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Privacy

Stira Folding Attic Stairs is committed to protecting your privacy when you use our on-line, telephone or other services. In this policy we explain how and why we collect your information, what we do with it and what controls you have over our use of it.

 

From time to time, we add or change functions, features or products to our Web Sites or add or change Services.  This, and our commitment to protecting the privacy of your personal information, may result in periodic changes to this Privacy Policy.  As a result, please remember to refer back to this Privacy Policy regularly to review any amendments.

Any questions regarding our Privacy Policy should be directed to contact at Stira Folding Attic Stairs at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or alternatively see the section "Comments" below.

 

Your acceptance of these Privacy Statement terms

By using any of the sites within our web site network ("Web Sites") or our Services, you unconditionally agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.


What data do we collect and how do we use it?

 

Stira Folding Attic Stairs collects and processes information about you in order to:

(i) identify you each time you visit a Web Site or wish to have a Service provided;
(ii) process orders or applications submitted by you;
(iii) improve our Services and Web Sites
(iv) Customise your experience, for example, provide advertisements that we think are relevant to you and which support any specific requests for information you may make through keyword searches;
(v) carry out research on the demographics, interests and behaviour of all of our customers; and
(vi) send you information we think you may find useful, including information about new Stira Folding Attic Stairs products and services.

 

You may be asked, either when you register with us, or at other times, for information about yourself, such as your name, e-mail address, postal address and telephone number.  You may also be asked to share with us your interests, hobbies and preferences. In addition, when you order certain goods or services from our Web Sites, we will need to know your credit/payment card number and expiration date.

You are under no obligation to provide this information, but if you don't then we may not be able to provide you with certain services or personalise your experience and tailor our Services for you (for example, tell you about special offers on things you're interested in).

Log files/IP addresses

When you visit our Web Sites, we automatically log your IP address (the unique address which identifies your computer on the internet) which is automatically recognised by our web server.  We use IP addresses to help us administer our Web Sites and to collect broad demographic information for aggregate use.  We do not link IP addresses to personally identifiable information.

 

Non personal information

We may automatically collect non-personal information about you such as the type of internet browsers you use or the site from which you linked to our Web Sites.  You cannot be identified from this information and it is only used to assist us in providing an effective service on our Web Sites. We may from time to time supply the owners or operators of third party sites from which it is possible to link to our Web Sites with information relating to the number of users linking to our Web Sites from their sites. You cannot be identified from this information.

 

Use of Cookies

Cookies are pieces of information that a Web Site transfers to your hard drive to store and sometimes track information about you.  Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but if you prefer, you can change your browser to prevent that.  However, you may not be able to take full advantage of a Web Site if you do so.  Cookies are specific to the server that created them and cannot be accessed by other servers, which means they cannot be used to track your movements around the web.  Although they do identify a user's computer, cookies do not personally identify customers or passwords.  Credit card information is not stored in cookies.

 

We use cookies for the following reasons:

(i) To identify who you are and to access your account information;
(ii) To estimate our audience size and patterns;
(iii) To ensure that you are not asked to register twice;
(iv) To control how often visitors see similar ads;
(v) To track preferences and to improve and update our Web Site; and
(vi) To track the progress and number of entries in some of our promotions and contests.

 

With whom is the information shared?

 

Stira Folding Attic Stairs will not share, sell or rent your personal information to third parties.  However, we may disclose your personal information to third party suppliers who provide services on our behalf.

 

Stira Folding Attic Stairs may disclose aggregate statistics about our sales, our Web Site visitors and customers of our telephone services in order to describe our services to prospective partners, advertisers and other reputable third parties and for other lawful purposes, but these statistics will not include personally identifying information.

 

Stira Folding Attic Stairs may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or if it believes that such action is necessary to protect and defend the rights, property or personal safety of Stira Folding Attic Stairs and its Web Sites, visitors to the Web Sites and customers of our Services.


Our Web Site contains links to the sites of third parties.  When you visit these sites, we suggest that you read their privacy policies.  Stira Folding Attic Stairs is not responsible for the privacy policies or the content of such sites.


We will only sell or rent your personal information to a third party either as part of a sale of the assets of a Stira Folding Attic Stairs company or having ensured that steps have been taken to ensure that your privacy rights continue to be protected.

