So just based on my experience and what i teach my guys here s 5 golden rules of crawling around an attic.
No access to attic crawl space.
The stairs or the panel will need to be installed between roof trusses or ceiling joists and should be in an area that will provide access to the middle of the attic space.
You can use boards longer than 24 inches if desired.
If it applies to energy auditors and raters too that could really be difficult because many times they go into a house on their own.
In attics with appliances the access hole is still a minimum of 22 by 30 inches.
I d consider destroying the vent cover if necessary replacing it from outside later.
Screw in two 3 inch self tapping wood screws into the ends of each board to connect one board to the other.
How to get attic access in a manufactured house.
Connect the four 2 by 4 inch boards in a square pattern.
Taking the update class from an instructor that had face to face contact with those writing the manual stated if you cannot readily observe just note it and explain why.
While i m sure there s a manual out there somewhere on the subject in my 28 years i haven t found one.
If a crawl area is literally inaccessible because there are only a few inches between the floor framing and the crawl space surface no one can enter it.
You don t want a panel.
Toxic black mold can attack any porous or organic materials in a damp attic crawl space.
This is a big deal and has the potential to add significant cost to air sealing insulating crawl space encapsulation and all those things we do in confined spaces.
In addition the appliance needs to be located so that there is a clear passageway from the crawl hole to the.
You have to be able to see.
With certain builders this was a common method back in the 70 s they used internally lined fiberboard duct and then enclosed it in a chase with drywall.
If there are crawl space vents it may be possible to remove the vent screen to permit a partial view into the crawl space but it s not easy.
This means the ducts must be inside the structure and enclosed by drywall.
Not only to do your work but also so you can move safely.
If fha wanted you to crawl through the attic and crawl space they should have stated it plain and simple.