Until it is code that all garage ceilings have 5 8ths sheetrock on them and as long as ladders receptacles holes from brackets where garage door tracks are mounted etc penetrate the separation leading to attic areas common with the residential attic i will continue to recommend that clients install separations between the garage attic.
Garage attic ladder fire code.
A literal host of code requirements come to mind.
But when you put something else in the opening it must be equivalent to 1 2 drywall which has roughly a 20 minute fire resistance.
But codes can vary from county to county and this might be one of those.
Install them after final inspection and assume the liability.
The easiest way to do this is to replace the access door itself to be fire rated and simply retrofit the ladder to it.
What if there is a garage fire when the ladder is extended and left in the open position.
The international residential code irc is similar.
Shared attic space is where the garage attic and living space attic has no fire break fire wall which continues from the garage wall s up to the underside of the roof to separate garage attic from living space attic.
Shown below is an example of what not to do a grille cut into pull down attic ladder and an example of the right way to add a vent a register in the ceiling of garage that connects directly to a roof vent via a metal duct viewed from the attic.
Wooden pull down stairs do not comply with todays fire rating standards if there is no fire break that separates the garage.
The only time it is required is if the garage attic is separated from the house attic.
It may be easier to install a regular non fire rated attic access in the garage then make sure that the walls of the garage that abut the living area are 1 2 or 5 8 whichever is code in your area from foundation to roof line.
We do not allow door stops on the garage door.
Contrary to popular belief acceptance and use the attic access is for fire personnel only and is not meant for even incidental storage.
Most homes have a 1 2 drywall panel installed in the attic access opening which is fine.
Combustion air also called make up air can also be provided by a vent through the wall.
No access from attic over garage to attic over living area.