Manhole in the roof of the house for maintenance of the chimney. Varieties and manufacture of hatches for the roof of the house

If you are determined to actively use attic space, most likely, you will have to make a hatch to the attic. In the villages in the past, this task was handled very simply - it was enough to use ladder, but for modern man such a dubious method can hardly be called appropriate. Definitely, you will need a convenient hole from the inside of the house, and not from the outside, as was previously practiced. Available for sale turnkey solutions, but you still have to deal with their installation yourself, and the dimensions of the structure may not go. This article will discuss how to make the roof of the house habitable.

Buy or make?

Those who plan to buy ready product, can use the instructions for installing it, which will also be given in this article, and those who want to make a convenient hatch to the attic with their own hands will be interested in the full information about the process, which we offer for reading. So here are a few important nuances useful for work:

choose a place for the opening so as not to hit your head on truss elements or the roof at the time of lifting up;
under the floor beams, the entrance to the roof of the house is not built;
if the upper floor is still not insulated, you will have to make thermal insulation;
the opening needs to be strengthened. For wooden structures wooden beams are suitable, and in concrete houses reinforcement is carried out with metal corners;
it is necessary to provide free space under the hatch for a retractable ladder.

In the event that you will do the hatch along with the stairs yourself, do not be too lazy to carefully study all the stages of the process, then you will not encounter difficulties in the work, and it will not seem difficult to you.

Manufacturing steps

Before you make a hatch to the attic, you need to draw up drawings on which all the necessary measurements and parameters are noted: the thickness of the ceiling, the dimensions of the cover and the opening that you will cut out. Please note that insulated rooms can be supplied with a conventional cover, while cold rooms will require additional thermal insulation. It doesn’t matter how you draw up the diagram - by hand on paper or in a special computer program, most importantly, take into account all the necessary dimensions. When the scheme is drawn up, you can proceed to the practical side of the issue, as well as prepare tools for work.

opening cutting

If at the stage of building the house a manhole to the roof was not provided, you will have to cut it out yourself. Of course, if there is already such a hole for installing the door, this stage of work is skipped.

To begin with, marking is carried out with the expectation that the hole should be 5–6 cm larger than the dimensions of the hatch frame. In the future, the gap will help compensate for the thickness of the boards from which the frame will be made. The material from the sawn piece of the ceiling can be used for lining the lid, of course, if it has a normal aesthetic appearance.

Opening frame assembly

Here we need boards with a thickness of 2 - 3 cm, it is this caliber that will make the base strong. The frame can be round or square. The second option provides for the obligatory straightness of all corners. The frame dimensions of 60X120 cm can be considered standard, and such dimensions are suitable for the vast majority of homeowners. You are guided by personal preferences and the dimensions of the opening, you may want to increase the manhole to the roof of the house, but we do not recommend making it smaller. After assembly, the frame is mounted on its own seat into the ceiling opening.

We make a cover

As mentioned earlier, the most common cover can be assembled from the cut-out remnants of the ceiling, which were formed as a result of sawing the opening. The assembled door must be reinforced on the reverse side with a transverse bar. Then it must be fixed in the chosen place with loops located along the long or short side of the cover. Take a closer look at which side it will be more convenient for you to open the door, and only then proceed to fix it on the frame. Also consider how the hatch leading to the roof of the house should open, inside or outside the room.

We are engaged in insulation and decoration

The issue of insulation, as we said earlier, will depend entirely on the degree of thermal insulation of the upper floor. An insulated floor can get by with an elementary layer of insulation, but we advise you to pay attention to sound insulation. Naturally, a cold room needs a high-quality large-scale insulating coating. To do this, you have to lay a layer vapor barrier membrane and a layer of insulating material according to the scheme standard for such a process. At the last stage, you need to make an external finish.

As you already understood, this is how the simplest hatch leading to the roof of the house is mounted. To more difficult decisions can be attributed to the design with a retractable ladder. Assembly process here it is carried out according to a similar scheme with only some differences.

Complex structures

The hatch to the attic can be completed with a stationary ladder. Here, too, work begins with cutting through the opening. The further course of the process depends on which design you chose and in what order you will make it. Let's make a reservation right away that the work on assembling and installing a hatch with a ladder in this case will be somewhat more complicated than in the option considered above. Be sure to make sure that all the sizes of the interacting elements match:

You can measure all these parameters yourself or remove it from a purchased product if you do not make it yourself. In this case, the cover must have a space containing the longest part of the retractable ladder in the assembled position.

Also remember that the weight of the ladder must be supported with a margin by the lid, otherwise breakage and, in the worst case, injury cannot be avoided. We must not forget about a reliable latch that will firmly hold the structure in the frame of the ceiling opening.

