Attic access solutions

Protect the Roof System Around the Opening

The engineered bulkhead transfers roof-spread tension forces around a 54 × 22½-inch attic rough opening. Confirm roof span, pitch, ground snow load, and framing against the current design report before ordering.

Engineered structural solution

Create Attic Access Without Ignoring Roof Spread

Transfers tension forces around an attic opening using two steel side beams, threaded rods, and adjustable sliding saddles.

Important Product Documents

Technical Resources

Review the available engineering, installation, and selection documents before ordering or beginning work.

Application first

Confirm the Fit Before Ordering

Review the basic application and limits below. The current design report and installation instructions remain the technical source of truth.

01

Approved rough opening

Designed for a 54-inch-long by 22½-inch-wide rough opening.

02

Keep the webbing

Only a section of the bottom chord may be removed; truss webbing must remain.

03

Install before cutting

The bulkhead must be installed and fully fastened before bottom chords or ceiling joists are cut.

Technical note: Product selection depends on existing conditions. If the application falls outside the published criteria, contact Nolan Structural Products before ordering.

How the system works

Structural Reinforcement with a Clear Purpose

Two HSS steel side beams bridge the attic opening. Four adjustable sliding saddle-and-plate connections attach to the truss bottom chords or ceiling joists, while two threaded rods hold the assembly together and transfer tension forces around the opening.

Connection package: Four 3 × 1/8 × 20-inch side plates use 10 Simpson SDS25200 screws per plate (40 screws total). Confirm the current installation instructions before beginning work.

Key technical points

Specifications at a Glance

Approved rough opening
54 in long × 22½ in wide
Side beams
HSS 4 × 2 × 3/16 steel
Threaded rods
Two 36 in long × 3/4 in diameter rods
Adjustable connections
Four sliding saddles with 3 × 1/8 × 20 in side plates
Fasteners
10 Simpson SDS25200 screws per plate; 40 total
Roof criteria
Roof span, pitch, and ground snow load must be within the current design table

Clear next steps

From Measurement to Installation

1. Measure and document.

Record the member size, span or opening, accessible length, and relevant project conditions.

2. Select the correct configuration.

Use the product options and the applicable report, chart, or table.

3. Install to current instructions.

Follow the complete fastening and installation requirements supplied for the product.

Need help selecting?

Not Certain If This is The Right Solution For You?

Send the project dimensions and a few clear photos. We’ll help identify the right product or tell you when the published solution does not fit.

Contact Nolan Structural Products