How To Seal An Attic Opening

Add weather stripping or gasket material to the frame or attic access panel.

How to seal an attic opening.

Apply self adhesive foam weatherstrip tape to the top edge of the stop. Apply a bead of caulk on the inside and outside edges of the trim and then reattach it. Insulate the cover with rigid foam that is glued in place or batt insulation that is mechanically fastened e g with wires and screws. The standard air sealing recommendation is to install a compression bulb weatherstrip.

Attics aren t meant to be permanently sealed no matter what a builder or homeowner tells you. Once the fiberglass insulation is in place follow the directions on the can to foam the space around the pipe. Cut 1 3 boards to fit the perimeter of the opening and nail them on with 6d finish nails. If the gap is larger use nonexpanding foam in addition to the caulk.

The stops provide a wider surface for attaching the weatherstrip and a space to mount hook and eye fasteners. Stuff gaps with insulation. Once you have the materials you can begin to seal and insulate the knee wall access door through these steps. Adhere batt insulation to the top panel of the box.

Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape. If the space around your plumbing pipe is wider than 3 inches you may need to stuff some fiberglass insulation into the space to serve as a backer for the expanding foam. 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. But you can note it in your report to cover your own back.

Install a gasket around attic access openings to air seal between the opening and the panel covering. Taking advantage of this natural process referred to as passive ventilation is the most common way to vent an. Use spray foam to air seal these openings if they exist. From inside the attic check for any openings holes or fenestrations into the knee wall surrounding area.

Air seal attic access panels and drop down stairs to minimize air leakage. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings add 2 1 2 inch wide stops around the opening. Apply weather stripping to the door to create a seal. For air sealing add caulk if the gap between the rough opening and frame is less than 1 2 inch.

If you re prohibited from entering the attic there s not much that you can do about it. It should rest squarely on top of the stairway frame.