 

Information about products and services

 

It is very important to us that we provide you with the highest level of service.  In order to help us do this, from time to time Stira Folding Attic Stairs companies may send you details of our products and services which we think may be of interest to you.  If at any time you do not wish to receive these details, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Security

 

Stira Folding Attic Stairs places a great importance on the security of all information associated with our customers. We have security measures in place to attempt to protect against the loss, misuse and alteration of customer data under our control.  For example, our security and privacy policies are periodically reviewed and enhanced as necessary and only authorised personnel have access to user information. With regard to our Web Sites, we use secure server software (SSL) to encrypt financial information you input before it is sent to us.  While we cannot ensure or guarantee that loss, misuse or alteration of data will not occur, we use our best efforts to prevent this.

 

Where is the information stored?

Information which you submit via our Web Sites or our telephone services is stored on a computer located in the European Economic Area.  This is necessary in order to process the information and to send you any information you have requested.  Information submitted by you may be transferred by us to our other offices and to reputable third party suppliers, which may be situated outside the European Economic Area.  Not all countries outside the EEA have data protection or privacy laws.  In addition, if you use our Services while you are outside the EEA, your information may be transferred outside the EEA in order to provide you with those Services.

 

Comments

Please e-mail any questions, concerns or comments you have about our Privacy Policy to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Stira Maintenance

Important maintenance instructions.

 

There is very little maintenance to a Stira folding attic stairs. To prolong the life span of the hinges and joints a small bit of lubricating oil can be applied to the pivots.

 

Metal parts (manual stairs only)

Once a year a visual inspection of the metal parts can be carried out, look for any distortion. If you believe there is a problem with any of the metal parts please send two photos of the part from two different angles which highlight the possible problem and we will advise on a suitable action.

 

Linkage arm.

Check the linkage arms close straight without any sudden jolts to the left or right when closing, it would be best to get another person to close the stirs slowly so you can carry out your inspection.

 

Ladder maintenance.

While the the Stira ladder requires no maintenance it is a high quality timber product which is made from real solid wood. It can be maintained in the same way as any other timber product by dusting and polishing the varnished surface.

 

 

Measure up

stira ceiling height

How to measure up and prepare for fitting a loft ladder or folding attic stairs.


There are only 3 important measurements you need to know before you order a Stira* or any loft ladder.


1. Ceiling height

This is the most important measurement, in many cases it is the only measurement you need to buy a loft ladder. Measure the vertical distance from the floor to the ceiling (not floor to floor). Double check this measurement to ensure it’s correct.*


*Customers in Ireland and the UK do not need to know any of these measurements to purchase a Stira. Stira customers can request a free consultation by one of our fitters/distributors. However providing a ceiling height before calling can speed up the ordering process.



2. Rough opening width

The frame width is the outer dimensions of the loft ladder frame, the frame of the loft ladder is fixed to the joists in the ceiling so it is important to ensure the frame will fit in between the joists.

To ensure you select the correct loft ladder that will fit between the joists in your attic measure the rough opening between the joists in your ceiling, this will give you the rough opening measurement. This measurement will often be slightly larger than the width of the loft ladder but that’s ok and intentional, it is preferable to have a gap to allow for squaring the frame during fitting. Double check you are measuring between the ceiling joists, the hatch can quite often include additional framing that will be removed or replaced when fitting the loft ladder or folding attic stairs.



3. Rough opening length

There is no need to match a loft ladder frame length to the opening length of your current hatch as extending this dimension to match the frame length of the new loft ladder is a common step in fitting a loft ladder. Extending the opening length can be done quite easily as the installer is cutting a joist that has already been cut so no new joist is cut in the process.


Note: One thing you do have to do however is make sure you have the room to extend, check in the direction you intend to extend the opening to ensure there are no wires, water pipes, walls or joists/beams in the way. Make sure that you will have adequate head room to step up off the loft ladder into the attic after installation and that there is adequate floor space to walk into the attic from the top of the loft ladder after installation. Try to install the loft ladder so that it is pointing into the centre of the attic space as this will help ensure you have the most headspace when walking up the ladder.


If you are replacing one brand of loft ladder with a different brand it is important to take note of the difference in the opening lengths. For example a one size fits all loft ladder can have a very long frame length to accommodate many different ceiling heights, while a loft ladder made for a specific ceiling height can have a shorter frame length to preserve floor space in the attic. If the new loft ladder is shorter than the old one meaning there would be a gap along the length of the opening there are three options. The first option is to put in new plasterboard, replaster and paint the gap however this could turn into a big job trying to match the old paint. If the gap is not that large the second option would be to cover the gap with larger architrave, this option is easy and straightforward to achieve. The third option is to custom build the new loft ladder to match the frame length of the old loft ladder. This option would be more a more convenient and cheaper option than replastering larger gaps.