All the processes that we have mentioned are provided schematically, but if you decide to build a hatch to the attic yourself, you do not need more detailed information, because you most likely have certain skills, but general recommendations with an illustration will not hurt anyone. The one who buys a ready-made hatch for access to the roof of the house can use the instructions for installing it, which is necessarily attached to the product.

Luke to the attic: step by step installation do it yourself

A hatch on the roof of the house is necessary if you plan to actively use the attic space. How to make a hatch to the attic, read our article!

Construction of houses

The attic is a great place to put old things, clothes and other accessories on it. However, for its operation, it is necessary to equip a hatch that will help you easily get into the attic. We will talk about the types of hatches for the attic and the features of their self-production further.

How to make a hatch to the attic: choosing a place and preparing for work

A fairly common purpose of the attic is to perform the function of a storage room. There are located different kind things that have seasonal or occasional use. In order to get them, you must have constant access to the attic. For these purposes, it is recommended to equip a hatch that will allow you to get out of the attic, any necessary thing.

There are two ways to enter the attic. The first involves making a special entrance hole on the gable part, on which the attic door is installed. This method is good because it is not necessary to make a hole in the ceiling and violate its integrity. Although, when using the door, it is necessary to install an additional ladder, and this requires material investments. The second, easier to manufacture method is the arrangement of a hatch in the attic, which is located on the ceiling.

In the process of choosing a place where the hatch will be located, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the hatch cover should open freely, without any obstacles.

In addition, the design of the hatch should be in harmony with the overall style of the interior. If you plan to use a stationary type staircase, then it should also not interfere with free movement around the room.

If there are beams on the ceiling, then make sure that the hatch is not located directly on them, as the strength of the ceiling is significantly reduced.

The do-it-yourself hatch to the attic should be:

attractive and distinguished by the presence of modern design;
be easy to install;
be reliable, durable and safe;
it is preferable to choose or build insulated hatches;
additional fittings: arguments and handles will help simplify the procedure for using the hatch.

Hatch to the attic: features and varieties

In relation to the place of installation of the hatch and its design features, the hatch in the attic is:

The first option involves mounting the hatch on the ceiling surface. Such hatches are distinguished by ease of use and ease of manufacture. The second type of hatches is also called a manhole. angle type hatch is most often mounted on attic room, in the presence of a sloping type of roof.

In addition, attic hatches are made of wood, metal, plastic and other alternative options. Most often, wood is used in the construction of hatches.

Insulated attic hatch - manufacturing technology

To build a hatch with insulation, we recommend using these instructions:

1. Before starting the manufacture of the hatch, a drawing should be made of the hatch to the attic, which indicates its shape, dimensions and additional design features.

2. To build a hatch frame, prepare boards that are at least 2 cm thick. Try to build a rectangular structure of a previously defined size.

3. Please note that all corners must be absolutely even. Standard attic hatch dimensions - 600x1200 mm. Although determining the size of the hatch depends on the constitution of the people who will use it and on the size of things stored in the attic.

4. The next step is to cut an opening on the ceiling, please note that the opening should be 5 cm larger than the dimensions of the hatch. The main function of this allowance is to cover the opening with a special frame.

5. If the work is carried out in wooden house, then for the manufacture of the hatch, the very tree that is cut from the ceiling is quite suitable. Otherwise, you need to purchase wood.

6. When choosing a tree, it is better to give preference to larch, as this variety wood has good performance and strength characteristics.

7. The side of fixing the hinges on the hatch depends on the individual preferences of its owners.

8. In order for the lid to gain additional strength, care must be taken to install a diagonal strut, which is fixed using self-tapping screws or steel corners.

9. In order to ensure the thermal insulation of the hatch, it is recommended to use a heater. Most often, the same material is used as for attic insulation, for example, foam or mineral wool.

10. Please note that a vapor barrier must be pre-installed at the bottom of the cover, since these types of insulation are susceptible to moisture.

11. At the next stage, fittings are installed in the form of latches and closers. Installing a seal around the perimeter of the hatch will prevent cold air from entering the room from the attic.

12. C inside the frame is sheathed with a casing, thus improving the appearance of the hatch.

13. The installation of a ladder is completing the work, which will help to climb and descend to the hatch.

Installing a hatch in the attic: installation of purchased structures

Installing a hatch bought in a store is a little easier than making it yourself. However, in this matter, there are nuances that must be adhered to.

The cost of a purchased hatch directly depends on the material from which it is made. The price of hatches made of metal is much higher than for wooden ones.

