Mikey
Aspiring Old Fart, EE, computer & networking geek
While rummaging around the Web, I found a home inspection forum where the subject of pull-down stairs into the attic above a garage was being discussed. Bottom line: just about every such stair anyone had ever seen installed would seem to be in violation of national codes requiring fire-rated barriers between the garage and the living space.
I've got two of these things in my garage, both from Memphis Folding Stairs (http://www.memphisfoldingstairs.com/). MFS advertises a "Firegard" option:
The fire retardant plywood door panel is chemically treated to provide slower ignition, low flame spread, lower smoke production, and has self extinguishing features (burning ceases when ignition source is removed or exhausted.) Class A, or 1, pressure treated plywood is approved by building codes throughout the US for specific applications within fire resistant buildings as an equal alternative to non-combustible construction.
...but neither of my doors has that option, as far as I can see, nor does any similar door I've seen around here, even in very high-end homes.
I'd like to fix this -- can I just screw on a piece of 5/8 drywall to the plywood door? I was going to use a piece of 1/4" drywall anyway to provide a finish to match the ceiling, and what's another 3/8" among friends? Not sure what it will do to the balance of the door, but there's one way to find out
. Or, is there some magic coating I can paint on to make 3/8" plywood a fire-rated barrier?
There is a better door out there, but it's a little pricey:
http://www.rainbowatticstair.com/attic-stairs-products/protech-escape-fire-ladder.cfm
...make that a LOT pricey ($1050 plus postage).
I've got two of these things in my garage, both from Memphis Folding Stairs (http://www.memphisfoldingstairs.com/). MFS advertises a "Firegard" option:
The fire retardant plywood door panel is chemically treated to provide slower ignition, low flame spread, lower smoke production, and has self extinguishing features (burning ceases when ignition source is removed or exhausted.) Class A, or 1, pressure treated plywood is approved by building codes throughout the US for specific applications within fire resistant buildings as an equal alternative to non-combustible construction.
...but neither of my doors has that option, as far as I can see, nor does any similar door I've seen around here, even in very high-end homes.
I'd like to fix this -- can I just screw on a piece of 5/8 drywall to the plywood door? I was going to use a piece of 1/4" drywall anyway to provide a finish to match the ceiling, and what's another 3/8" among friends? Not sure what it will do to the balance of the door, but there's one way to find out
. Or, is there some magic coating I can paint on to make 3/8" plywood a fire-rated barrier?There is a better door out there, but it's a little pricey:
http://www.rainbowatticstair.com/attic-stairs-products/protech-escape-fire-ladder.cfm
...make that a LOT pricey ($1050 plus postage).
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