Create a barrier against energy loss with air sealing and insulation.
Your attic stairway or hatch may actually be one of the biggest sources of energy loss in your home. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest places to find savings.
Project Overview
Tools and Materials:
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Lights
- Straight edge
- Markers
- Staple gun
- Hammer
- Table or circular saw (optional—for cutting rigid foam board)
- Prefabricated attic access sealing system OR rigid insulation; fiberglass batt; duct sealing; nails; and weather-stripping
Safety:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask/respirator
- Locate your attic access hatch and identify holes, gaps, and other areas where air leaks may occur. Sealing a leaky hatch is slightly different from sealing leaky trim or the rough opening.
- Once you’ve identified where the air leaks may be happening, determine which material will best cover the gaps. Weather stripping where the hatch touches the trim will seal the area, while still allowing the hatch to be opened. Caulking or foaming the hatch trim and/or rough opening provides a longer lasting air seal for areas around the hatch that do not move. Make sure, in either case, that you install materials in such a way as to ensure a tight fit.
- You may also find it simpler/more convenient to use a prefabricated insulation kit. These kits can sometimes cost a little more money, but in some cases are easier to install.