Before buying a hatch and stairs for the attic, first measure the height of the ceiling in the room, optimal size for the hatch, the place of installation of the stairs. Among the advantages of purchased sliding ladders for hatches are:

compactness and ease of location even in a small room;
multifunctionality;
ease of installation;
attractive appearance.

To unfold the attic stairs, you do not need to put too much effort. It is because of this that purchased models are more common than homemade ones. A minimum of two people are required to assemble the hatch and ladder. One of which is located in the attic, raises the structure to the top.

Before fixing the frame, two boards are installed on the lower part, it is on them that the hatch is laid. Further, the structure is laid on them and leveled with wedges. To control evenness corner structures use a level.

Thus, it will be possible to avoid deformation of the hatch during its installation. After the ladder is fixed on the frame, the hatch is fixed to it with screws. If a small gap is formed, use mounting foam to fill it. Next, remove the boards that insured the hatch from skew, keep in mind that until the foam has completely hardened, the operation of the hatch is not possible.

The side bolts on the ladder are loosened and it unfolds to right size. If there is a skew, the ladder should be adjusted so that it becomes even, this is done by twisting the bolts.

How to make a hatch in the attic with your own hands

If it is planned to equip an attic hatch on a reinforced concrete floor, it is recommended to equip the hatch at the junction of two slabs. Thus, it will be possible to prevent the weakening of the entire structure.

For the manufacture of standard or fire hatches, a hole should be made, for a concrete slab, the work will take at least an hour and a half. To make a hole, you will need a grinder, with nozzles for working with metal, a puncher, scrap and a sledgehammer.

First of all, make a markup, the size of the hole on the concrete should be a few centimeters larger than the size of the hatch itself. To obtain strictly vertical end sections of the hatch, it is necessary to have a perforator and a drill in it, the length of which is much greater than the thickness of the plate.

Make sure that the punch is strictly vertical with respect to the surface. In each of the corners of the previously marked plate, drill one of the holes.

Using a diamond blade, first cut through one of the marking lines. Make sure that the disc does not come into contact with the armature, as there is a risk of damage to it. After preparing the slots, use a perforator to find the empty areas of the slab by drilling through it.

Using a sledgehammer, break the slab, in places where the concrete touches the reinforcement, use a crowbar. After upholstering all the concrete, carefully cut the reinforcement, using leveling, smooth out all the irregularities that occur on the metal surface. Please note that the accuracy and quality of the installation of the hatch depends on the evenness and smoothness of the opening.

Tip: If you plan to use a purchased device, then the dimensions for the opening should be indicated in technical specifications hatch. At self-manufacturing hatch for the attic, on each side should be left at least one centimeter.

In order to build a hatch ladder to the attic, you should initially build a frame, which is fixed in the opening with anchors. To ensure smooth closing or opening of the hatch, it is necessary to purchase closers. In addition, the surface of the cover should be similar to the finish of the ceiling. The best option- the use of polystyrene foam boards, which are sheathed on top with chipboard.

The finished hatch must be equipped with seals and face strips. Therefore, the hole for its installation must be made with maximum accuracy.

To carry out work, it is better to climb into the attic and start from this part. In relation to external dimensions casing, it is necessary to mark the floor on which the hatch will be installed.

To remove the top layer of the floor, it is best to use a grinder. If there is waterproofing and insulation on the ceiling, they should be carefully removed and corrected with a knife. To see the perimeter of the location of the hatch in the room, you need to make several control holes.

Next, take the hatch and attach it to the floor surface in the attic, compare its dimensions with the perimeter of the holes made. The hatch frame should be located in the opening as tightly as possible. If there are gaps on it, then use mounting foam for sealing. Work with it should be started only after careful alignment and determination of the meta position of the hatch.

With each side of the rafters, fix the hatch between them. For a high-quality attic staircase, a special frame is required to help protect people living in the house from accidental falls.

If there are rafters on only one or two sides, it is necessary to install a beam on the third side, on which the hatch will be fixed. Please note that the installation of the hatch requires special responsibility from the person who performs it. The minimum load on the ladder and hatch is 200 kg.

Direct installation of the hatch requires the following actions:

assembling the frame and installing it in the hole;
fixing the rim on the surface of the rafters from above, in their absence on the beams;
fixing the rim from the bottom of the room;
fixing the cover on the hatch;
connection of the stairs with the hatch;
checking the functionality of the entire system.

Features of fire hatches in the attic

Such hatches have very simple design features, they consist of a steel frame, for which a non-combustible material is used as a sealant and a steel door that automatically snaps into place after closing.

To enter the attic on the hatch there is retractable ladder. Before installing such a hatch, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features of its choice:

1. Fire resistance from 40 minutes to one hour.

2. The minimum thickness of the steel from which it is made is 1 cm. It is possible to cover the hatch with the same material as the decoration of the room to ensure its complete harmony in the interior.

