If I blow insulation everywhere in my attic except the door trap, will heat escape through it?












5















I want to blow insulation into my attic. The door into my attic is on the floor and made up of a large board which doesn't have hinges. I have to push the door up and slide it over in order to gain access to the attic. That means when I blow in insulation, I can't blow any in on the door or in the area that I will slide the door over to.



Will this gap in insulation cause major hot or cold air loss? Are there alternatives to this?










share|improve this question


















  • 1





    They make insulated covers for folding attic stair cases. You could use that basic design to make your own insulated "cap".

    – JPhi1618
    Mar 28 at 20:12






  • 2





    Consider using a different type of insulation on top of the door (i.e. fiberglass bats) in addition to your blown insulation elsewhere.

    – Nate Strickland
    Mar 28 at 20:14
















5















I want to blow insulation into my attic. The door into my attic is on the floor and made up of a large board which doesn't have hinges. I have to push the door up and slide it over in order to gain access to the attic. That means when I blow in insulation, I can't blow any in on the door or in the area that I will slide the door over to.



Will this gap in insulation cause major hot or cold air loss? Are there alternatives to this?










share|improve this question


















  • 1





    They make insulated covers for folding attic stair cases. You could use that basic design to make your own insulated "cap".

    – JPhi1618
    Mar 28 at 20:12






  • 2





    Consider using a different type of insulation on top of the door (i.e. fiberglass bats) in addition to your blown insulation elsewhere.

    – Nate Strickland
    Mar 28 at 20:14














5












5








5








I want to blow insulation into my attic. The door into my attic is on the floor and made up of a large board which doesn't have hinges. I have to push the door up and slide it over in order to gain access to the attic. That means when I blow in insulation, I can't blow any in on the door or in the area that I will slide the door over to.



Will this gap in insulation cause major hot or cold air loss? Are there alternatives to this?










share|improve this question














I want to blow insulation into my attic. The door into my attic is on the floor and made up of a large board which doesn't have hinges. I have to push the door up and slide it over in order to gain access to the attic. That means when I blow in insulation, I can't blow any in on the door or in the area that I will slide the door over to.



Will this gap in insulation cause major hot or cold air loss? Are there alternatives to this?







insulation attic






share|improve this question













share|improve this question











share|improve this question




share|improve this question










asked Mar 28 at 20:10









Meyer DenneyMeyer Denney

15016




15016








  • 1





    They make insulated covers for folding attic stair cases. You could use that basic design to make your own insulated "cap".

    – JPhi1618
    Mar 28 at 20:12






  • 2





    Consider using a different type of insulation on top of the door (i.e. fiberglass bats) in addition to your blown insulation elsewhere.

    – Nate Strickland
    Mar 28 at 20:14














  • 1





    They make insulated covers for folding attic stair cases. You could use that basic design to make your own insulated "cap".

    – JPhi1618
    Mar 28 at 20:12






  • 2





    Consider using a different type of insulation on top of the door (i.e. fiberglass bats) in addition to your blown insulation elsewhere.

    – Nate Strickland
    Mar 28 at 20:14








1




1





They make insulated covers for folding attic stair cases. You could use that basic design to make your own insulated "cap".

– JPhi1618
Mar 28 at 20:12





They make insulated covers for folding attic stair cases. You could use that basic design to make your own insulated "cap".

– JPhi1618
Mar 28 at 20:12




2




2





Consider using a different type of insulation on top of the door (i.e. fiberglass bats) in addition to your blown insulation elsewhere.

– Nate Strickland
Mar 28 at 20:14





Consider using a different type of insulation on top of the door (i.e. fiberglass bats) in addition to your blown insulation elsewhere.

– Nate Strickland
Mar 28 at 20:14










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















11














You don't put blow in above the door. Use batts or cut several layers poly board insulation to mimic slightly less than your attic cover. 4-5 layers will give you good coverage.



enter image description here



This will not provide a perfect barrier but is the recommended way of handling attic openings.bb






share|improve this answer



















  • 1





    This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

    – isherwood
    Mar 28 at 20:55






  • 1





    I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

    – Fresh Codemonger
    Mar 28 at 22:42











  • @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

    – DMoore
    Mar 28 at 22:51











  • @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

    – DMoore
    Mar 29 at 16:45



















2














Before you add insulation, consider air sealing your attic, meaning use a closed cell foam to seal penetrations in ceiling such as top plates, holes for electrical, lighting and plumbing. This will prevent air communication between the attic and the conditioned space something that just adding blown in insulation cannot do. If you are experiencing comfort issues in your home, are looking for energy saving or health benefits reach out to home performance professionals and have a blower door test preformed to determine the amount of air leakage your home has and get the best solution. If you're interested in this take a look at Corbett Lunsford and his youtube channel Home Performance.



But to answer your question build a wall around your attic access to prevent the blown in insulation from falling through, put a seal on the attic access frame (kinda like a door seal) and adhere bats of insulation to the door itself.



Here is a link for some air sealing tips. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/56102/The-3-Rules-of-Air-Sealing



And here is one for why it's important http://energysmartohio.com/how_it_works/air-sealing/






share|improve this answer










New contributor




Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




























    1














    Yes, the energy loss from an uninsulated attic door is substantial. You can and should attach batts or rigid foam directly to the top of the door.



    This article explains the energy impact of having an uninsulated attic door with an otherwise insulated attic:
    https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/34932/Attic-Stairs-A-Mind-Blowing-Hole-in-Your-Building-Envelope



    In example given in the article, "the amount of heat that flows through the 10 sf of attic stairs is the same as what flows through 380 sf of the insulated attic".






    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.





















