Attic hatches can often be overlooked for air sealing work. They present a unique challenge, because the hatch has to be airtight while still allowing access to the attic. Air leakage occurs through the joint between the hatch and the ceiling. The hatch is most often a piece of gypsum board cut to size, resting on a ledge made from wood trim or resting in the edge of the ceiling drywall inside the opening. These air sealing procedures are for hatches that rest on the ceiling gypsum or wood-trimmed ledge. In order to achieve an effective air seal, it is important to ensure that the existing hatch is sized properly so that it has enough contact with the opening ledge. If the attic hatch has a built-in attic access ladder on the top side, additional insulation cannot be easily placed on the hatch. The hatch can remain uninsulated, but attention must be paid to the perimeter seals. Ensure the attic hatch sits tightly against the opening seals and keeps an airtight seal when not in use.

Items to Avoid

• Do not size the rigid insulation on the attic hatch to fit too closely against the surrounding framing.
• Do not place heavy items on the hatch to weigh it down onto the gasket.

Items to Incorporate

• Ensure the attic hatch is fully engaging the edge gasket. If needed, install a latch or hooks on the edge of the hatch to hold it firmly down.
• Build the insulation guard so that access to the hatch is not impeded and it will remain intact with continued passage into the attic.