Insulate Indoor Attic Access

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.

Insulate indoor attic access.

That means that you should glue at least 4 inches of foil faced polyisocyanurate r 26 to the box. Staple long pieces of duct tape sticky side up onto the attic scuttle door. With attic insulation we aim for a pretty high standard usually at least r 49 and the coffin insulation should match. As you can see using the flame test the door is a little crooked which leaves a gap at the top and the bottom which allows cold air to flow into our closet.

But if the floor is covered in plywood you can t stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently not even in warm climates. Most insulation i find in the attic of homes is air permeable air can travel through it. The rule here is simple. Add foam insulation tape around the edges to seal the perimeter where it rests in the access hole.

Add insulation to the exterior of the plywood box. For air to move there must a path hole in the ceiling crack in the drywall poorly sealed attic scuttle etc and a difference in pressure. This means while your insulation in the attic may slow the flow of heat via radiation it will not stop air flow from the living space which carries heat via convection if there is a path for air to travel. Plan to pull up the flooring and layer new insulation on top of the old.

To insulate an attic hatch you need weather stripping rigid foam board and fiberglass batt insulation. Then add insulation batting to form a pillow and wrap it up like a birthday present as shown. The access door is in our closet which is fine except the fact that the crawl space has very little insulation and neither does the door. First install foam weather stripping on the inside of the trim or directly onto the hatch.