3. The presence of a non-combustible thermoset seal, which, when expanded, blocks the ingress of smoke into the attic or into the room.

4. Internal filling– mineral wool or any other fire-resistant material.

5. The presence of closers, handles, locks - high quality.

6. If you plan to install the hatch on a wooden ceiling, then you must additionally purchase materials installed between the hatch hole and the hatch itself.

Do-it-yourself hatch to the attic, Building Portal

Construction of houses The attic space is a great place to place old things, clothes and other accessories on it. However, for its operation, it is necessary to equip

Do-it-yourself hatch to the attic

The attic is used to store old things. Household items that are used only at certain times are stored in this room. For example, it can be sleds or skis. Owners country houses there are questions about how to get to the attic. How to provide access to this room? To do this, in the floor you need to install a hatch in the attic with your own hands.

How to choose a place for mounting the hatch

There are several types of attic hatches. Home owners use 2 options for entering the attic. In the first case, the owner makes a special hole on the front. In the resulting opening, an attic door is installed. However, with this method, it becomes necessary to install an additional ladder. This requires additional investment on the part of the home owner.

Another option is to equip the hatch in the attic. When choosing a location for the hatch, it must be taken into account that the lid must open freely. Pay attention to the design of the hatch. It should match the general style of the interior.

If you are planning to use a ladder standard type then make sure that it does not interfere with free movement around the room. Removing part of the ceiling when installing the hatch is unacceptable. This leads to a decrease in their strength.

In order to make a hatch to the attic with your own hands, you need to ensure that you adhere to several rules:

The design should be attractive, have a modern design.
Ease of installation is of great importance.
The hatch must have high strength and reliability.
When choosing models, preference should be given to insulated type structures. Otherwise, cold may enter the room. Closers and handles can be used as additional fittings.

When choosing a place to install the hatch, you need to consider several points. Ensure that the manhole cover opens freely. There should be no obstacles to functioning. When installing the structure, many owners do typical mistake. They do not take into account their height and, while climbing the stairs, they can hit their heads on structural elements.

If you install the hatch in the attic on your own, then in no case mount it on the supporting beams. During operation, their integrity may be violated. This will affect bearing capacity, and reduce the strength of the ceiling. When installing, consider such characteristics as reliability, safety and strength. To avoid errors in manufacturing, it is necessary to adhere to the drawing.

What to do if the top floor is not insulated? In this case, before installing the hatch, it is necessary to carry out thermal insulation work. Wooden beams are used to reinforce the opening. In concrete houses, you can strengthen the opening under the hatch with the help of metal corners. Be sure to consider the availability of free space under the hatch for a retractable ladder.

What types of hatches can be

Depending on the installation location and design features distinguish:

horizontal models.
vertical structures.
corner models.

Horizontal hatches are very convenient to mount on the ceiling surface. Many owners of country houses have already managed to appreciate their convenience in operation. Plus, they're pretty easy to make.

In the manufacture of hatches for attic spaces, wood, metal or plastic are used. It all depends on the preferences of the owner, who decided to equip the attic in the house. metal models have high strength.

How to make an insulated attic hatch

To make a hatch to the attic with your own hands using this technology, you must adhere to the following sequence. First you need to prepare a drawing, taking into account the design features, shape and size of the frame. In the manufacture of an insulated hatch, boards with a thickness of at least 2 centimeters are used.

In the future, the owner must make a rectangular structure based on the size of the room. All corners must be absolutely even. Typically, home owners use designs with standard sizes, which are 600 by 1200 mm. However, much depends on the constitution of a person - so that it is convenient for him to climb into the attic. Be sure to measure the height of the ceiling before proceeding with the installation of the hatch.

At the stage of fixing the hinges on the hatch, consider the individual preferences of the owners. The cover should not reduce the strength of the structure. To do this, you need to install a diagonal strut. It is fixed with self-tapping screws or steel corners.

Thermal insulation of the hatch is provided through the use of insulation. It can be foam or mineral wool. Keep in mind that condensation will begin to accumulate in the attic after rain. To prevent the formation of moisture, it is necessary to think about a vapor barrier. Thanks to the vapor barrier materials, the accumulation of condensate can be avoided.

After that, proceed to the installation of fittings in the form of latches and closers. The use of a sealant will help prevent cold air from entering the attic into the main areas of the house.

Frame sheathing not only increases the strength of the structure. In this way, you can change the appearance of the product. At the final stage, a ladder is installed that rises to the hatch.

