How To Install Attic Access Hatch
If this is the case the project total will increase depending on the type of wood used.
How to install attic access hatch. This can also be beefed up to a sealing gasket like the one on your refrigerator door. Measure and mark the size of your new opening plus 4 inches either side on top of existing ceiling joists 1 2 3 and. 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. Weatherstrip the edges and put a piece of rigid foam board insulation on the back of the door.
Here are a few guidelines for choosing the right area and cutting an appropriate. Repeat the cut on the. Air seal the hatch perimeter the plywood hatch rests on a small wood strip lip. If you re installing pull down attic stairs for the first time you ll likely need to cut the hole yourself.
The standard air sealing recommendation is to install a compression bulb weatherstrip. If your home already has an access hatch and you re only adding a ladder you can skip to the next step for instructions on how to install a ladder. Apply a bead of caulk on the inside and outside edges of the trim and then reattach it. Adding an access panel to your attic is usually not difficult.
Some kits do not include the panel that covers the entrance to the attic. Nevertheless in order to have access to our attic for future maintenance or repairs i installed a well insulated attic hatch in a closet ceiling in our master bedroom. We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo. Cut the drywall straight across between the two joists connecting the ends of the two cut lines on the far edge of the attic access hole.
The cost to install a standard 24 by 54 inch plywood access door is approximately 36. Step 1 select a closet ceiling or hallway ceiling with good floor space underneath since you will need to use a ladder to access your attic. In keeping with passive house and pretty good house principles i tried to protect the thermal envelope even in this relatively small area and avoid what can be a notorious. If your new hatch spans more than 2 joists involving cutting more than two joists you will need to contact a.
If you have pull down attic stairs or an attic door these should be sealed in a similar manner. Place a 4 inch x 1 inch timber flat on the joists behind your. Attic door or access panel installation costs.