This should be an easy DIY job. Access to the attic is a simple box hole with a wooden ‘lid’ that drops into it. Seems like a very inefficient seal to an otherwise well sealed and insulated ceiling (this is in Canada). The cellulose above is held back from the hatch with a simple wall of cardboard.
What do people suggest to replace the simple hatch lid? Blocks of styrofoam? Anyone got a good idea for an air-tight seal?
Replies
My "hatch" is a piece of 1/4" luan sealed and sanded to sorta mimick the other smooth surfaces around it, with 6" of EPS (the rigid pink foam insulation) glued to to back/top. Fits snug at the bottom i.e self sealing MOL, inside a "well" of 2x12's to keep the blown in at bay and you can crimb on/through without damaging Effective r-value of this is 31 or so.
My builder is going to use 6-1/2" SIPS salvaged from the window cutouts. I though that was a great idea. Not sure how to improve the seal in the opening.
Adventures in Home Building
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I used a 1/2" piece of AC lpywood for mine. I had some leftover pieces of 2" foam that I glued to the back of it.
I've wondered if there wasn't a market for an "attic access kit" - something that was easy to open, was insulated, and had a gasket of some sort for a tight seal.
They'd sell like hotcakes at the big boxes.
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http://www.batticdoor.com/index.htmlhttp://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Interior-Partitions-Ceilings/attic-access-insulationhttp://www.rewci.com/enguinacha.htmlhttp://www.thermalid.com/http://www.modularstairs.com/insultatedatticstairs.htmlhttp://www.positive-energy.com/sealing/attic_insulation.html
Thanks for replies. Gluing on some EPS sounds good. May even caulk it from the inside. It's in a closet (appearance not an issue) and I'll bet we go years before we go up there again (now that wiring is done, new roof, no renos planned for now).
I like the SIP idea. I've built insulated hinged boxes that flip up into the attic. Use the high density foam gasket material on the mating surfaces and double-hung window twist locks to pull the box down tight for an effective air seal.
Billy