From inside the attic check for any openings holes or fenestrations into the knee wall surrounding area.
How to insulate attic ladder door.
Measure the size and height of the stairs from the attic.
Check for air leaks and wood stops.
There are different ways to accomplish this.
Attach the foam box to the floor with metallic tape.
First install foam weather stripping on the inside of the trim or directly onto the hatch.
Continue to sealing air leaks.
You can check for air leaks with a lit incense stick or a thin.
Cut out two pieces of rigid foam board that are 1 4 inch smaller than the hatch so homeowners can slide the attic access panel open easily.
Start by measuring the dimensions of the opening.
Treat the attic door like a door to the outside.
Apply weather stripping to the door to create a seal.
Build a fiberglass pillow stack insulation batts on top of the duct tape so they extend about 1 in.
Position the box over the stair opening in the attic.
Assemble the sides of the box with metallic duct tape.
Weatherstrip the edges and put a piece of rigid foam board insulation on the back of the door.
Weather stripping is easy to apply because it is self adhesive.
This creates an insulated attic access door.
This ensures a tight seal between the door and the opening.
Forget those flimsy insulated tents this is sturdy and no leaks.
How to seal knee wall doors.
1 x 4 x 8 sheet rigid foam board.
Then secure the pillow with the duct tape.
Pre made insulated attic stair covers are also available from local home improvement centers or on the web.
If you have pull down attic stairs or an attic door these should be sealed in a similar manner.
Apply weather stripping to the perimeter of opening not the attic door cover.
The latch should lay flush against the frame.
2 x 17 roll foam tape weather stripping.
Cut sides and top from sheets of 3 4 foam board with a utility knife.
In the case of a knee wall door insulate the walls.
Add fiberglass or rigid foam.
Step 1 apply weather stripping.
Inspect the weatherstripping gaskets around the attic hatch opening.
To insulate an attic hatch you need weather stripping rigid foam board and fiberglass batt insulation.
For additional details and images download the seal and insulate diy guide pdf 12 8 mb.
This video will show you the best way to insulate your pull down attic stairs.
1 tube caulking optional be sure to use foil tape since regular duct tape won t hold up to the heat in the attic.
Hinge the lid to the box on one side with metallic tape.
And the height the stairs protrude above the attic floor.