Air Sealing And Insulating An Attic Access

Install a gasket around attic access openings to air seal between the opening and the panel covering.

Air sealing and insulating an attic access.

From inside the attic check for any openings holes or fenestrations into the knee wall surrounding area. 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. Air seal the trim the first step is air sealing the finish trim and enclosure around the attic hatch. Sealing the attic hatch or door finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking weather stripping.

Then finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking foam weatherstrip photos 10 and 11. How to insulate and air seal an attic access hatch. Apply weather stripping to the door to create a seal. The stops provide a wider surface for attaching the weatherstrip and a space to mount hook and eye fasteners.

If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the opening. The attic gator is designed to keep the air in the attic separate from the air in the rest of the home. Insulate the cover with rigid foam that is glued in place or batt insulation that is mechanically fastened e g with wires and screws. Once installed the attic gator creates an adequate seal around the attic access.

Pray that the installer used finish nails and not say ring shank nails. Once you have the materials you can begin to seal and insulate the knee wall access door through these steps. Air seal attic access panels and drop down stairs to minimize air leakage.