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Attic stairs can be a major source of
heat loss, particularly if it is an older attic stair system. Frequently attic
stairs are only sealed by minor trim work around the perimeter of the attic
stair system. You can save yourself some money on this winter’s home heating
bills by insulating your attic stairs.
Insulating Attic Stairs with Weather Foam Stripping
Start by examining the seam around
your attic stair system to see if it is tightly sealed all the way around the
perimeter.
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Chances are it will not be, so apply
some adhesive weather foam stripping around the inside perimeter edge of the
attic stair door trim.
Insulate Attic Stairs with a Rigid Foam Insulation Cover
In addition to insulating the attic stair door trim area it is also wise to
insulate the entire attic stair system itself. You can do this by creating an
attic stair insulation cover that sits in the attic on top of the folded attic
stair system. You can construct the insulation attic stair cover out of rigid
foam insulation.
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To create a rigid foam attic stair insulation cover, start by building a
rectangular frame using sections of rigid foam insulation. The rectangular frame
should have length and width dimensions that are just slightly larger than the
folded attic stair dimensions. The depth, or height, of the insulation box,
should again, be just slightly larger than the thickness of the folded attic
stairs.
Tape the cut sections of rigid foam insulation together to form the
rectangular frame. |
Foil tape works best for taping the
rigid foam insulation sections together. Also, apply adhesive weather stripping to the seams to create a well
insulated attic stair cover.
Next, cut a lid cover for the rectangular frame. The lid should have dimensions
that go to the outside edges of your rigid foam insulation box.
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Lay the attic stair insulation lid cover over your rectangular frame and attach
one side of it to the rectangular fame using foil tape and weather stripping.
Make sure you apply the foil tape along the entire length of the seam as this
section of tape will act as a hinge for opening and closing the attic stair
cover.
Finally, place the insulation attic cover over the folded attic stairs in the
attic. Tape the insulation attic cover box to the attic floor and you’re done.
By implementing these two attic stair insulation tips your attic stairs should
experience significantly less heat loss this winter.
For help on Attic Conversion and Attic
Renovation Projects, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Attic Conversion Bid sheet. The
Attic Conversion Bid sheet will help
to ensure that you hire the right contractor so that your attic conversion
project is built
correctly, on time and budget.
How to Finance your Attic Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Attic Information
Retractable Attic Stairs from Amazon.com
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