Proper Procedure Of Cutting A Hole In The Ceiling For Attic Access
An attic is a particular place or position within the home that is considered the perfect option when it comes to long-term storage of those items that are rarely used. The majority of people will store their winter clothing in boxes in the attic during the summer season. If you are looking to get your boxes into your attic, then it is important to create an attic access panel or possibly install an attic ladder, which is strongly recommended. For either option, it is very essential to cut an attic opening for attic access.
Thing's You Will Need
- Stepladder, Stud Finder & Pencil
- Keyhole Saw & Flashlight
- Tape Measure & Circular Saw
- 2x4s & Power Drill With Screw Tip
- 2-1/2-Inch Wood Screws
- 1-5/8-Inch Drywall Screws
Step 1: Find The Joists
Firstly, place a stepladder directly underneath the preferred area for the attic access hole. Discover the exact place or position of the joists behind the drywall on the ceiling, with the help of a stud finder. Mark the particular place of the joists on the drywall using a pencil.
Step 2: Cut Out A Hole In The Drywall
You need to find out an area centered between the two joists before cutting a 6- to 8-inch-diameter hole with the help of a keyhole saw. Get rid of the cut section of drywall in order to create an inspection hole, before reaching into the hole to push out of the way any insulation above the drywall around the hole.
Step 3: Look For Wiring Or Plumbing
Examine or scrutinize the hole using a flashlight for any electrical wiring or plumbing in the proximity of the hole. Reach your hand into the hole, discover the exact place of the joists on either side of the hole, and feel for any wiring or plumbing that may be fastened or fixed in place with tacks onto either joist.
Step 4: Create The Access Hole
Place the keyhole saw into the inspection hole before pointing the teeth toward one of the joists. Saw up and down, cutting the drywall as long as you hit the wooden joist. Pull out and rotate the saw in order to make sure that it is in line with the edge of the joist. Cut through the edge of the joist to the far edge of the preferred attic access hole. Turn the saw around and keep cutting along the joist to the near edge of the preferred attic access hole. Repeat, cutting through the opposite joist.
Step 5: Remove The Drywall
Cut the drywall straight through betwixt the two joists, securing the ends of the two cut lines on the far edge of the attic access hole. Get rid of the loose section of drywall. Repeat the cut on the front edge of the hole, finishing the rectangular hole for the attic access.
Step 6: Cut The 2x4s
Calculate or compute the distance betwixt the two joists with the help of a tape measure, and cut 2 pieces of 2x4 using a circular saw. Place each of the 2 boards betwixt the joists, one on each end of the attic access hole. Move a pair of 2-1/2-inch wood screws along each joist and into each of the boards in order to take hold of them in place and create a wood frame around the attic access hole.
Step 7: Attach The Drywall
Move a 1-5/8-inch drywall screw every 4 inches around the perimeter of the hole as well as into the wooden frame in order to support the drywall around the attic access hole.