If you have an attic access panel in your ceiling and are concerned about heat loss don t despair.
Diy attic ladder insulation.
Codes changes now require attic ladder to be insulated to r 30 due to the recent code changes it may be difficult to select an insulated attic stair cover that meets the new building and energy codes.
To insulate fold down attic stairs.
Attach the foam box to the.
Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.
Some models come with insulation covers that fit over the hatchway from above.
Diy attic stair cover materials to build the attic stair cover i decided to use two inch thick foil faced foam board by dow tuff r.
Folding attic stairs unlike your ceiling does not have any insulation.
Assemble the sides of the box with metallic duct tape.
Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door.
Stack insulation batts on top of the duct tape so they extend about 1 in.
Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs.
In short my living space was on the average 12 degrees f cooler then without the attic stair covers your results will differ.
Attic hatch or door.
Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts.
Access hatches and doors.
Position the box over the stair opening in the attic.
Last spring i built 2 attic stair covers and monitored the results.
Look for attic ladder as well as staircase versions with tight fitting doors and ideally insulation.
Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.
Pull down stair or ladder.
Because of this heat is transferred between the attic and your living space.
1 x 4 x 8 sheet rigid foam board 1 2 x 30 roll foil duct tape 2 x 17 roll foam tape weather stripping 1 tube caulking optional.
The foil faced insulation board is also really easy to connect to other pieces using foil tape.
Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers.
If your attic has stairs you should invest in attic stairs insulation.
Cut sides and top from sheets of 3 4 foam board with a utility knife.
Then secure the pillow with the duct tape.
Or you can include weatherstripping around the door open up to stop air leak as well as cover the door panel with a stiff foam insulation board to reduce heat loss.
Attic stairs especially drop down stairs are notorious for acting as large holes that leak out cold air while bringing in undesirable hot air.
Measure the size and height of the stairs from the attic.