Features

• Some types of models are not always comfortable to use according to the following criteria: the steepness of the climb, the size and number of steps. When lifting is too steep, it is uncomfortable to move with bulky items in your hands.
• The presence of the hatch will violate the integrity of the room. Attic must be warmed, which leads to additional costs. In some factory models of designs, the hatch is equipped with a compactor.
• The need for accurate calculations and skills for self-manufacturing stairs.

The principle of operation of the ladder consists of several simple actions: opening the hatch cover, pulling the folded installation onto itself. All components will be fixed and become fixed. If you push the bottom part up a little,then the ladder itself will be in its original position. At the end it is necessary to close the hatch.

A simpler way of operation are with electric stairs. To bring them into working condition, you must press the remote control button.

The staircase leading to the attic has several advantages: functionality, compactness and ease of use. The range of designs allows you to select a specific type, which is ideal for the parameters of the house. Folding installation in the attic are of different types. They differ in their design.

One of the most common varieties - "accordion". This type of product has a small size, the principle of folding works like an accordion. The ladder is made of light metal, as its parts are movable, so it is important to consider its maximum load during use. After a time, it is recommended to lubricate the mount. The "accordion" is universal in that it can be pulled to a certain size depending on the height of the ceiling.

Retractable ladder unfolds on the telescopic principle. This product is easy to use.When folded, it is the smallest in comparison with other systems of folding ladders. The structure is assembled from hollow metal (aluminum) tubes, which constitute sections with steps, when folded, entering into each other and clamped with retainers. A model may consist of two, three or more sections.

Folding sectional ladder. It is popular among the designs performed in the home. The model either folds up like a book or a booklet, or the sections overlap each other. Usually the length of the first section coincides with the size of the hatch cover. The design is more overall, but the most reliable and safe.

There is a staircase consisting of two sections. The first short part is fixed on the hatch, and the second - the long one - unfolds to the floor. This type of system is also called a transforming staircase.

The folding ladder system is the most complex. Folding ladder to the attic consists of steps fixed to a bowstring. The ladder is as large as possible in size and reliable. It is most comfortable in use, as the angle of inclination is no more than 45 degrees.To create it yourself, you need equipment and skills.

The choice of material depends on the folding technology. Ladders can be made of metal (aluminum, stainless steel), wood, or a combination.

Eco-friendly wooden folding attic stairs and has an attractive appearance. It will look good in the house where the interior is made "under the tree." The positive qualities of the installation are good tolerance to temperature changes and exposure to moisture. The fire hazard of the product can be attributed to negative qualities, and insects can also be generated in wood.

Folding option stairs made of solid wood. Details are connected by a special technology. At the edges of the steps are the protrusions that are inserted into the gaps of the guides, the connection is fixed with glue. For the manufacture of spans choose the bars from an array of conifers, beech or ash, for the steps - from oak.The load capacity of a wooden folding unit is about 100 kilograms.

Metal folding ladder to the attic is made of metal that does not corrode. For the manufacture of complex structures choose aluminum or steel. The main advantage of the aluminum system is simplicity of construction; such a light and durable metal will last for many years. Steel products are offered with a corrosion resistant coating. The load capacity of the metal structure is 200 kilograms, which is much more than a wooden ladder.

The disadvantages of a metal folding ladder include the complexity of manufacturing at home. To create it you need to have special skills, experience with welding and equipment.

Strength and lightness are the main characteristics of a folding staircase to the attic. The best option is the combined ladder. This design consists of wooden steps and metal supports. This type of system is budget and reliable. Some models use rubber pads on the steps to reduce slip.

To make the use of the stairs comfortable, it is necessary to determine the main dimensions of the structure and make calculations. It is important to take into account the parameters of the room in which the entrance to the attic will be located: the height of the ceilings, the area where the stairs will be laid out, the stair slope. Usually install the model consisting of 3 or 4 sections for ceilings from 3 meters high.

Basic dimensions to be determined.

