We had a discussion about attic access today and I thought I’d share the basic rules.
First, the International Residential Code 2006 says that you need to have attic access into any areas of your attic that are more than 30 square feet and also have a vertical height of 30″ or more.
The rough framed opening for the access at least 22″ by 30″ and located in a readily accessible area. The minimum headroom at the access needs to be 30″.
If you put mechanical equipment in the attic then you need attic access big enough to replace the unit and you need a service are of at least 30″ x30″ along any sides that might need to be serviced.
The interesting thing here is that if you remember the number 30 then you’re basically set.
