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Air Sealing Attic Access Panels/Doors/Stairs

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.
    Scope

    Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.

    • Install a gasket around attic access openings to air seal between the opening and the panel covering. Insulate the cover with rigid foam that is glued in place or batt insulation that is mechanically fastened, e.g., with wires and screws.
    • Install a durable, insulated cover for drop-down stairs that provide attic access and install an air-sealing gasket around the rim of the panel.
    • Install blocking around the staircase or panel to serve as an insulation dam.

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    Good air-sealing and a continuous air barrier between the attic and the home’s conditioned (living) space are important, not only to save energy and reduce fuel bills, but also to prevent moisture problems in the attic. Sealing holes in the attic ceiling reduces the house’s “suction” (or stack effect) so less contaminants are drawn up into the house from the ground such as radon and other soil gases (Lstiburek 2010). Openings used for access to the attic such as access panels, doors into kneewalls, or dropdown stairs should be air sealed and insulated.  To air seal, weather stripping should be added to either the frame or panel of the attic access panel or door and latch bolts or mechanical fastener should be installed that will pull the access door tight to the weatherstripping for an airtight seal. To reduce heat loss, these access panels, doors, or stairs should be insulated. Panels and doors can be insulated by gluing rigid foam to the panel or attaching batt insulation with bolts and wiring or metal strapping. Pull-down stair kits can be purchased with rigid insulation already attached to the panel Alternatively some pull-down stair kits come with rigid insulation already attached to the inside of the back door panel, between the panel and the stairs. Or a rigid foam box-shaped cover can be constructed or purchased that fits over the stairs and is lifted and placed out of the way when accessing the attic.

    The insulated and gasketed attic cover might be installed by the framer or the insulation contractor. This task should be included in the contract for the appropriate trade depending on the workflow at the specific job site.

    How to Air Seal Attic Access Panels

    1. Install wood trim pieces on the ceiling side of attic access hole framing. The trim should extend one-half inch to one inch around the inside edge of the access hole forming a ledge. The access panel will rest on this trim.
    2. Install weather stripping along the top of this ledge.
    3. Cut the access panel with even edges and one-quarter inch to one-half inch of clearance around the edges.
    4. Insulate the top of the access panel with rigid foam or fiberglass batt insulation that is glued or fastened with bolts and wires to the panel.
    Air seal the attic access panel with a continuous gasket of weather stripping.
    Figure 1. Air seal the attic access panel with a continuous gasket of weather stripping (Source: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing 2010). 

     

    How to Air Seal Attic Pull-Down Stairs

    1. Install 1x2 or 1x3 wood trim pieces to surround the inside edge of the access hole framing. When closed, the back panel of the stairs will be rest up against this trim, so recess the trim enough to ensure the back panel will be flush with the ceiling.
    2. Install weather stripping along the bottom edge of this trim or along the inside top edge of the back panel to act as a continuous gasket.
    3. Install additional weather stripping along the top of this trim to provide air sealing for a box-shaped cover that will insulate the stairs.
      a. Construct or purchase a box made of rigid foam insulation sized to fit the access hole. This box can be lifted and placed out of the way when accessing the attic. Additional batt insulation can be attached to the top of this box if desired.
      b. Alternatively some pull-down stair kits come with rigid insulation already attached to the inside of the back door panel, between the panel and the stairs.
    4. Add 1x8s or plywood strips cut to desired height to each side of the drop-down stairs framing to act as insulation dams to keep blown-in attic insulation from falling into the stairs. 
    Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weather stripping and construct or purchase a rigid foam box to insulate the opening.
    Figure 2. Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weather stripping and construct or purchase a rigid foam box to insulate the opening (Source: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing 2010). 

     

    How to Air Seal an Attic Door

    1. Install weather stripping along the inside door frame and threshold.
    2. Install a latch that will pull the door tight to the frame and the weather stripping. Do not undercut the door.
    3. Insulate the attic side of the door by gluing rigid foam to it or attaching batt insulation with screws and wire.
    Air seal the attic kneewall door opening with weather stripping.
    Figure 3. Air seal the attic kneewall door opening with weather stripping and insulate the door panel (Source: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing 2010). 

     

    How to Air Seal an Attic Kneewall Drawer or Closet

    1. Build framing for the drawer or closet box.
    2. Insulate the framing rigid foam.
    3. Line the box with drywall, OSB, or plywood that is caulked at the seams.
    Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls.
    Figure 4. Build an airtight box around any drawers or closets built into attic knee walls that extend into uninsulated attic space. Insulate along air barrier (shown in yellow on drawing). Caulk at seams (red dots) (Source: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing 2010). 

