How To Air Seal Attic Door

Affix foam insulation to the attic side of the door.

How to air seal attic door.

Air seal your attic for energy savings. The standard air sealing recommendation is to install a compression bulb weatherstrip. The latch should lay flush against the frame. Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11.

Take the attic door off and install a couple of hook and eye locks near the perimeter marking on the plywood side of the attic door. This creates an air tight seal. Air seal attic access panels and drop down stairs to minimize air leakage. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the.

If you have pull down attic stairs or an attic door these should be sealed in a similar manner. Ever wonder how much your attic entrance costs you each month in your cooling and heating bills. Double check that there is a full seal by taking a lit incense stick and holding it around the perimeter of your attic door. To properly seal your attic hatch also known as an attic door or scuttle hole at a minimum you should apply weather stripping and ensure the attic side of the attic door is insulated.

Use spray foam to air seal these openings if they exist. We are going to show you step by step in less than 2 and 1. Pre made insulated attic stair covers are also available from local home improvement centers or on the. This can also be beefed up to a sealing gasket like the one on your refrigerator door.

For visual aid on how to complete this project check out this video. Install a gasket around attic access openings to air seal between the opening and the panel covering. Treat the attic door like a door to the outside. Weatherstrip the edges and put a piece of rigid foam board insulation on the back of the door.

When you re done sealing your attic bypasses push the insulation back into place with an old broom handle or stick as you back out of the attic. Without air sealing your attic you are allowing warm air to escape from your home carrying with it your hard earned winter heating money. Reinstall the attic door and install the eyes of the hook and eye lock so they pull down on the attic door. Gaskets are generally more durable and produce a tighter seal.

Air seal the hatch perimeter the plywood hatch rests on a small wood strip lip. When the attic access is sealed and insulated heat transfer between conditioned and unconditioned parts of the home is further prevented. If you have any questions about insulating and air sealing your attic don t hesitate to contact hiller. Most people just add insulation to their attic this will not stop the escaping warm air.