How To Insulate Attic Stairs
With attic insulation we aim for a pretty high standard usually at least r 49 and the coffin insulation should match.
How to insulate attic stairs. Begin by checking to see if the attic stairs close tightly then apply self adhesive foam weather stripping around the perimeter where the plywood door meets the frame except on the hinge end. Cut sides and top from sheets of 3 4 foam board with a utility knife. Position the box over the stair opening in the attic. Weatherstrip the edges and put a piece of rigid foam board insulation on the back of the door.
Attach the foam box to the. If you have pull down attic stairs or an attic door these should be sealed in a similar manner. Add insulation to the exterior of the plywood box. 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.
Apply weather stripping first check that your folding attic stairs are able to close securely and tightly. Do not apply the weather stripping to the hinge end. Assemble the sides of the box with metallic duct tape. More insulation 6 inches or 8 inches isn t uncommon.
Insulate attic drop down access stairs insulation for pull steps savings project cover box an stair big energy construct battic door r 50 the guardian 38 ladder how to insulate attic drop down access stairs today s homeowner insulation for pull down attic steps hometalk savings project attic stairs cover box department of energy how read more. Once the opening has been sealed it can be further insulated by building a foam box in the attic to enclose the stairs. The stairs themselves also need to be insulated and the bottom of the stringers should be air sealed with airtight drywall. Then take your self adhesive foam weather stripping and apply it all around the perimeter of where the frame and the door meet.
Caulking around the flange helps to further insulate the stairs by preventing air from escaping into the attic. Measure the size and height of the stairs from the attic. That means that you should glue at least 4 inches of foil faced polyisocyanurate r 26 to the box. To insulate fold down attic stairs.