What is the framed opening in the ceiling to provide access to the attic called?

Author: Camren Beahan  |  Last update: Friday, April 18, 2025

A scuttle attic hole is a small attic access point in the ceiling of some buildings; a ceiling attic door. This hole is covered with a piece of material, typically drywall, called the hatch. The term "scuttle" simply means a hole.

What is the hole in the ceiling to the attic called?

A scuttle attic is an attic space accessed by a small hole in the ceiling. The hole, along with the panel that covers it, is called a hatch. Because the term ''scuttle attic'' refers to the opening rather than the attic itself, you might also see it called a ''scuttle hole'' or an ''attic hatch.

What is the opening to an attic called?

You might also hear it called an attic hatch or scuttle hole. Unlike full-sized attics with dedicated staircases, you can access a scuttle attic with a ladder. The attic space varies in size—some offer enough room to stand up, while others provide only crawl space.

What is the opening in the ceiling called?

An access panel or scuttle. Usually, access panels are flush, or nearly so, with the ceiling. Scuttles are recessed up.

What is the rough opening for an attic access?

Measure the rough opening in your ceiling, both the width and length. Standard openings are 22.5” x 54”, but some homes have wider openings. Conversely, some homes have smaller openings (or hatches).

60 Year Old Mason Was Stunned by This Method! Repair Hole in Drywall in 5 Minutes

What is the code for access to an attic?

R807. 1Attic access. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).

What size ceiling is needed for attic access?

The minimum attic access size is 22 by 30 inches. If the attic access point is located in a wall, it must be at least 22 inches wide and 30 inches high.

What is ceiling framing called?

Ceiling Joists are structural framing members that support anything attached or mounted to the ceiling, including drywall or other finishes, light fixtures, air vents, smoke alarms, security cameras, fire sprinkler systems, etc.

Where is access to the attic provided?

One inexpensive and common type of access is referred to as a scuttle hole or attic hatch, which is simply a removable portion of the ceiling that allows access to the attic above. An attic hatch is commonly located in a closet or main hallway.

What is scuttle access attic?

A scuttle attic is an attic space accessed only by a small hole in a ceiling or, less commonly, a wall. To make sure that it isn't just a gaping obvious hole in a ceiling, it often has a removable cover. Taken together, the hole and cover structure is referred to as a hatch.

What is another name for an attic access?

“Scuttle” simply means “hole.” So a scuttle attic is a small hole or access point in the ceiling, usually covered with a moveable drywall section called a hatch. Scuttle attics are also known as ceiling attic doors.

What is attic access?

An opening that is placed in the dry-walled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.

What is the attic vent called?

The most common type of roof intake venting is soffit ventilation. Soffit vents (for intake) and ridge vents (for exhaust) make up half of the most common ventilation setups (for exhaust). You can put soffits, like intake vents, on the eaves, or the overhanging edges, of your roof.

What is the space between the ceiling and the roof called?

An attic (sometimes referred to as a loft) is a space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building.

Why is there a hole in the ceiling?

If you suspect a roof leak, start by checking the attic for signs of water damage or mold growth. If there are no signs of leaks, the problem may be due to a drywall screw that has popped out or larger holes in the ceiling caused by something hitting the ceiling.

What is the thing around the ceiling called?

Coving. Also known as “coves”, ceiling coving is a simpler, more uniform version of cornicing. Both are designed to add a decorative touch to the walls and ceilings of an interior location, but the aesthetic difference will help to inform you of which you are looking at.

What provides access to the attic area?

A scuttle attic, also known as an attic scuttle or scuttle hole, is a small opening that provides access to an attic space. It is typically located in a ceiling, wall, or closet, and is used to reach the attic for storage or to perform maintenance tasks.

What is the standard opening for attic access?

The rough-framed opening shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other location with ready access. Where located in a wall, the opening shall be not less than 22 inches wide by 30 inches high (559 mm wide by 762 mm high).

Where is the entrance to the attic?

In most homes, the attic door or hatch, is a framed plywood square in the ceiling of a hallway or bedroom, with no insulation above it. Without insulation, it is like having an open door to the outside or an open fireplace flue.

What is a ceiling cutout called?

The tray ceiling is one large recess in a ceiling while the coffered ceiling has a series of sunken panels. TRAY CEILING: a recess in a ceiling that resembles an inverted tray. Often rectangular, though it can be other shapes, the tray ceiling is used to create architectural interest by breaking up a flat ceiling line.

What is a batten ceiling?

Batten ceilings are a type of ceiling that is made up of timber, which is an affordable and sustainable material. Timber battens are often used in warehouses, workshops and garages as they provide good insulation against the heat and noise.

What are the parts of a ceiling?

The parts that make up your ceiling are . The joists, the noggins or struts, lateral restraints , insulation and ceiling board ,coving .

What is the code for the attic entrance?

The opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches and shall be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location. A readily accessible location means a location that may be reached directly without items that need to be moved in order to gain access.

What is the minimum opening for ceiling access?

"Where access to a ceiling space is required through the ceiling, a clear opening not less than 600 mm x 500 mm shall be provided..."

What is the IRC code for attic access?

1Attic access. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).

Previous article
Do vapor barrier seams need to be taped?
Next article
Do titanium blades last longer?