Every home is unique, and so is access to the attic. Some spaces will use a ladder, others will use stairs, and even among these, materials such as metal or wood can determine the correct approach for repair.
Alternatively, if you want a new access point installed, you’ll need to think about these factors for yourself. The size of your attic opening and what sorts of conditions the ladder or stairs will be exposed to should influence your choice.
Mr. Handyman is your trusted team for attic door installation near you! If you aren’t sure where to start with all this information, we can help. We’ll pay your home a visit to provide tailored recommendations, but in general:
- Wooden attic stairs and ladders are usually the most affordable
- Metal ladders and stairs tend to last longer, but the price tag is higher
- If you’re installing a new access solution, you can choose either option regardless of your existing one
- New attic stairs or ladders might need to be adjusted to fit the hole leading to the attic
Signs Your Attic Ladder Needs Maintenance
Whether you access your attic all the time or haven’t seen the inside for a year or more, it’s important to check your ladder or stairs to make sure they’re in good condition when you need them. Using a damaged ladder can be dangerous, so make sure you know the signs that it’s time for maintenance!
- Spongy or warped wood
- Steps or rungs that are not securely in place
- A ladder that doesn’t firmly or even sit on the floor
- Visible cracks or loose pieces
- An attic door separating from its housing
If you’re not sure whether your attic stairs or ladder is damaged, better safe than sorry! Give us a call so we can take a look and stop you from getting hurt.
The Unexpected Effects of Damaged Attic Ladders
Do you have problems with your attic stairs, but you don’t want to commit to repairs or replacement just yet? You should know that putting off that project could cause more harm than you realize!
- Climate: Did you know that your attic is one of the biggest factors in your entire home when it comes to energy efficiency? Attic stairs or ladders in poor repair can cause drafts, especially if the frame is no longer flush against the opening. Since heat rises, you may be spending even more in the cooler months than you realize, since your hard-earned warmth is escaping.
- Moisture: Attics that do not properly seal the home from outside elements can let moisture inside. This may begin to rot away the drywall in your ceiling. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also cause mold growth and may even compromise the structural integrity of your ceiling! The next time you go up in the attic, your stairs or ladder might just collapse.
- Pests: Because of damage to the ladder or stairs, pests might have an easy entry point into your home. Insects, bats, and rodents can all easily slip through the vulnerabilities in a damaged attic entrance.
- Safety: No one wants to think of their home being on fire, but if this situation happens to you, a poorly maintained attic entry point can make things much worse. Drafts surrounding the entrance can allow oxygen into the area, fueling the fire and hastening its spread.
Don't risk your safety! Trust Mr. Handyman for quick and easy attic ladder installation—contact us today!
