I am having a bit of trouble accessing the attic in my new home. I live in a rowhouse with a flat roof, the attic is as such not very tall and there are some beams that prevent me from moving freely around the attic. My question is simple, I am sure it is a bit unorthodox, but would it be possible enter the attic through the air return vent? It is rather larger, definitely two joists and is well situated to enter the area of the attic I need. Can I simply unscrew it and push it in or am I likely to do too much damage?

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Flat roof homes usually do not have much of an attic. Can you tell us why you want to get inside this space, it could be as small as 1' tall.

Bob-

Thanks for responding. I need to get up into the attic for a couple of reasons, 1) insulation, 2) fix some issues with the AC and 3) some plumbing work.

There is an access panel to the attic, but it is very poorly located (at the back of the house and the shortest part of the attic). I have been up there and at the point I've got about 2.5" or so, enough room for me to kind of crawl around. The problem is that there are some beams that separate that part of the attic from the rest of the attic and I am just too big to go under or over them. That being said, I can see the rest of the attic and it gets progressively taller. I have no worries about actually being able to work up there, just trying to figure out the best way to access it.

Would it be possible to remove the air return duct and go up that way? It gets me into the right part of the attic and is big enough for me to get through. I can even see where to unscrew it... I just don't want to do any major damage.

Thoughts?

If your ceiling is drywall you can cut a new access trap over in the tallest part of the attic. Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling rafters and cut between them. After cutting out a generous square install a double 2x10 header at each end of the opening and trim out like any access panel. Where do you live?

I agree with Bob, a new access door should be instaled so you do not have to mess with your ducts and have acces in the future.