The Push Up Attic Hatch

The push up attic hatch is an integral part of the thermal barrier. You can spend all the time you want air sealing and adding insulation - only to have a faulty attic hatch.

"What makes it faulty, Energy Guy?" you ask. Well, there are several issues that can exist that allow valuable energy to escape.

The Hatch is missing insulation - This is the most common. You've taken the time to insulate your attic properly, only to leave a glaring 2' x 2' area totally uninsulated. We typically want at least a 3/4" plywood hatch installed, covered with an R38 fiberglass batt - encapsulated in plastic. The plastic will ensure that the fiberglass stays in place. The R38 keeps the entire attic at the same level.

The Hatch is not weatherstripped - This item is typically not done, and when it is it's with the cheap felt strip that is more worthless than snow tires in Hawaii. We will install a "snow jamber" in the hatch opening so that when the hatch is closed, the seal is tight. This ensures that there is zero air leakage.

If you must build a dam for the hatch to drop down into, please make sure that it is made air tight as well - caulk carefully.

That's it for today - for those out there that are Ohio State fans - GO BUCKEYES.

Next Topic - Drop down attic stair cases.