Insulating Your Attic Hatch

Work from the perimeter of the attic toward the door or hatch so that you don t trample all over the insulation you just put in.

Insulating your attic hatch.

You want a nice big puffy pillow of insulation to stop any air leaks says olson. In the summers it will radiate heat down into the house and in the winter heat and warm air will escape. So what to do. Several layers should be applied.

If there are indications of erratic air movement coming from your attic hatch replacement weatherstripping is necessary. Scuttlebuddy is a do it yourself attic access scuttle hole insulation and air sealing solution that secures insulation to the access panel for optimum performance and energy savings. Cover the attic hatch with a pillow of fiberglass insulation. Air sealing to prevent air transported heat loss and beefing up the insulation.

Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and to prevent thermal bridging the heat loss that occurs through the wood framing. 1 reduced utility costs 2 comfort in all seasons 3 improved indoor air quality. Attach foil insulation board to the back of the attic hatch panel. Insulating the attic hatch here s a real quick solution.

Cut a piece of fiberglass or rigid foam board insulation the same size as the attic hatch and nail or glue it to the back of the hatch. Cut out two pieces of rigid foam board that are 1 4 inch smaller than the hatch so homeowners can slide the attic access panel open easily. This industry leading air seal eliminates drafts in winter and hot spots in summer lowering heating and cooling bills. An attic hatch can have finished trim and paint look perfect and still be a giant heat sink.

To insulate an attic hatch you need weather stripping rigid foam board and fiberglass batt insulation. First install foam weather stripping on the inside of the trim or directly onto the hatch. Cut two layers of r 19 fiberglass batt insulation slightly larger than the hatch and staple duct tape to the hatch edges to secure it in place. I used 1 board which has an r 6 5 insulating value.

If the attic hatch rests on the molding you should add 2 1 2 inch stops around the entire opening. You can also inspect the weatherstripping and molding around your attic door to see if it is damaged. Weatherstrip the edges and put a piece of rigid foam board insulation on the back of the door.