     

    Success
    Ensuring Success

    Consider installing attic access panels or drop-down stairs in unconditioned parts of the home, such as a garage or porch ceiling. If an attic access is installed in a conditioned room of the home, visually inspect that weather stripping has been installed around the opening and that the door or panel closes tightly along its entire perimeter. Air leakage can be detected during a blower door test with a smoke pencil, IR camera, or by feeling air flow with the hand.

    Climate
    Climate

    Colder climates will increase the potential for heat loss and air leakage, and the impacts of that heat loss, if the attic access is not properly insulated and air sealed.  Heat loss into the attic can warm the underside of the roof deck which can contribute to snow melt and ice dam formation. Significant air leakage from the house into the attic increases the potential for condensation and frost formation in the attic, if warmer vapor-laden conditioned air is allowed to escape into a wintertime attic with cold surfaces.

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Wrong – No blocking installed to prevent attic insulation from falling into stairs and opening
    Wrong – No blocking installed to prevent attic insulation from falling into stairs and opening
    Image
    Right – Blocking has been installed around the perimeter of this attic access to prevent insulation falling into the house
    Right – Blocking has been installed around the perimeter of this attic access to prevent insulation falling into the house
    Image
    Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed
    Wrong – Drop down stairs do not have insulation cover installed
    Image
    Wrong – Attic access panel does not have an insulation cover installed
    Wrong – Attic access panel does not have an insulation cover installed
    Image
    Right – Attic access hatch has been properly insulated by attaching a fiberglass batt, gasketed, and opening has blocking
    Right – Attic access hatch has been properly insulated by attaching a fiberglass batt, gasketed, and opening has blocking
    Image
    Wrong – There is no weather stripping or gasket around the attic stair hatch
    Wrong – There is no weather stripping or gasket around the attic stair hatch
    Image
    Right – Attic access door has foam and rubber weather stripping installed that remains in contact when closed
    Right – Attic access door has foam and rubber weather stripping installed that remains in contact when closed
    Image
    Right - A wood dam was constructed to hold back the attic floor insulation
    Right - A wood dam was constructed to hold back the attic floor insulation
    Image
    Right - The attic access panel is insulated and weather stripped and a dam is built to hold back the blown attic floor insulation
    Right - The attic access panel is insulated and weather stripped and a dam is built to hold back the blown attic floor insulation
    Image
    Right - The trim around the attic access is air sealed with caulk
    Right - The trim around the attic access is air sealed with caulk
    Image
    Right - This attic catch cover is insulated with rigid foam
    Right - This attic catch cover is insulated with rigid foam
    Image
    Wrong - This attic access hatch cover is not insulated
    Wrong - This attic access hatch cover is not insulated
    Image
    Air seal the attic access panel with weather stripping
    Air seal the attic access panel with weather stripping
    Image
    Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.
    Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.
    Image
    Limited attic access can make inspections for missing air barriers and insulation challenging
    Limited attic access can make inspections for missing air barriers and insulation challenging
    Image
    Limited attic access may make it necessary to use a bore scope when inspecting for missing air barriers and insulation
    Limited attic access may make it necessary to use a bore scope when inspecting for missing air barriers and insulation
    Image
    Wrong - IR image is showing that attic access is missing weather stripping.
    Wrong - IR image is showing that attic access is missing weather stripping.
    CAD
    CAD Files
    Air sealing at attic hatch - finish screws
    Air sealing at attic hatch - finish screws
    Download: DWG PDF
    Air sealing at attic pull down attic stair
    Air sealing at attic pull down attic stair
    Download: DWG PDF
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    National Rater Field Checklist

    Thermal Enclosure System.
    4. Air Sealing (Unless otherwise noted below, “sealed” indicates the use of caulk, foam, or equivalent material). 
    4.10 Attic access panels, drop-down stairs, & whole-house fans equipped with durable ≥ R-10 cover that is gasketed (i.e., not caulked). Fan covers either installed on house side or mechanically operated.30 

    Footnote 30) Examples of durable covers include, but are not limited to, pre-fabricated covers with integral insulation, rigid foam adhered to cover with adhesive, or batt insulation mechanically fastened to the cover (e.g., using bolts, metal wire, or metal strapping).

    Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in in your state.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.

     

    2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

    Section 402.2.3 Access hatches and doors. Access doors separating conditioned from unconditioned space are weather-stripped and insulated (without insulation compression or damage) to at least the level of insulation on the surrounding surfaces.

