2009 iecc section 402 2 3 and 2009 irc section n1102 2 3 and 2012 iecc section r402 2 4 reads.
Diy attic ladder insulation.
The tuff r has an r value of 13 for 2 inches and a foil facing which works great as a radiant heat barrier as well.
To insulate fold down attic stairs.
Folding attic stairs unlike your ceiling does not have any insulation.
Codes changes now require attic ladder to be insulated to r 30 due to the recent code changes it may be difficult to select an insulated attic stair cover that meets the new building and energy codes.
Position the box over the stair opening in the attic.
Stack insulation batts on top of the duct tape so they extend about 1 in.
Because of this heat is transferred between the attic and your living space.
Look for attic ladder as well as staircase versions with tight fitting doors and ideally insulation.
Diy attic stair cover materials to build the attic stair cover i decided to use two inch thick foil faced foam board by dow tuff r.
If your attic has stairs you should invest in attic stairs insulation.
Attach the foam box to the.
The foil faced insulation board is also really easy to connect to other pieces using foil tape.
Or you can include weatherstripping around the door open up to stop air leak as well as cover the door panel with a stiff foam insulation board to reduce heat loss.
Measure the size and height of the stairs from the attic.
If you have an attic access panel in your ceiling and are concerned about heat loss don t despair.
Assemble the sides of the box with metallic duct tape.
Then secure the pillow with the duct tape.
Last spring i built 2 attic stair covers and monitored the results.
Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.
Pull down stair or ladder.
1 x 4 x 8 sheet rigid foam board 1 2 x 30 roll foil duct tape 2 x 17 roll foam tape weather stripping 1 tube caulking optional.
This creates an insulated attic access door.
Blown in cellulose is an environmentally friendly material made from recycled newspaper so it s easier on your skin and lungs.
Cellulose blown in ceiling insulation is a good choice for diyers.
Some models come with insulation covers that fit over the hatchway from above.
Blown in cellulose has a higher r rating and is less expensive than either blown insulation like fiberglass attic insulation or fiberglass batts.
In short my living space was on the average 12 degrees f cooler then without the attic stair covers your results will differ.
Attic stairs especially drop down stairs are notorious for acting as large holes that leak out cold air while bringing in undesirable hot air.
Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door.
Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120.
