Attic Access Methods

Space attic vents evenly and mark the locations by driving nails up through the shingles photo 1.

Attic access methods.

Cut 1 3 boards to fit the perimeter of the opening and nail them on with 6d finish nails. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. 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. Install fiberglass batt insulation on top of the foam board.

Some builders make their attic access hatches out of sip scraps. To fix this energy nosebleed the hatch needs thicker insulation good weatherstripping and tight latches. Fine homebuilding as this thermal image shows poorly detailed attic access hatches leak a lot of heat. Every attic access hatch needs weatherstripping.

See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics. Attic space is not livible space for purposes of bedrooms in most jurisdictions because of fire egress issues. Weatherstrip the attic access hatch or door. As can be seen in the picture the hatch frame s bottom edge is caulked to the drywall edge.

When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. It is very important that you detail your attic access hatch properly here with caulking. Pull down stair or ladder. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool.

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. We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. 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.

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. Attach the two layers of foam board together and apply them to the hatch. If your roof peak runs parallel to the street put them on the backside where they ll be less prominent.