Can attic doors open from the inside?

Question

Mainly just curious for a story I am writing. I'd never go up into my attic and see because, frankly, being up there gives me the creeps. However, in the movie 'Christmas Vacation', Chevy Case's character gets stuck up in the attic.

Also, would this answer be different concerning the age of the house the attic is in? Say an old or even decrepit house as opposed to a newer, more modern model?

Answer 1

Most of the new style folding stairways are held closed by springs. They can be pushed open from the inside of the attic and the stairs folded down in front of you as you climb down. I have worked on a couple of older ones that had a catch release to hold them closed. They could not be opened from the inside of the attic. Most older homes have a full staircase to the attic.