    2012, 20152018, and 2021 IECC

    Table R402.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, Ceiling/attic: Access openings, drop down stairs or knee wall doors to unconditioned attic spaces are insulated and sealed. Insulation in any dropped ceiling/soffit shall be aligned with the air barrier.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

    Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

     

    2009 International Residential Code (IRC)

    Section N1102.2.3 Access hatches and doors. Access doors separating conditioned from unconditioned space are weather-stripped and insulated (without insulation compression or damage) to at least the level of insulation on the surrounding surfaces.

    20152018 IRC, and 2021 IRC

    Section N1102.2.4 Access hatches and doors. Access doors separating conditioned from unconditioned space are weather-stripped and insulated (without insulation compression or damage) to at least the level of insulation on the surrounding surfaces. Table N1102.4.1.1 Air Barrier and Insulation Installation, Ceiling/attic: Access openings, drop down stairs or knee wall doors to unconditioned attic spaces are insulated and sealed.

    Section R805.6 discusses vapor retarder and insulation requirements for unvented attics and unvented enclosed rafter assemblies in cold climates.

    Table R806.5 (R806.4 in 2009 IRC) specifies roof-ceiling insulation requirements for condensation control based on climate zone.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IRC

    Section R102.7.1 Additions, alterations, or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with the requirements of this code, unless otherwise stated. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Appendix J regulates the repair, renovation, alteration, and reconstruction of existing buildings and is intended to encourage their continued safe use.

    Retrofit
    Existing Homes

    SCOPE

    In existing homes, air seal attic access and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage to and from unconditioned attic spaces.  

    • Inspect and repair or replace the existing attic door or hatch panel, as needed.
    • See the Scope and Description tab for additional instructions.

    For more information on conditions that may be encountered when working in existing attics, see the Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Attics, Ceilings, and Roofs. Also see the U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications (SWS) guidance on Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Attics, Ceilings, and Roofs

    DESCRIPTION

    1. Inspect and replace or repair any missing, poorly fitting, loose, or damaged attic access doors, panels, or latching hardware.  
    2. See the Description tab for additional air sealing installation information.

    COMPLIANCE

    Alterations

    2009 IECC and 2009 IRC, 2012 IECC and 2012 IRC 

    2012 IECC, Section R101.4.3 / 2012 IRC N1101.3 and 2009 IECC 101.4.3 / 2009 IRC N1101.4.3 Alterations – General.  Alterations to an existing building or portion of a building should comply with the provisions of the code as they relate to new construction without requiring unaltered portion(s) of the existing building to comply with this code.

    2015 IECC and 2015 IRC, 2018 IECC and 2018 IRC

    2015 IECC/2015 IRC, Section R501.1.1/N1107.1.1 Existing Buildings – General.  Alterations to an existing building or portion of a building should comply with Sections R502/N1108, R503/N1109, or R504/N1110.  Unaltered portions of the existing building are not required to comply.

    R503.1/N1109.1 Alterations. General.  Alterations to any building or structure should comply with the requirements of the code for new construction.  Alterations should not negatively impact conformance of a building or structure to the provisions of this code; that is, code conformance should be the same as existed for the building or structure prior to the alteration.  Alterations should not create an unsafe or hazardous condition or overload existing building systems.  Alterations should be such that the altered building or structure uses no more energy than the existing building or structure prior to the alteration.

    See Compliance tab. 

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    Case Studies
    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.
    Author(s)
    Baechler Michael C,
    Gilbride Theresa L,
    Hefty Marye G,
    Cole Pam C,
    Williamson Jennifer,
    Love Pat M
    Organization(s)
    Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,
    PNNL,
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
    ORNL
    Publication Date
    Description
    Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Department of Energy
    Organization(s)
    DOE
    Publication Date
    Description
    Website listing implementation timelines and links to various versions of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home national program requirements.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Website providing the technical specifications and related documents for home builders, subcontractors, architects, and other housing professionals interested in certifying a home to the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program requirements.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    Tight Air Sealed Home = Comprehensive Draft Protection

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    Poorly air-sealed homes are less comfortable and cost more to maintain because they provide a pathway for drafts, cold spots, moisture, and insects into the home. Comprehensive draft protection includes a continuous air barrier around the whole house along with caulking and sealing in all holes and cracks. This includes around wiring, plumbing, ducts, and flues; where wall framing meets flooring; around windows; where drywall meets top plates and sill plates; where rim joists meet foundation walls and subfloors; etc. Spray foam insulation can be used at rim joists, floors above unconditioned space, and in attics to insulate and air seal at the same time.

    Comprehensive Draft Protection
    Sales Message

    Comprehensive draft protection minimizes air flow that can undermine a complete high-performance insulation system. What this means for you is less wasted energy along with enhanced comfort, health, quiet, and durability. Wouldn’t you agree it would be a shame to only get a partial return on your investment in advanced insulation?

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