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    ultrajoker's Avatar
    ultrajoker Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Dec 7, 2010, 07:08 AM
    Installing a door into second floor gable end attic space
    Hello all. As I have found this site an invaluable resource in the past I return for more reliable advice.
    My attached garage has a gable end wall separating the second floor attic space of the home from the attic space of the garage. The access to the homes attic space is through a 18" x 24" access panel that is a belly crawler through the eves to a large open space behind the second story living room. I would like to open the gable end wall and install a door for access from the garage attic into that house attic space for easier access and ability to store stuff larger than I could possibly belly crawl with through the cramped existing opening. Is there any concerns with opening the gable end, can standard door opening framing methods be used?

    Thank you in advance for everyone's input on this!

    Happy Holidays to all!

    Keith
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #2

    Dec 7, 2010, 08:30 AM

    Yes, standard door framing can be used. The wall is not load bearing.

    Use weather strip door stop and a door sweep to keep drafts out.

    Good luck

    Chuck
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Dec 7, 2010, 09:35 AM
    As Chuck indicated, the wall is non bearing. The only issue I have ever had doing this is headroom at the gable and installing a pre hung door. Last 2 I did, I had to cut a flush mount door down and make a separate frame. Look at the rough door opening requirements before buying the door. You may have to go to a smaller door. Good luck with the project. Brian
    ultrajoker's Avatar
    ultrajoker Posts: 18, Reputation: 2
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    #4

    Dec 7, 2010, 04:36 PM
    Thank you much! I had presumed I would be bringing the height down, but no matter how much I have to shorten the height, I am quite positive it will be taller than my current 24"high opening! Thanks again!
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #5

    Dec 7, 2010, 05:12 PM
    Since you know you will have to cut, buy a slab door at HD, <$20, cut it down and fill in the bottom strip with a 2X2. Frame the opening with a 2X4 and then a 1X6 jamb. Since this is an attic, you can even use small surface hinges instead of a routed out hinge and then a surface bolt instead of a knob. Weatherstrip and if you have some poly foam, cover the unheated side for some R value.
    creahands's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #6

    Dec 7, 2010, 07:00 PM

    What is the height of door u will be able to get into this space?

    The bottom filler piece on door u buy can be reused. Peel off veneer and glue it back in. Use carpenters glue and clamps.

    Chuck
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