Attic Access Hatch Seal

The insulating material helps reduce heat transfer between the floor below and the attic.

Attic access hatch seal.

Finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking weather stripping. Here in canada our minimum attic insulation requirement is r 40 that s a metric u value of 0 142 if you re in europe or actually using the units we re supposed to be in canada. We are going to show you step by step in less than 2 and 1. To fix this energy nosebleed the hatch needs thicker insulation good weatherstripping and tight latches.

5 3 2 attic access panels and drop down stairs equipped with a durable r 10 or greater insulated cover that is gasketed i e not caulked to produce continuous air seal when occupant is not accessing the attic unfortunately they list some of the items i listed above in the what not to. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings add 2 1 2 inch wide stops around the opening. The stops provide a wider surface for attaching the weatherstrip and a space to mount hook and eye fasteners. Once installed the attic access cover creates a tight seal around the hatch.

Every attic access hatch needs weatherstripping. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings like ours did add 2 1 2 in wide stops around the. 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. Some builders make their attic access hatches out of sip scraps.

The part of the new energy code that requires weatherstripping at the attic access hatch is section r402 2 4 which says access doors from conditioned spaces to unconditioned spaces e g attics. The newest version of energy star v3 requires. The insulation and sealing opportunities created through attic access covers are unparalleled compared to more do it yourself solutions. Sealing the attic hatch or door.

Before installing the attic access hatch you will want to insulate the backside of it before putting everything in place.