sellwood attic ladders p30 User manual

IMPORTANT
Strong springs aid the operation of these ladders! Care must be exercised during
installation and operation so these springs are not released in an uncontrolled manner as
this could lead to damage to the ladder and personal injury to the operator/installer.
These instructions are not intended to be a complete lesson in the installing of attic
ladders but a procedural guide to competent tradespeople or DIYers.
TOOLS REQUIRED
The timbertight screws supplied with this ladder require a 5/16” socket for easy
installation. This can be used with a 9 volt (or stronger) battery drill or a standard power
drill. Apart from this, only standard carpentry tools are required.
CHOOSING THE LOCATION
When choosing the location for the installation of the attic ladder, a compromise
between where you would like it to be located in relation to the floor plan and what is
possible in relation to the roof structure may be required. The considerations for this
compromise are:
• Choose a location that will give good head room at the top of the ladder;
• Choose a location with good access at the bottom of the ladder;
• Choose a location that will allow for movement around the ladder when in the down
position;
• Allowance must be made for the operation of the ladder, as it requires a greater
spacetoopenthanindicatedbytheopeningintheceiling(gure1);
Model Required Opening Landing space Projection
P30 1300mm x 600mm 1095mm - 1415mm 1770mm
• The area for the opening must be clear of wiring, plumbing and structural members
such as beams and trusses with a minimum clear height above the ceiling of
326mm(gure2).
PREPARING THE OPENING
1. Mark out on the ceiling the opening required for the model ladder purchased in the
selected position. Cut out the ceiling lining ensuring that the opening is square.
2. Using timber of a compatible size to the existing ceiling framing (ie 90 x 45 or 140
x 45 H1.2 treated, machine gauged radiata pine), frame up the opening. It may
be necessary to cut through some existing ceiling joists to achieve the required
size. Ensure these are properly supported during and after cutting. Three possible
arrangementsareshowningures3,4&5.
3. Do not cut trusses without engineering approval.
ATTIC
LADDERS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
P30
326mm
Landing Space
Projection
gure1
gure2
gure3
gure4
gure5

PREPARING THE LADDER
1. Remove the ladder from its packaging and place it lid down on a bench or saw stool.
The lid is less likely to get damaged there than laying it on the ground, as well as
being better for your back!
2. Turn the lid over so the lid is facing up. Fit the screw eye 25mm in from the opening
end,midwayacrossthewidth(gure6).
INSTALLING THE LADDER
1. Screw four temporary cleats approx 80mm x 40mm into your timber frame as shown
in(gure7).Ensurecleatscanberotated.
The cleats must be securely xed as they carry the full weight of the ladder.
Note: If the ladder is to be installed before the ceiling lining is in place, the cleats
must be packed down the thickness of the intended ceiling lining.
2. Lift the ladder through the opening into the attic space. Then lower down squarely
into the opening so the lid of the ladder rests on the temporary cleats. This is
normally best done from below. For safety and ease it is highly recommended that
two people complete this step. Rotate the cleats off the lid and onto the frame of the
ladder.
3. Checkandconrmthereisplentyofframesittingonthecleatsbeforeproceeding
further. Adjust if necessary. The ladder must not be allowed to fall, as this could
cause serious physical injury.
4. Carefully open the ladder, checking that the frame remains securely on the cleats.
Adjust if necessary. Do not put any weight on the ladder at this stage.
5. Fromastepladderorworkplatform(nottheatticladder),xthehingeendofthe
laddertotheceilingframingthroughthepredrilledholesinthehingeplate(gure
13).Usethetimbertightscrewssupplied.Donotttightyet.
6. Carefully close the ladder and check if square. Wedges or packers may be needed
at one side of the hinge strip to square the unit in the opening. This may require
reopening the ladder and loosening or tightening one of the screws a little.
7. With the ladder open, pre-drill two 6mm holes in each side of the attic ladder frame
making sure there is solid timber behind. Screw through the pre-drilled holes into the
ceilingframe(gure9).Donotttightyet.
8. Remove temporary cleats.
9. Carefully close the ladder and check that the ladder frame is showing around the
lidevenly.Adjustthesidexingsandtpackersasnecessarybetweentheladder
frame and the ceiling frame. Make sure the sides stay plumb and straight.
10. Now tighten all screws and check again.
gure6
gure7
gure8
gure9

? - 38mm
ADJUSTING THE LADDER HEIGHT
1. With the top and middle sections of the ladder open and the bottom section tucked
in behind, measure the distance from the bottom of the middle section, to the floor
atthesameangleastheladder(gure10).Dothisonbothsides.
2. Onceyouhavedeterminedthelengthof‘?’shownin(gure10)minus38mm.
Transfer these measurements to the front of each side of the bottom section of the
ladder. Cut at 90 degrees. You may wish to remove the bottom section to complete
this step.
3. Fixtherubberfeettothebottomoftheladderwiththescrewsprovided.(gure11).
FINISHING THE LADDER
1. Fixasuitablearchitravearoundthelidleavinga2-3mmgap.(gure12).
Note: The ladder is designed to be installed with the bottom of the frame flush with the
underside of the ceiling lining. An architrave will cover the gap between the ladder frame
andtheceilingliningwhilealsohidingtheedgeofthelidfromview(gure12).
gure10
gure11
gure12
gure13

www.sellwood.co.nz
[email protected]
0800 288 427 (ATTICS)
3/75 Apollo Drive, Rosedale
HOW TO LOOK AFTER & USE YOUR SELLWOOD ATTIC LADDER
1. Before climbing, make sure the ladder is fully extended and that
there are no gaps between the ladder sections.
2. If your attic ladder has not been installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions your warranty may be void.
3. Lubricate all pivot points on your attic ladder at least once a year.
If your attic ladder is used more than three times a week, lubricate
every 4-5 months.
4. Face the ladder when you are climbing up and down.
5. Do not leave young children unattended while ladder is folded down.
6. If you have any concerns about your Sellwood attic ladder, or it is
damaged in any way please call 0800 288 427.
GapNo Gap
No Gap
Too ShortFlush with Floor Too Long
Gap