Both wood and aluminium ladders have their merits and faults, but both are a long-lasting and reliable options. Wooden ladders are better for those who have a traditional, cosy home and want to keep their attic ladder in keeping with this theme.
You can find attic ladders made of aluminum, steel, or wood. Aluminum is generally the best all-around choice because it is lightweight and strong. Because aluminum is a rust-resistant metal, it's unlikely to be affected by humidity and temperature over the years.
Durability and Strength:
Aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion, which extends the lifespan of the ladder, especially when exposed to outdoor elements. This durability makes aluminum ladders a reliable choice for both residential and commercial applications.
1. Pull-Down Attic Ladders. Pull-down attic ladders are among the most common types found in homes today. These ladders are permanently installed and fold out from the ceiling.
Make sure you accurately measure your opening size, floor-to-ceiling height, as well as swing clearance and landing space, so you select a ladder that will fit the space you have. Whether you prefer lightweight and long-lasting aluminum, or economical wood, we have attic ladders for your various needs.
Timber ladders can start to weaken over time. If you're only going up and down once or twice a year the timber is fine, but the aluminium makes an attic space easier and more enjoyable to use more frequently.
For most homeowners, aluminum attic ladders are the easiest to install.
You could pay as little as $300 to DIY install a standard wooden ladder, or closer to $2,300 for a complex professional installation that requires structural changes and high-end materials. However, most homeowners pay between $400 and $1,000 for a standard attic ladder installation.
Attic ladders are available in different lengths, and you want the bottom of the “stringers” (ladder rails) to fully extend and touch the floor.
Scissor stairs are a top quality alternative for attic ladders. Especially in professional applications where reliability and labour safety is required.
Aluminium is conductive, so you can easily suffer from electric shocks. High-heat situations are also not recommended for aluminium ladders, so it is important to consider this when choosing the correct ladder.
Despite this, wood ladders are not appropriate for all industrial or commercial environments as they are prone to rot, fungi, mold, and pests.
For example, if you are working near sources of electricity, a metal ladder should be rejected since aluminum is an electrical conductor. Your body can complete an electrical circuit between the electrical power source, the ladder, and then to the ground in the event of a live wire contact incident.
Ladders are costly because they have to be made out of sturdy, high-quality materials if they're going to be safe to use.
The feet should rest firmly on the floor, and the ladder should be at a 68 to 80 degree angle. Once the ladder is extended, rotate both right-hand side catches downward to unlock and release them so they lock into the other ladder sections.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that exceed 30 square feet (2.8m squared) and have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or more.
We recommend a ceiling position in your home that provides space to operate your ladder and is fairly central, so that your entry point from the ladder into your roof space gives you the maximum amount of head space possible. Usually this is a hallway or central room in your home.
Added home value
The other benefits of adding a roof ladder to your home add up to real savings and improvements. This adds resale value to your home overall, meaning a roof ladder is one of the smarter investments you can make to improve your property.
Although costs might vary depending on the material of the loft ladder, the average time for installation should be similar. For standard fittings, where no hatch adjustments are required, you can expect your tradesman to install a loft ladder in around 2 - 3 hours.
Both wood and aluminium ladders have their merits and faults, but both are a long-lasting and reliable options. Wooden ladders are better for those who have a traditional, cosy home and want to keep their attic ladder in keeping with this theme.
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).
Durable Aluminum Construction: Made of high-quality aluminum, this attic ladder provides strength and durability, allowing it to support up to 375 pounds.
Choosing the Right Attic Ladder Size
Most standard ladders require an opening of 22.5" x 54". However, if you're choosing a larger aluminum ladder, you may need an opening of 25" x 66". In some cases, oversized wooden ladders can require an opening as big as 30" x 54".
Installation requires two people.
Fire-rated attic ladders enhance the safety of your home. They are designed to help protect your home from fire and prevent its spread. FAKRO fire-rated attic ladders act as blaze block in the event that part of your home catches fire. The doors consist of fireproof materials designed to withstand intense heat.