How to make a hatch with your own hands

Installing a hatch at the junction of two plates weakens the entire structure. When installing standard hatches, you must first make a hole in concrete slab. The job will take approximately 2 hours. During this time, you can make an opening in the floor according to the markings.

It is most convenient to cut a rectangular opening under the hatch with a grinder. Included with the tool must be special nozzles. They are designed to work with metal. When installing the hatch, prepare a puncher and a sledgehammer.

First, mark the hole in the concrete. After that, drill control holes with a puncher. The length of the drill must be greater than the thickness of the overlap. Otherwise, you will not be able to drill the ceiling to the desired depth.

Now take a diamond disc and cut through one of the marking lines. In the process of work, it must be taken into account that the disk should not come into contact with the reinforcement. Otherwise, the floors may be damaged. Damaged beams may not withstand the load. Construction errors can be costly to a home owner.

Mounting Features

Break the floor slab with a sledgehammer. To facilitate the work, you can use a crowbar. Carefully cut off all the reinforcement and smooth out the bumps. The accuracy and quality of the installation of the hatch will depend on the smoothness of the opening.

When making a hatch at home, you must consider next moment. Leave 1 centimeter on each side. This backlash is used to cover possible defects.

Anchors are used to fix the hatch in a certain place. After installation, it is necessary to achieve a smooth closing of the hatch. This can be ensured by closers. To prevent deformation, the hatch is sheathed with chipboard. In this way, the strength of the structure can be increased.

When installing an attic hatch, it is necessary to take into account what can be found in stores ready-made options. They just need to be mounted in the opening. However, their quality largely depends on the material from which the products are made. Metal constructions They are more expensive because they are more durable and reliable.

All purchased products are equipped with mechanisms that ensure the safety of the owner. The factory staircase meets all safety requirements. Its steps are made in such a way that it was impossible to slip on them. This reduces the risk of injury.

What are the advantages of a rope opening system

The hatch handle can be replaced with a more original opening system. For this, a rope is used, which is fixed with the help of special blocks. A hole must be made in the surface of the ceiling. Through it, the rope descends a certain distance. At the end of the rope is a hook, which is attached to the wall ring. Thanks to this mechanism, even a child can open the hatch, as this does not require significant effort.

Stages of manufacturing an attic hatch

Seals and faceplates are used to ensure the tightness of the finished hatch. Holes must be drilled before installing the hatch. To perform this operation, go up to the attic. Mistakes can be avoided by pre-marking. In the process of installing the hatch, you can not do without a grinder.

What to do if a layer of insulation and waterproofing is laid on the attic floor? You need to work carefully. Construction Materials can be removed with a knife. After that, the area occupied by the hatch is determined. So you can avoid mistakes when installing the hatch in the attic. Match the size of the cover to the inspection holes provided for installing the chassis.

The hatch should be located in the opening as tightly as possible. Through the cracks in the premises of the house will flow cold air. Condensation will begin to accumulate on the walls. Therefore, existing gaps are closed with polyurethane foam. So you can achieve tightness between the attic and the rest of the house.

This is followed by careful alignment. The hatch is fixed between the rafters. To equip the stairs, you must use a special frame. Otherwise, people climbing the stairs to the attic may fall and be injured.

When installing the hatch, you must adhere to the following rules:

First you need to assemble the frame and mount it taking into account the pre-drilled holes.
The next step is the installation of rafters, which are necessary to ensure the safety of people.
After fixing the ladder and the hatch, the operability of the system is checked.

What are the features of fire hatches?

All hatch elements are mounted on a steel frame. It is designed to reinforce the structure. To prevent drafts in the room, a sealant is used.

The insert door locks automatically after closing. To get to the attic faster, the hatch is attached to a movable ladder. Thanks to the fire-resistant coating, the structure can withstand about 40 minutes even during a fire. The owner of the house gives great importance appearance hatch. It should not stand out too much due to a style mismatch. Non-combustible materials are used as a sealant.

Mineral wool is used as an internal filler. When installing the hatch, pay attention to the quality of the fittings. The reliability of the structure depends on the strength of closers and locks.

Among the advantages of purchasing purchased products include less laboriousness during installation. During the installation process, consider the characteristics of the stairs. It is necessary to know the height of the ceiling in order to avoid collision with structural elements. A person should not be afraid that at any moment he can hit his head on structural elements.

Be sure to consider the size of the opening. It should be 5 cm larger than the hatch. This allowance is necessary in order to sheathe the opening with a special frame. When buying a tree, it is best to give preference to larch. It is highly durable and reliable.

Do-it-yourself hatch to the attic: step-by-step instruction, Photo and video

Do-it-yourself hatch to the attic. How to choose a place for mounting the hatch. Stages of manufacturing a hatch for an attic. How to make a hatch with your own hands.

