You should tell him that you're going to the local news station and newspaper with the story and his name and then see how much he laughs. What a tool he is.

 

 

Was it set up so the bottom was firmly on the floor? If so it’s really scary because 70% of your weight was on the floor?

 

Yes. I always thought that most of the weight was transferred to the floor, but I am not sure that is the case with this design where the stairs fold up the way they do. I suspect those support arms that are on each side are subjected to a substantial amount of the load especially as you climb onto that top section - of course I never made it that far! That screw on the right side was apparently just ready to snap and did not need much force. Had I not tried to climb "up", my guess is as soon as one of the workmen started down, it would have collapsed before he got to the 2nd step from the top and that would have been all she wrote!

If the ladder were a single section and leaned against a wall, then it probably does take nearly all the weight at the bottom, but since these stairs essentially bend in the middle towards the attic, I am not so sure. Even if this ladder were secured totally at the top and bottom (on the floor) - without those side struts it would try to sag in the middle - that would mean those little side members could easily take a lot of the load? I would not want to try to climb up that 3-section ladder even if it were bolted at the top AND to the floor without those side struts securely in place.

In addition to using the wrong screws, I also did not find any "shims" in the pieces that came down, so it is also totally possible that the frame was not completely snug to the joist which obviously would be a disaster - if that was the case it is amazing it lasted 15 years!

I guess the thing that surprises me the most, is that even with the new Louisville 375-lb limit replacement I just bought, it also only provides for a single screw to be used at each side member attachment point through the metal pivots - so no matter how many screws I add to the cheap wooden frame the integrity still rests on a single screw!

 

Forgot about it hinging. I think you are right, once you get above the bottom hinge in the ladder that support carries the weight. I used a similar one for many years, but I installed a 2x12 all around the opening in the attic to keep blown insulation out and also so you had to climb over it at the top. Keeps your feet from accidentally going in the hole.

 

My opening is framed all around with 2x12's - that is what the used for all my joists in the garage.

I plan to add some nylon ratchet straps and buckles rated at 3000-lbs going from the pivot points on the joists and through the bottom of the top section of the ladder to be on (hopefully) the safe side. I will post some photos after the new install. I never have trusted those swing down supports! In 20 years this is the first time my house tried to kill me!

 

Great info. Could save a life. First check the ladder then install safety wire.

 

Glad you made it through all that okay.

So the contractor said he installs them like that all the time? Not good!

 

Good idéal I ll check tanks

 

We have the exact attic ladder in our garage that you showed in your post. I'll check on it as soon as I get the office open this morning.