Attic Access Methods

Attach the two layers of foam board together and apply them to the hatch.

Attic access methods.

Attic space is not livible space for purposes of bedrooms in most jurisdictions because of fire egress issues. Apply self adhesive foam weatherstrip tape to the top edge of the stop. You will simply set your access hatch on top of that drywall centre it in the space by shimming between its backside and the framing wherever your screws will be and then fastening it into place. To pull down folding stairs to ladders to open hatches that must be accessed by a temporary ladder.

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. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. Weatherstrip the attic access hatch or door. To fix this energy nosebleed the hatch needs thicker insulation good weatherstripping and tight latches.

It is very important that you detail your attic access hatch properly here with caulking. If your roof peak runs parallel to the street put them on the backside where they ll be less prominent. Install fiberglass batt insulation on top of the foam board. Installing a pull down attic ladder is essential for safer easier access to your attic.

Space attic vents evenly and mark the locations by driving nails up through the shingles photo 1. Use a chef s knife to cut batts some pros prefer it to utility knives because the large blade easily slices through the thick material. Attic access stairs range from a normally pitched stairway with railings even landings headroom lighting etc. Fine homebuilding as this thermal image shows poorly detailed attic access hatches leak a lot of heat.

Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool. Pull down stair or ladder. Wear a dust mask while working in the attic and lay planks or plywood across rafters so you don t step though the drywall ceiling below. Every attic access hatch needs weatherstripping.

See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics. We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo. As can be seen in the picture the hatch frame s bottom edge is caulked to the drywall edge. Some builders make their attic access hatches out of sip scraps.