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Attic Access Door Insulation

Some form of attic access door insulation should be installed to keep the heating or cooling in your insulated garage. There are several insulated attic stair door covers available to minimize the climate loss in your garage.


Battic Door is simply a reasonably priced cardboard box shaped to fit your attic stairs opening. You simply attach your own or order their fiberglass insulation to acheive up to an R-50 insulation from temperature changes. The Battic Door offers a complete selection of unique insulating products from the ingenoius inflatable fireplace plug DRAFTSTOPPER™, to the Whole House Attic Fan Cover. To order this inexpensive option click this Attic Stair Cover Link.

Thermalid II is made of Modified Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) LG R-320 foam because it meets the National Building Code requirements and the fire and structural performance. The Thermalid II magnetically seals the Attic stairs. Thermalid II provides an R-9 barrier with its 2 1/4" thick cover. Installs in minutes, is easy to open and close, and costs approximately $100. Purchase Thermalid II Attic Access Door Insulation: Click Here

Atticap is another molded dome foam cover designed to fit over the stairwell opening (similar to the Thermalid). This insulated cover is light weight and should clear the longest of folded stairs. This hinged attic door insulator simply moves out of the way when you need to access your attic. The Atticap has an insulating R-12 value and costs about $144.00 (including shipping). You can learn more by visiting Atticcap here.

Attic Tent is a space age synthetic insulated zippered opening from Insul-sure. Simply attach this insulated cover to the attic floor (caulk and staples recommended)for a good tight seal. When you pull down your stairs and climb up, you can unzip the top cover to enter your attic space. This insulated attic access hatch is provided by SP partners who manufacture the Rainbow Attic Stairs. The R-Value is 3.2 and prices start at $189.00. Learn more or Purchase an AtticTent here.

Skuttle Tight might be right for you if you are working with new construction. Skuttle Tight is an attic access insulated sealing system all in one. Easy to install in new construction or replace that old drafty Attic hatch, entry way, stair, cover or door with a massive R-40 insulation rating. For more information visit the Skuttle Tight website.

Energy Guardian can reduce heat loss/gain with it's massive R-30 insulating rating. Installation is a breeze with just a screwdriver. The Energy Guardian looks to be quality constructed and provides easy access through the hinged access door. On sale for $139.00 (including shipping) seems like a great choice for off-the-shelf solution. Purchase Energy Guardian system here.

The Ultimate Stairs with Insulated Hatch - ALL IN ONE UNIT


Make Your Own Attic Insulator

So how did the Garage Detailer or solve this problem? I made my own attic stair insulator. First using 2x6 lumber I created a box around the attic access opening. Then I capped the box with 2x4 lumber to create some additional depth for the stairs. This created an 8" tall box for the stairs(see photo). You could skip the 2x4 step by using 2x8 or 2x10 lumber to start with.

Then I purchased a 4' x 8' sheet of 1/2" foil covered styrofoam insulation. Simply trim the styrofoam to fit and place over the box. When entering the attic, simply move the styrofoam sheet aside. While maybe not providing a high R-Value, my attic insulator could be improved by simply adding a layer of insulation around the box and lid. Thicker Styrofoam sheets are also avilable or several could be glued together. Total cost is less than $25!

An last - Here's a video on Insulating Attic Access

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