Whether it is summer or winter, attic door insulation and attic stairs insulation is very important to the cooling or warming of your home.  Hot or cold air can get into the attic between leaks and holes.  While there are many leaks and holes generally in an attic, the hole that is created for the attic access makes a hole in the layer of insulation that covers the attic door. Also see installing attic insulation.

Attic door insulation is important in preventing mold growth in the attic.  Since warm air rises in the winter, it condenses on the cold attic surfaces, which can cause mold growth.   Whether your attic access is a hatch, pull-down stairs, or a knee-wall door, attic door insulation is important and should be installed with the proper R-value for your climate.

Attic Door Insulation

The attic hatch or door is generally a removable panel in the drywall of the ceiling.  It is usually located in a closet or hallway.

Attic Door Insulation Materials:

• Weatherstripping
• Rigid insulated sheathing
• Fiberglass batt insulation
• Latch bolt (optional)

Attic Door Insulation Steps:

1. Install the weatherstripping on the hatch itself or on the inside of the trim or base where the hatch lies.  Add a latch bolt.  This will help to keep the seal tighter.
2. Align the trim or base to seal properly.  Add attic door insulation to the attic side of the hatch.  Rigid insulated sheathing is recommended. Cut the insulated sheathing a ¼” smaller than the hatch size to allow for clearance when you are moving the access panel.
3. Put 3 or 4 inches of attic door insulation to the hatch with construction adhesive and screws.  For extra protection, glue batt insulation, kraft paper side to the top of the last layer of rigid attic door insulation.
4. Remember to achieve the recommended R-value for your climate.

Attic Stairs Insulation

Another way to access your attic is by pull-down stairs.  The frame for the stairs will fit in a rough opening, which leaves a gap.  This gap must be sealed.  If the gap is only ½ inch or less, then all you need to use is caulk as a sealant.   If the gap is larger, the non-expanding foam or a backing material, such as a backer rod is recommended, along with caulk.  It is possible to use expanding foam; however, it is can expand so much that it could warp the frame.  This could cause the stairs to open and close improperly.

Attic Stairs Insulation Installation Materials:

• Weatherstripping or gasket material
• Rigid foam board
• Batt insulation
• Latch bolt (optional)

Attic Stairs Insulation Installation Steps:

1. Make a lightweight box out of rigid foam board.   The box should fit over the stairs and should be able to be moved to allow for entrance.  The box should rest squarely on top of the stairway frame.
2. Glue batt insulation to the top panel of the box.
3. Add caulk for air sealing.  If the gap is more than ½ inch, you will need to add non-expanding foam in addition to the caulk.
4. Add weatherstripping or gasket material to the frame or attic access panel.

Attic door insulation and attic stairs insulation is an important step to ensuring your home is as energy efficient as possible.

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