We have an opening in our upper floor concrete ceiling for an attic ladder measuring 140 x 70 cm (55 x 28 inches). We have the opportunity to get a ladder measuring 120 x 70 cm (47 x 28 inches) (Roto Designo) at a low cost. It has minor cosmetic damage and can no longer be sold.
Is there a practical way to bridge the 20 cm (8 inches) difference, or do we need to purchase a ladder that fits the opening exactly?
So far, I have two ideas for reducing the size of the opening:
Is there a practical way to bridge the 20 cm (8 inches) difference, or do we need to purchase a ladder that fits the opening exactly?
So far, I have two ideas for reducing the size of the opening:
- Cut wooden beams to size and screw them to the concrete ceiling
- Build suitable formwork and fill the opening with concrete
Whether this is really just about adding backing to the frame on one side (and which side) depends on the staircase design. These components are connected to the hatch: the weight of the staircase is supported by the hatch and held by springs. The forces acting where and when may vary depending on the model. It is possible that the frame section above the "starting step" is only decorative in terms of load-bearing, but it could also be the crucial side. I consider clarifying this with certainty to be more costly than the potential savings when buying the staircase.
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Allthewayup schrieb:
Depending on how and where the staircase is anchored, I would suggest creating a formwork and drilling a few holes into the existing concrete ceiling from the side. Insert some steel rods there to connect the new concrete. Then pour a screed concrete from above and let it dry. If the roof above is a cold roof, don’t forget insulation. That would also be my preferred idea. Since it is a cold roof, I am considering buying a new (suitable) staircase with a better U-value.
ypg schrieb:
You say you don’t want to store much, but is there really enough other storage space available? Ceiling height at the highest point is about 1 meter (3 feet). We are building with a basement, so there is sufficient storage space available there.
11ant schrieb:
Whether it is really just about filling in around the frame on one side (and which side) depends on the design of the staircase. [...] I expect clarifying this for sure would be more expensive than any potential saving from buying the staircase as a bargain. I would indeed need to take a closer look at the staircase again. It is already at my home and was basically free.
The unsuitable dimensions and the average U-values make me lean toward buying a suitable staircase for now. Thank you for your opinions!
Michilo schrieb:
The standing height at the highest point is about 1 meter (3.3 feet).May I ask why you chose a concrete ceiling at all? Wouldn’t a wooden beam ceiling have been much more economical there?Similar topics