How To Close Gap In Access Opening When Installing Telesteps Telescoping Pull Down Attic Ladder

Updated 10/24/2024 | Published 10/23/2024

Question:

How do you close the gap at the hinge side of the ladder when you trim out the access opening? The 3inch gap is unsightly and an energy waster.

asked by: Steven

Telesteps Telescoping Pull Down Attic Ladder
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Steven, thanks for reaching out. Looking over your pictures it looks like the cutout size is simply too large for the ladder and the placement of your hinge is creating a gap. This could be filled with a piece of drywall. I have also seen people use wooden trim to fill in the area around the ladder. The picture below shows a good example of proper hinge placement and trim.

Trimming it would also make it a bit more easy on the eyes too so that is what I would do. You could do some stick on foam insulation to fill any cracks if needed.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Ladder Installation Example
(click to enlarge)

Steven

10/24/2024

Putting trim on three sides would be fine and easy. But the hinge side there is a 3" gap. The gap is only present while the access door is closed. When the door opens the mechanism folds back into that space. So if I installed trim along the hinge side of the door over the gap, the door would crush or be obstructed. Same issue with drywall.

Jesse M.

10/24/2024

@Steven The only solution I can think of for that would be to either re orient the hinge or use a different hinge that allows the hatch to open without making a gap. If you look at the example above the hinge is on the very end of the hatch on the outside so it can open without creating a gap.