What Does Scuttle Attic Mean In Construction?
What Does Scuttle Attic Mean In Construction?
A scuttle attic is an attic space accessed through a small hole in the ceiling, usually covered with a moveable drywall section called a hatch or attic access door.
It is mainly used as an access point for maintenance and sometimes for storage. Scuttle attics are found in older homes and require a ladder to reach.
They are also known as ceiling attic doors. Insulating a scuttle attic can be done by using an attic scuttle ladder, which is a retractable stairway that comes down from the ceiling and provides access to the scuttle attic space.
Is Scuttle Attic Ventilation Necessary?
The 2012 International Residential Code requires that any attic of more than 30 square feet (a space 5’ x 6’) and with a peak height of 30” or more must have a scuttle hole for attic access.
The scuttle hole is an opening in the ceiling, usually in a square or rectangular shape, which is covered with a panel cover or hatch.
The attic should be ventilated to keep proper internal temperature regulation of the house. To ensure adequate ventilation, the building code also provides minimum opening size requirements for the scuttle hole.
For example, for the scuttle hole to have a 22” framed opening width, the ceiling joists must be mounted with a 24” spacing.
Installing a ventilated attic access cover can help improve air flow through your attic and ensure proper ventilation.
Additionally, spring loaded attic scuttle doors and knee-wall attic scuttle doors can also be used to provide ventilation while keeping out pests and debris.
How To Install Ventilation In Scuttle Attic?
- To install ventilated attic access covers, you will need to cut holes in the roof and soffit for the vents.
- You should plan the locations of the attic vents before cutting any holes. When cutting the shingles for roof vents, make sure to leave a 1-inch gap between the hole and the vent.
- Additionally, you should install a gasket around attic access openings to air seal between the opening and the panel covering.
- Finally, use Tescon Vana tape or Contega HF sealant to seal any air leaks around the attic hatch.
How Do I Install An Attic Scuttle?
To install an attic scuttle, you will need to cut a hole in the ceiling for the attic access. You can use a stud finder to locate the joists behind the drywall and mark their locations.
Measure the distance between the two joists and cut two pieces of 2×4 with a circular saw. Position each of the two boards between the joists, one on each end of the attic access.
Drive a 1-5/8-inch drywall screw every 4 inches around the perimeter of the hole and into the wooden frame to support the drywall around the attic access hole.
If you are installing an attic ladder, check that your ceiling joists are installed at 16 inches on center. If they are not, you will need to cut one joist and attach a support beam.
Once you have created your opening, you can then install your attic access door (scuttle attic).
You will need to determine where best for your door is based on roofline considerations. Cut a piece of paneling just slightly larger than your opening and attach it with screws or nails.
Make sure to insulate any exposed areas before installing your door frame into place. Finally, attach your staircase or ladder to complete installation.
What Tools Are Needed For Attic Scuttle Installation?
The tools needed for attic scuttle installation include a hammer, circular saw, miter box saw, drill, ladder, screwdriver, and 1×3 cleats.
The installation process involves cutting out the attic access opening, removing joists and other obstructions, constructing the opening frame, mounting the door panel, installing spring drums, and attaching the staircase to the door panel.
It is important to note that this process should only be done by an experienced professional as it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