The roof of every home should be serviced and inspected from time to time. For this purpose, residential buildings are equipped with a hatch, with which you can get to the roof of the house. This hatch is necessary for all houses, except for one-story ones, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich does not exceed 100 sq.m.

roof hatch

There are many elements in need of care, such as the chimney, television antennas, ventilation outlets, etc. Often, maintenance cannot be carried out from the inside, so a convenient and safe exit leading to the roof is needed.

Another purpose is fire safety, because through the hatch you can not only leave the attic, but also remove smoke.

The hatch leading to the roof of the house is installed taking into account the pitch of the rafters, since the box will be attached directly to them. The gap between the adjacent rafter and the strapping of the hatch box should be 7 mm.

Sunroof at home

In the event that the distance between the rafters exceeds the size of the hatch box, an additional frame is installed.

The design of the hatch usually has the shape of a square: its side is 120 cm or 45 cm, and the possible number of hatches is the greater, more area roofs.

The sequence of actions when installing the hatch

First of all, you need to make an open opening leading to the roof and cut off the roofing material: the opening is sawn out, relying on nails driven into the corners of this opening.
The hatch frame is constructed next. This will require wooden bars having a cross section of 5 x 10 cm - they are nailed to the place of the former location of the beams. From the inside, two jambs are nailed on the ceiling: in order to hold the weight of the beams.
When installing the hatch, you must take care of ventilation. To do this, delays or reflectors made of plywood are installed near the roof slope to redirect air flows away from the insulating material.
The last stage is the installation of the hatch. Its frame is fixed to the frame with nails or screws. During installation, for obvious reasons, it is necessary to seal the joints: this can be done using a sealant.

Varieties of hatches for roofs

To date, there are many varieties of hatches that combine the features of external attractiveness and functionality. The hatch is not always a simple lid with a ladder attached to it: in most cases, it does not harm the appearance of the roof, does not violate the interior of the house. Consider several types of roof hatches: hatch-window, operational, wooden.

Hatch window

It is mainly installed in attic rooms where there are no heating systems. Such a hatch allows you to provide access to the surface and roofs, as well as create daylight in the attic.

sunroof window

Frames can be made of wood, aluminum or polyurethane. It also has the advantage of being easy to install. The disadvantages include the lack of the possibility of attaching a ladder: only an attached one is used.

maintenance hatch

The design is a box with a blind lid. Often the box is equipped with a metal ladder. Such hatches are usually equipped with high-rise or industrial building. The hatch is delivered assembled, and installation does not take much time.

The maintenance hatch may look like this

The advantage is the possibility of operating atypical shapes and sizes of the hatch. metal box galvanized, painted and thermally insulated.

However, the maintenance hatch is not decorative even when replacing a conventional cover with a translucent one.

wooden hatch

A wooden hatch with a folding ladder is usually used in private homes. The design difference is the presence of a folding ladder, fixed to a wooden hatch.

Attic hatch in a private house

A folding ladder can quickly get to the roof. When folded, the hatch looks like simple lid from wood. To avoid the occurrence of fungus, the tree must be treated with protective agents.

In houses where there is no attic, the attic is often used for domestic purposes. There you can store useful things, display communications. To make it convenient to get to the top, it is necessary to make a hatch for the attic and it is better if it is inside the house. What to arrange and choose the size of the hatch to the attic we will tell in this article.

Whatever shape and variety you choose a manhole, it will be difficult to do without a ladder. If a hatch made of metal or wood can be easily hidden in the ceiling, then when choosing a staircase, you need to think about the layout of the room. There are several design options:

Stationary. Installed during the construction of the house. They cannot be moved or folded, so Special attention focus on design and appearance.
Portable. Such a ladder is usually stored in the pantry and causes additional trouble. It not only takes up useful space, but when you need to go up to the attic, you have to move it.
Folding. This is the most convenient option for operation in a residential building. It saves living space, you do not need to make special efforts in order to use it. The only drawback can be considered the complexity of assembling a folding ladder.

Depending on which version of the ladder was chosen and at what angle it is installed, the size of the hatch to the attic is determined. The permissible width ranges from 0.7 to 1 meter. The practical slope of the lift is 65°, and the comfortable one is 45°. In the first case, the design will not take up much space, and in the second, you can easily climb into the attic.

For most stairs, 10-15 steps without risers will suffice. A convenient step width is 250-300 mm. To save material and not lose practicality, the distance between the steps is made equal to 190 mm. Choose durable wood species, 20 mm thick. This thickness is able to withstand a weight of more than 150 kg.