• The height of the ceiling and the length of the stairs. The greater the ceiling height, the more reliable and robust the structure should be. When measuring the height of ceilings is determined by the length, the type of folding system and the number of sections. With a height of 3.5 meters, it is recommended to install a stationary version of the ladder.

• The opening and the width of the stairs. The size of the opening can be from 0.5-0.6 to 0.7-0.8 meters. The optimal size is 0.8 by 1.20 m. The step width depends on the width of the hatch. It will be comfortable to climb stairs 60-70 cm wide.
• Bias Safe and convenient angle of inclination is an indicator of 30-55 degrees.
• Step, number and width of steps. The average characteristics of the step and step, which will be safe and convenient in operation: 15-17 steps with a width of 20 cm and a thickness of 2 cm, step 18-23 cm.

After determining all the listed parameters, you can proceed to the choice of a folding ladder. The safety and reliability of the product is characterized not only by the material and correctly calculated parameters, but also by the competent installation of the system.

For safety, consider the following restrictions:

• do not use the product for plasterboard floors;
• do not disassemble the constituent elements of the structure during installation;
• do not unwind the fasteners connecting the stairs and the hatch;
• do not operate the folding ladder until the work is completed.

Installation at home of the finished folding staircase system begins in the attic, for this set is raised to the attic. First, the structure is placed with the hatch closed, then the ladder is attached to the open hatch cover in the unfolded state. The system must rest against the floor and is stationary at the time of installation. When a “rough” installation has been carried out, it is necessary to check how the system works: open the hatch cover from the room several times, disassemble and assemble the stairs. If there are no problems with the installation, the installation continues.

Before starting work, it is necessary to carefully read the enclosed instructions and check the design for proper operation.

First you need to place on the basis of the opening box and attach it with screws, the gap between the box and the opening is filled with foam. Then the upper section is installed. Spread out the ladder and make sure it is stable; it forms a straight line. You can correct it with the help of undercutting the legs of the last section. Both sides of the structure should fit snugly against the surfaces.

In the finished set is a fence for the hatch from the attic. It consists of racks and crossbars. To create a more reliable and rigid construction of the rack are fixed with metal struts. They connect the vertical crossbar to the floor.

Check the hatch tightness. The lid should fit tightly in the opening. With poor tightness, the heat will leave the room. Then redecorated the underside of the hatch cover. When installation is complete, you can conduct a verification check.

Equipment with modern designs and functions of a folding ladder can be varied.This includes the railing, protective covers, electronic system and remote control. The simplest option is to design a folding wooden system. Wood is the most affordable material that is simple to use.

For the construction of the bowstring ladder will need thick bars, boards of required thickness for the manufacture of steps and metal fasteners. All elements of the future attic stairs are prepared in advance. Sections are assembled from the manhole cover and sealed with metal hinges. All elements of the folding structure and the hatch are strengthened, and a test check is carried out. It should be remembered about the care of the moving parts of the stairs, they must be lubricated in time.

If you need to purchase a budget version of the ladder, choose a hatch with a thickness of 16 mm. The box of this model is not sealed. This is a great option for country buildings without heating.

A place to create a doorway to the attic is better to organize in the corner of the room and as far as possible from the entrance to the room. Such an arrangement is as convenient as possible. The area around the descent should be freed from small non-static objects (for example, chairs).

The folding ladder will be safe in operation if it meets the following main criteria.

• The strength and quality of the material of all parts and elements. The mechanism should be as reliable as possible.

• Despite the fact that the design has rigid elements, it itself must be light in weight. This criterion is due to ease of use. In addition, lightweight material does not create an additional load on the hatch.
• Ease of use. To cope with bringing the structure into working condition and its assembly should any adult. Any kind of mechanism should be easy to fold out and fold by hand.
• All attachments and parts should work without difficulty. The functioning of the elements of the folding system should be smooth. In order to set the mechanism in motion, it should not require effort and jerks.
• If the attic is used constantly, the ladder will also be used frequently. In the attic can be organized room for watching movies. In this case, it is better to make a folding structure with your own hands or to order from the master. A staircase designed for a specific size guarantees reliability, safety and confidence.

On the features of the device folding stairs in the attic, see the following video.