Extending the hatch opening length is all part of the Stira fitting service. All Stira fitters (Ireland) and distributors in the UK can quickly and expertly extend the opening and give advice on the best way to extend the opening. If the current hatch is unsuitable a new opening can be made in a more suitable place.

 


What about clearance above the opening?

With 3 part folding loft ladders space above or around the opening is rarely an issue as these type of loft ladders fold onto themselves meaning they do not extend beyond the frame of the loft ladder. The total height of the loft ladder is generally less than 18” (45cm) and that measurement starts from the ceiling below not the floor of the attic. The major concern with clearance above the opening is for peoples heads and not the loft ladder itself. Ensure there will be enough room to comfortably stand up when stepping off the loft ladder.


Sliding ladders and two part ladders require more space and planning. Sliding ladders require floor space in the attic, this space can be as long as the ceiling height so this would need to be considered before installation as that floor space cannot be used. Many two part ladders do not extend beyond the frame of the loft ladder however some require height above the opening as the ladder does not fold flat on the trapdoor. This height can be roughly 1 metre above the opening.



What about the distance between ceiling and floor above?

Many attics today can have a lot of insulation in the attic, sometimes the insulation can be up to 18” deep which can raise the floor level quite a bit making it a big step up from the top step of the loft ladder to the floor of the attic. Unfortunately there is little the loft ladder can do about this distance if their loft ladder is made to the European standard as the position of the top step is dictated by standard.

If the step up is too large the best option is to build a step into the floor of the attic, this is not that difficult and can be done quickly. Another important consideration is to help accessing the attic is an attic handrail, this handrail is fixed to the floor of the attic slightly in front of the opening improving confidence when stepping on or off the loft ladder.

Troubleshoot Problems

Troubleshooting problems with your Stira folding attic stairs.

 

Wont close - manual stairs

The Stira should be easy and eager to close, if the Stira is difficult to close or seams stuck do not try to force it closed. The most likely cause of a jam are the linkage arms holding the stairs to the outer frame at either side. If they start bending in towards the stairs they will lock up at the elbow. This is an easy problem to solve just hold the arms at the elbow and pull both arms out away from the stairs, be careful not to pull the arms to much (remember the Stira is eager to close) but just enough so the elbow is pointing away from the stairs. Then use the pole to close the Stira normally.

 

Won't open/close - Stiramatic

Check remote battery. Even if not being used batteries have a shelve life and will lose their charge over time (typically 3 - 6 years). You can tell that the remote is working by the green LED that flashes whenever a button is pressed. If the light does not flash the battery needs replacing.

Ensure there is nothing obstructing the Stira from closing. The electronics of the Stira have pinch protection which means it will stop if it detects something in the way. Check around the Stira to ensure nothing has fallen into a place that would prevent the Stira from closing.

If the stairs is stopping halfway or not stopping at the correct place making opening the ladder out so it can reach the ground there may be a problem with the units programing. Reprogramming the Stiramatic unit is simple and straight forward.

1. First return the stairs to the closed position, if the stairs stops while closing keep pressing the up button until it is fully closed.

2. When the stairs is fully closed press and hold both the up and down buttons for five seconds until the stairs starts to open.

3. It is important to keep a close eye on the stairs as it is opening as you will have to stop it to tell it where the open position is. When the arms at the side of the stairs completely straighten press either the up or down button to set this as the new open position.

4. Ensure the open position is correct by opening out the ladder to make sure it can reach the ground without bending at either joint. Do not use the stairs until you have made this final check and you are sure the ladder is straight and touching the ground.

 

If you are having another problem not listed here please contact our office on (00353) 9338055 or email us using the form here. Our office may require pictures of the problem to better deal with the problem.

Fitting a Stira

Guide and walk through to fitting a Stira

 

When first looking at fitting a Stira it may seem daunting, but don't worry fitting is not such a big job. Unlike many "DIY" products you need not worry about assembly, we've taken care of that at the factory. All you need do is cut or enlarge the opening and fit the stairs. The Stira is designed to be a completely integrated unit ready for fitting.

Fitting the Stira should take no more than two hours here are a few things you should bear in mind before you start.