Types of hatches

Depending on the design solution of the house, the chosen stairs and the operation of the attic space, different kinds hatches. The most common constructive solutions the following options are considered:

Horizontal. It is used in situations where you often have to raise it to the attic. You can do it yourself by cutting into the ceiling and installing a ladder.
Vertical . Suitable for multi-level buildings. If one of the rooms does not have attic floor and combined with the roof. Such a hatch is built into the wall that separates the residential and non-residential premises. Rarely used in private construction.
Mansard. The hatch is combined with access to the roof. A difficult project to implement, which is usually given to specialized studios. Functional and nice solution for houses with attics.
Revision. At slight slopes roof slopes to get into the attic is difficult. If you still need to check the space above the rooms, make a small hatch. Usually, either a folding or a portable ladder is used for it.

In the classic version, the access to the attic is made square with a white sash. If desired, you can make or order a design that matches the color of the interior of the house. Large manholes are equipped with two wings, and in some cases, to enter the attic, it is enough to tilt one half of the hatch.

If the attic is not heated, it is necessary to take care of sufficient insulation of the manhole. Ready-made options are sold in stores, so it is not necessary to calculate the thickness of the insulation and assemble the hatch.

Popular Manhole Materials

As mentioned above, two main materials are used for attic hatches: wood and metal. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as subtleties during installation.

On the one hand, metal structures are reliable, and on the other hand, they have a lot of weight. The dimensions and weight of the product repels many homeowners. The fact is that a heavy lid when closing can hurt and cause injury. In addition, it is quite difficult to install the product alone.

Metal conducts heat well, so if the attic is unheated, you have to make a thick layer of insulation. It increases total weight structures, because of which it is necessary to strengthen the structure of the attic floor. To facilitate the operation of such a hatch, manufacturers build in a hydraulic system.

More simple and cheap option- wooden hatches to the attic. Although the strength is inferior to metal, wood has its advantages. For example, this material is an excellent heat insulator and does not let the cold through in winter. The light weight of the sashes makes the option safer to use. The simple design and availability of materials allows you to make a hatch with your own hands.

Beyond material attic hatches also differ in the way they open. Some designs are made so that the sash folds up. For such options, it is necessary to have a good physical strength. But with them you can use adjustable and stationary ladders.

Manholes, in which hatches open down, are usually equipped with sliding ladders. Due to the complexity of the design, it is difficult to make such options on your own. Therefore, usually such hatches are bought in specialized stores. Nevertheless, this option is preferable, as it saves space in the house and makes the attic hole invisible.

Preparing the site for installation

You can’t just randomly outline the slots for mounting the attic hole. There are load-bearing beams in the ceiling and if they are damaged they will backfire. The same goes for truss system. Experts have identified several recommendations for the placement of the passage:

If you have a folding or portable ladder, then there should be enough space for it. When calculating, pay attention to both the height of the structure and the width. Properly selected dimensions will make the operation of the lift more convenient.
The attic hatch is installed between the floor beams. With the correct assembly of the roof, cutting a hole in the ceiling is not difficult.
Choose a place so that when climbing to the attic, do not touch the rafters with your head.
The dimensions of the hatch and the openings in the ceiling must exactly match, otherwise cracks and cold bridges will appear. Over time, there will be a threat of destruction of the structure.

As a rule, attic hatches are sold ready for installation. In their design, a folding ladder is often pre-installed, and external slats at the top and bottom. Remember that you will mount together with the outer casing and the mounting method depends on it.

After you have purchased the hatch, remove all dimensions from it and transfer them to the ceiling. It is most convenient to do this from the side of the attic. Drill test holes in the corners with an electric drill. Next, once the exact markup has been made, use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the ceiling.

When installing the hatch, do not damage the insulating layers of insulation. Cut carefully if necessary required amount film, but do not tear it.

When the hole has been made the work is moved inside the house. Remove the casing from the hatch and try it on the resulting openings. If the width or length is not sufficient for installation, cut out the required dimensions. At the same time, be careful that the gaps between the ceiling and the hatch are minimal.

Hatch installation

It is more convenient to start the installation from the attic, and first you need to fix the outer bar. After that, insert the hatch into the hole and fix it. Now go into the house and install the bottom plank, fixing it to the ceiling. Make sure that the attic hatch is flush with the ceiling. It remains only to fix the cover and all the work is finished.

Before using the ladder, check its bearing capacity. It is designed for 150-250 kg load. Gradually increase the weight until you reach the maximum value.

Now it remains to decorate the attic hatch or hide it by applying ceiling finishing materials. If you have wooden structure, enough inner part beat with slats, and if metal - paint the doors in the desired color.

