The florida building code fbc and international residential code irc both require a minimum of one attic access opening for homes with combustible such as wood roof construction if the attic space meets these two criteria.
Attic ladder irc 2012.
2012 ibc table 722 6 2 1 remember the irc is a prescriptive code not a design or performance code.
The 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches.
New codes require the attic access pull down ladder be insulated to the same level as the attic floor minimum r 30 unless insulated to a minimum of r 30 attic ladders do not meet code kit includes a stair cover box sized to fit perfectly onto the frame of your wood or aluminum pull down ladder stair cover kit weighs about 10 lbs.
2012 iecc irc stair code review pdf of attic access requirements includes discussion of compliance with the 2012 iecc energy code for insulation and air sealing for attics for conditioned and unconditioned space separation.
Fire rated pull down attic ladder is the way to go.
The 2009 and 2015 irc verbiage is similar and still applicable.
It is all about increasing the time for the occupants to get out of the building in a fire event.
Please be aware of the definition and egress requirements of a habitable attic as it relates to dwellings built from the 2012 irc.
Handrails shall not project more than 4 5 inches 114 mm on either side of the stairway photo 2 and the.
Attic area exceeds 30 square feet and.
2012 residential stair guide.
The rough framed opening.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches 762 mm or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet 2 8 m 2 the vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members.
January 2012 code for residential buildings that creates minimum regulations for one and two family dwellings of three stories or less.
Section r311 5 stairways.
The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process.
It brings together all building plumbing mechanical fuel gas energy and electrical provisions for one and two family residences.
Fire rated attic stairs are available of course they cost more.
Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the habitable attic definition in chapter 2 are considered habitable.