1. Check in attic that there are no constraints to enlarging the opening, such as pipes, wires etc.

2. Bear in mind that the Stira will arc about 14" (35cm) beyond the opening as it folds and unfolds.

3. If the opening is in a bathroom, consider a new opening in the hall or landing.

4. Make sure you have the Stira to suit your ceiling height.

5. Place an old sheet on the floor to protect your carpet or wooden floor.

Tools you'll need

  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver (Philips)
  • Stanley knive
  • Bevel square
  • Saw
  • Measuring tape


stiraarc.jpgThe first thing to do is strip away the existing architrave and trim.

When you remove the old trapdoor you will see that there is a small lath around the opening on which the trapdoor sits. This should be removed so what you are left with is bare rafter.

Now you need to mark out the length of the opening. You can do this with a pencil. Just mark the length of the opening onto the plasterboard.

Important! The Stira will arc about 14" beyond the end of the opening as it is unfolding, so you should keep this in mind when fitting, you may need a new opening.

Measure the frame of the Stira and cut the opening 1/2" (12mm) longer.

You can cut the actual plasterboard one of two ways. The old fashioned way is to use a Stanley Knife to start the cut on the underside of the ceiling, once you have the cut started you can use an ordinary carpenters saw. If you have a Jigsaw this makes the matter easier.

Once the plasterboard is cut away to the desired size you can now cut the rafter.

Depending on how the rafters are running you may need to use a bridging piece to create the rectangular opening needed to fit the Stira.

Once the opening is complete we can move to the actual fitting.


stiralaths.jpgThe best way to actually fit the Stira is to lower it into the opening from above. At this stage you can fit the door handle before you raise the Stira into the attic.

Once you have the Stira in your attic you need to screw two pieces of timber to the underside of the ceiling at either end of the opening. Any piece of waste timber will do, you could use the old architrave you removed earlier.

 

It's important that the timber does not extend any more that 1/2" into the opening.

The reason for this is so that when the Stira is positioned into the opening the frame of the Stira will rest on the laths and the trapdoor will be free to open.

Once the temporary laths are in place you can lower the Stira into the opening.

The trapdoor to make sure the frame is square. It's important that the trapdoor opens and closes freely and that the door does not catch when closing. If the trapdoor does catch the frame may not be square. If the trapdoor opens and closes freely click here to move to the next step if not continue scrolling down the page for problem solving.


Problem. The inner frame is catching the outer frame and the trapdoor does not close freely.

You may need to enlarge the opening slightly to allow the outer frame to move that little bit. If the inner frame is hitting the outer frame on the left hand corner then you need to move the outer frame forward on the left hand side.

The simplest way to do this is to drive a small wedge between the frame and the joist on the left hand side at the hinge end of the frame.

Securing the Frame continued

To secure the frame to the joists use 80mm screws.

Once the frame is secured you can remove the temporary laths and fit the architrave. Its best to start at the front end of the opening with the trapdoor closed. Leave about 1/4" gap between the architrave and the actual trapdoor all around.


MarkLength.jpgCutting to length is crucial to the proper sitting of the stairs on the floor. Its important to bear in mind that you should check both sides of the stairs, don't assume that the floor is level.

Open the Stira and unfold it and fold the bottom section back out of the way and rest it on the floor.

Now using a strait piece of timber, place it on the face of one of the side stringers of the stairs and extend it to the floor maintaining the angle of the stairs.

Mark the piece of timber where it intersects the stairs at the wraparound hinge.

You should check the other side other stringer as the measurement may not be the same. You can now transfer this measurement onto the bottom section and mark the cut line.

Now saw off the excess and sand the ends. Just double check that you have the angle marked the marked the right way around, in other words the angle of cut will be the same as the angle of the step.


 

Problem. After I've made the cut to the two side stringers and there is a large gap between the top and middle section of the stairs when I climb the stairs.

Gap.jpgIf you notice a gap between the top and middle sections of the stairs this means the bottom stringer has been cut to the wrong length. You will need to recheck your measurements, as you may need to take a little more off the bottom section. But you should go through the operating instructions first to make sure you are using the Stira correctly.

You should now have a fully fitted Stira ready for use.

Operating instructions

For information on buying a Stira go to www.stira.com

 

BSI Kitemark

Stira Kitemark

The Stira Folding Attic Stairs has been awarded the British Standards Institute Kitemark. The Kitemark signifies a commitment to quality, it also means the Stira passes UK building codes.

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