Carry out the installation in accordance with the instructions supplied with the purchased attic hatch. A simple description will help you install the structure yourself. After everything has been done, you will be able to freely climb into the attic at any time of the year.

Any roof, no matter what design it may be, requires periodic inspection and maintenance. Extremely important in this aspect is the ability to have safe access to the systems located on the roof, whether it be antennas, air conditioners or lightning rods and de-icers. Therefore, a special access to it, for example, a roof hatch, is considered an obligatory additional element of the roof.

A mandatory additional element of the roof is a special exit to it - a roof hatch.
It should be noted that the maximum roof area, according to SNiP, for which an optional roof access device is 100 m 2.

Traditional ways to organize access to the roof

You can go out on the roof in different ways, in particular, with the help of:
- vertical outdoor stairs;
- sliding stairs;
- step-ladders installed to the wall;
- roof ladders.
Varieties of stairs

Ladder

This is perhaps the easiest way to get on the roof. It is placed perpendicular to the horizon along outer wall. Since it is often installed on outdoors, the surface of the steps must ensure safety when people climb. They are made of corrugated steel or reinforcement having a crescent-shaped protrusion, and they are necessarily coated with an anti-corrosion compound.

Children are not allowed to climb the ladder, so the bottom of the structure must be at a height of 1 m from the ground, according to the norms.

To exit to the roof, by analogy with a ladder, you can use a roof ladder - with the only difference being that the latter is located on the roof surface. These can be single steps, or a single structure consisting of several steps.

outdoor staircase

When flat roof it is more convenient to replace the stepladder with one that is securely fixed to the walls of the building. Structural elements can be made of steel: corrugated, stainless or polished or wood of ash, oak or beech. All of them must be treated with antiseptics and anticorrosives. Perials are installed for added security.

The presence of metal fire escapes is mandatory for buildings over two floors.

The issue is resolved somewhat differently if access to the roof must be provided from the interior.

folding ladder

You can use such a ladder if the roof hatch has an inner cover, which practically hides the design of the stairs. Usually its thickness is up to 66 mm, including a dense layer of thermal insulation. Preference should be given to a sectional rather than a scissor ladder design, similar to an "accordion", since it is safer to climb and descend on it.

It is interesting that technical roof hatches with an inner cover can also connect rooms with different temperatures, that is, residential and non-residential.

In a residential attic, a roof window is quite suitable for access to the roof.

Roof hatches: distinctive features

In residential high-rise buildings go to the roof through a hatch, usually arranged above landing the last one. This option can be considered universal, as it is equally good for both pitched and flat roofs.

In pitched roofs, the attic exit is, as a rule, a booth or a canopy equipped with side walls.

Exit to pitched roof satisfied, based on the installation step rafter legs, since it is to them that the hatch box is attached. Between the nearest rafter and the strapping of the hatch, as required by SNiP, approximately 7 mm should be maintained. If the distance between the rafters more sizes hatch, perform an additional frame of wood bars. The design of roof hatches is traditionally square with a side of 120 or 45 cm, and the number depends on the roof area.

Priming and paints and varnishes. Naturally, it should not stand out against the background of the roofing carpet, therefore, the main roofing material is laid on the roof. It is also allowed to perform it from a translucent material.

May vary in roof structure:
- work up or sideways
- for fixation in open position shock-absorbing cylinders are used,
- the safety of residents is ensured by the locks that are usually included in the package,
- the security issue can be solved with a metal grill with a shutter.
In heated rooms, passages to the roof must be insulated, and in non-residential attics can be simple.

The number of hatches is also regulated by the requirements of SNiP for fire safety. The location near the chimney pipe is considered optimal, since there is no need to install additional ladders necessary for servicing chimneys.

Advantages
- They are attractive in appearance, complement or continue the design of the room.
- Properly installed, they exclude leakage from precipitation and reduce street noise as much as possible.
- Easy to use - they can be opened 95˚ or more, to the right or left.
- The gas shock absorber prevents the lid from accidentally closing. If the hatch leaves are opened by 25⁰, additional fresh air can be provided.
- Can serve as an emergency exit.
- The locking system eliminates the possibility of unwanted "guests" entering the attic room.
- Lightness is about the same as that of a ceiling sheathing of the same area.
- Ease of installation and adaptation to all types of roofing materials.
Features of the device of hatches for some types of roofs

For flat roof

One of the most common options is the Huopa roof hatch. Thanks to its device, you can easily get into the under-roof space. The kit includes a cover and a salary with a flange. The tightness of the installation is ensured by the presence of double grooves. Bituminous glue is applied to the flashing flange, after which it is glued between the layers of roofing material. There is a hole in the lower surface of the salary, through which a possible condensate is organized through a special groove.