When it comes to installing insulation in the home, one area often neglected is the attic entrance.
There are many different types of entrances.
They all need at least some sort of barrier or body of protection between the entryway of the attic and the very hot or very cold air in the summer and winter.
When located above a non-conditioned area, the necessity is lower, since there is no temperate air to escape into the unused attic.
These are some of the different types of attic entrances that homeowners may encounter when seeking entry into their attics.
Pull-Down A pull-down entrance is usually located in a hallway or room on the uppermost floor of the home.
It is also common to find over the garage or screened porch.
The entrance is generally marked by a panel in the ceiling.
There should be a cord dangling from the panel that, when pulled, comes down.
Sometimes the cord may be tucked up inside the panel to limit the access of children or occupants walking about under the dangling cord.
The panel is typically made of treated or untreated plywood, depending on the age and construction of the home.
A folded up ladder is usually attached to the pull-down panel.
When unfolded, the ladder creates access to the attic.
It is not meant to be used on a frequent basis and may not be sturdy enough to hold large individuals or more than one person at a time.
As a result, many homeowners neglect this portion of the attic.
It cannot be seen from below, and is often forgotten.
Adding insulation will prevent unconditioned air from escaping through this hatch when it is closed.
Hatch A hatch, or scuttle hole entryway, is similar to the pull-down entrance.
The main difference is that there is no ladder.
Access is gained by putting up a ladder or using something sturdy for support to climb up through the hole.
This type of entryway is often located in an upper hallway over a conditioned space, like a bedroom.
The panel should be insulated to prevent conditioned air from escaping into the attic.
Full Stairway Homes with unfinished attics may have a full stairway allowing access.
There is frequently a door closing off the entryway.
While insulation is not needed on the door itself, any cracks and crevices should be filled or blocked by insulation or weather stripping.
For large gaps under the door or around the hinges, consider replacing the door itself.
One of the most common problems that homeowners face in attic energy loss is inadequate protection at the entryway.
Using the proper blanket of protection can save homeowners money in energy bills and prevent conditioned air from escaping no matter what type of entrance is used.
There are many different types of entrances.
They all need at least some sort of barrier or body of protection between the entryway of the attic and the very hot or very cold air in the summer and winter.
When located above a non-conditioned area, the necessity is lower, since there is no temperate air to escape into the unused attic.
These are some of the different types of attic entrances that homeowners may encounter when seeking entry into their attics.
Pull-Down A pull-down entrance is usually located in a hallway or room on the uppermost floor of the home.
It is also common to find over the garage or screened porch.
The entrance is generally marked by a panel in the ceiling.
There should be a cord dangling from the panel that, when pulled, comes down.
Sometimes the cord may be tucked up inside the panel to limit the access of children or occupants walking about under the dangling cord.
The panel is typically made of treated or untreated plywood, depending on the age and construction of the home.
A folded up ladder is usually attached to the pull-down panel.
When unfolded, the ladder creates access to the attic.
It is not meant to be used on a frequent basis and may not be sturdy enough to hold large individuals or more than one person at a time.
As a result, many homeowners neglect this portion of the attic.
It cannot be seen from below, and is often forgotten.
Adding insulation will prevent unconditioned air from escaping through this hatch when it is closed.
Hatch A hatch, or scuttle hole entryway, is similar to the pull-down entrance.
The main difference is that there is no ladder.
Access is gained by putting up a ladder or using something sturdy for support to climb up through the hole.
This type of entryway is often located in an upper hallway over a conditioned space, like a bedroom.
The panel should be insulated to prevent conditioned air from escaping into the attic.
Full Stairway Homes with unfinished attics may have a full stairway allowing access.
There is frequently a door closing off the entryway.
While insulation is not needed on the door itself, any cracks and crevices should be filled or blocked by insulation or weather stripping.
For large gaps under the door or around the hinges, consider replacing the door itself.
One of the most common problems that homeowners face in attic energy loss is inadequate protection at the entryway.
Using the proper blanket of protection can save homeowners money in energy bills and prevent conditioned air from escaping no matter what type of entrance is used.