6
Versa Lift
Installation - Lift Opening Requirements
C
C
C
C
L
L
L
L
Fig. 3
LOCATE AND DRILL PILOT HOLES FOR MOUNTING LIFT
DRILL 5/32" PILOT HOLES
x 2 ½" DEEP, 8 PLACES
DRAW A CENTER-LINE ON
ALL 4 SIDES OF THE OPENING
14”
14”
2"
3/4"
58- 1/2"
3/4"
2"
PILOT HOLES FOR MOUNTING THE LIFT:
Before assembling the Versa Lift, mark the location of the
mounting holes on the floor deck at either end of the lift
opening. These will be pilot holes for the lag screws that
have been provided to secure the lift to the attic floor.
Find and mark the center on each side of the rectangular
opening, then use a straight edge or square to draw a
center line (Fig. 3). Next draw a line parallel to each of
the narrow ends and spaced 3/4” away from the opening.
Measure along the parallel lines 14” each way from the
center line and mark 2 hole centers (Fig. 3). Then
measure outward 2” more on each side for a total of 4
hole centers on each end of the opening (Fig 3). Find
the “Mounting Rails” in the Versa Lift carton and place
them over the hole centers you have marked to check
your work. The hole centers should match the four
slotted holes on the Mounting Rails. If so, drill 8 pilot
holes with a 5/32” bit on the hole centers you have
marked to a depth of about 2-1/2”(Fig. 3).
LIFT OPENING ORIENTATION
The following illustrations (pages 7-10) show lift openings
in solid 2x (1½”) lumber and I-joists spaced 16” or 24”
on-center. All openings shown are
aligned with the
joists
meaning the long dimension of the opening is
oriented parallel to the joists so the fewest number of
joists need to be cut. When the opening is
aligned
with
solid wood joists on 16” or 24” centers or I-joists on 24”
centers, only one ceiling joist has to be cut to frame the
opening (see Fig. 4). For I-Joists on 16” centers, 2 joists
may need to be cut (see page 8, for additional details).
In contrast, a
transverse
opening will require either two
joists (24” centers) or three joists (16” centers) to be cut.
Important:
For the above reasons, only
aligned
opening
types are recommended for the Versa Lift Model 32.
It is not recommended to orient the opening
transverse
(across) to the joist direction with the Versa Lift Model 32
because more joists will have to be cut which will weaken
the ceiling structure more than an aligned opening.
ALIGNED OPENING IN SOLID WOOD JOISTS 24” O.C.
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT FRAMING:
The Optional Framing
and I
provided on pages 6 thru 10 are strictly for illustrative
purposes and are not intended as specific
recommendations or directions for you to follow in
your individual installation.
These are provided
as
visual aids that may help you plan your installation with a
professional, such as a structural engineer, architect, or
contractor, according to local codes or building practices.
BPG does not warrant this product to be suitable for your
purpose, location, structure, installation or use. Each user
is responsible for determining the suitability, appropriate
location and method of installation for this product.
Please consult a professional to evaluate your ceiling
construction and the desired location and whether the
remaining joists should be doubled to compensate for
the joist(s) that will be cut. This will depend on a various
factors, including the size and span of the existing joists.
Techniques
llustrations
only
24”
O.C.
58.5"
30.5"
Fig. 4
THESE JOISTS
MAY NEED TO
BE DOUBLED
Note:
The framing technique illustrations (pg. 6-10) show
blocking used to join joists and headers. Joist hanger
brackets can be substituted for the blocking as desired.
Depending on location and code requirements, web
stiffeners may be required for I-Joist when using hanger
brackets. Typical joist hangers are illustrated below:
Solid Wood Joist Hanger
I-Joist Hanger
Web Stiffener