Section 1.6 (continued)
FRAMING THE ROUGH OPENING
Installing Stringers
STEP 1. Measure the stringer length "S" between
the headers (See Figure 17).
STEP 2. Cut a stringer to this length. Use
joist-sized lumber.
STEP 3. If the ceiling joist does not provide one side
of the frame, then cut a second stringer the
same length as the first one. Note that only
one stringer is needed in Figure 17
because the ceiling joist provides one side
of the frame.
STEP 4. Position the stringer(s) along the unframed
side(s) of your location (See Figure 18).
Check that the inside dimensions of the
frame are 25" x 66".
STEP 5. To attach the stringer(s) to the headers,
use nails that are long enough to go
through both headers and into the stringer
at least one inch. Square the stringer(s) to
the headers at one end and drive (3) 16d
nails through the headers and into the
stringer.
Check for squareness, then nail the other
end. Check the rough opening for
squareness by measuring across the
diagonals. The two measurements
should be within 1/8" to be
considered square (See Figure 18).
PROCEED TO STEP #1 - PREPARING EXISTING ATTIC
20
YOUR ROUGH OPENING IS PREPARED
LADDER OPENING FOR INSTALLATION
Figure 17
Diagonal
Measurements
Headers
Figure 18
S
Headers
Stringer
Nails