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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      11














      You don't put blow in above the door. Use batts or cut several layers poly board insulation to mimic slightly less than your attic cover. 4-5 layers will give you good coverage.



      enter image description here



      This will not provide a perfect barrier but is the recommended way of handling attic openings.bb






      share|improve this answer



















      • 1





        This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

        – isherwood
        Mar 28 at 20:55






      • 1





        I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

        – Fresh Codemonger
        Mar 28 at 22:42











      • @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

        – DMoore
        Mar 28 at 22:51











      • @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

        – DMoore
        Mar 29 at 16:45
















      11














      You don't put blow in above the door. Use batts or cut several layers poly board insulation to mimic slightly less than your attic cover. 4-5 layers will give you good coverage.



      enter image description here



      This will not provide a perfect barrier but is the recommended way of handling attic openings.bb






      share|improve this answer



















      • 1





        This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

        – isherwood
        Mar 28 at 20:55






      • 1





        I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

        – Fresh Codemonger
        Mar 28 at 22:42











      • @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

        – DMoore
        Mar 28 at 22:51











      • @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

        – DMoore
        Mar 29 at 16:45














      11












      11








      11







      You don't put blow in above the door. Use batts or cut several layers poly board insulation to mimic slightly less than your attic cover. 4-5 layers will give you good coverage.



      enter image description here



      This will not provide a perfect barrier but is the recommended way of handling attic openings.bb






      share|improve this answer













      You don't put blow in above the door. Use batts or cut several layers poly board insulation to mimic slightly less than your attic cover. 4-5 layers will give you good coverage.



      enter image description here



      This will not provide a perfect barrier but is the recommended way of handling attic openings.bb







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Mar 28 at 20:18









      DMooreDMoore

      29.2k1354122




      29.2k1354122








      • 1





        This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

        – isherwood
        Mar 28 at 20:55






      • 1





        I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

        – Fresh Codemonger
        Mar 28 at 22:42











      • @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

        – DMoore
        Mar 28 at 22:51











      • @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

        – DMoore
        Mar 29 at 16:45














      • 1





        This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

        – isherwood
        Mar 28 at 20:55






      • 1





        I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

        – Fresh Codemonger
        Mar 28 at 22:42











      • @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

        – DMoore
        Mar 28 at 22:51











      • @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

        – DMoore
        Mar 29 at 16:45








      1




      1





      This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

      – isherwood
      Mar 28 at 20:55





      This and some soft foam tape to seal the perimeter surface are a great solution.

      – isherwood
      Mar 28 at 20:55




      1




      1





      I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

      – Fresh Codemonger
      Mar 28 at 22:42





      I'd create a xps perimeter inside the attic to prevent the loose insulation from falling down. This will also help achieve the correct depth near the opening.

      – Fresh Codemonger
      Mar 28 at 22:42













      @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

      – DMoore
      Mar 28 at 22:51





      @FreshCodemonger - that is always a good idea. The issue with the new blown in insulation is keeping it from dropping all over when going into attic.

      – DMoore
      Mar 28 at 22:51













      @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

      – DMoore
      Mar 29 at 16:45





      @Stephen - I totally used this picture on purpose hoping someone would comment. I am in midwest and 1" is a most as we can get at store (application exactly the same for the answer - just more cutting/glueing) and I am in midwest where we are below 30 for 2-3 months.

      – DMoore
      Mar 29 at 16:45













      2














      Before you add insulation, consider air sealing your attic, meaning use a closed cell foam to seal penetrations in ceiling such as top plates, holes for electrical, lighting and plumbing. This will prevent air communication between the attic and the conditioned space something that just adding blown in insulation cannot do. If you are experiencing comfort issues in your home, are looking for energy saving or health benefits reach out to home performance professionals and have a blower door test preformed to determine the amount of air leakage your home has and get the best solution. If you're interested in this take a look at Corbett Lunsford and his youtube channel Home Performance.



      But to answer your question build a wall around your attic access to prevent the blown in insulation from falling through, put a seal on the attic access frame (kinda like a door seal) and adhere bats of insulation to the door itself.



      Here is a link for some air sealing tips. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/56102/The-3-Rules-of-Air-Sealing



      And here is one for why it's important http://energysmartohio.com/how_it_works/air-sealing/






      share|improve this answer










      New contributor




      Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.

























        2














        Before you add insulation, consider air sealing your attic, meaning use a closed cell foam to seal penetrations in ceiling such as top plates, holes for electrical, lighting and plumbing. This will prevent air communication between the attic and the conditioned space something that just adding blown in insulation cannot do. If you are experiencing comfort issues in your home, are looking for energy saving or health benefits reach out to home performance professionals and have a blower door test preformed to determine the amount of air leakage your home has and get the best solution. If you're interested in this take a look at Corbett Lunsford and his youtube channel Home Performance.



        But to answer your question build a wall around your attic access to prevent the blown in insulation from falling through, put a seal on the attic access frame (kinda like a door seal) and adhere bats of insulation to the door itself.



        Here is a link for some air sealing tips. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/56102/The-3-Rules-of-Air-Sealing



        And here is one for why it's important http://energysmartohio.com/how_it_works/air-sealing/






        share|improve this answer










        New contributor




        Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.























          2












          2








          2







          Before you add insulation, consider air sealing your attic, meaning use a closed cell foam to seal penetrations in ceiling such as top plates, holes for electrical, lighting and plumbing. This will prevent air communication between the attic and the conditioned space something that just adding blown in insulation cannot do. If you are experiencing comfort issues in your home, are looking for energy saving or health benefits reach out to home performance professionals and have a blower door test preformed to determine the amount of air leakage your home has and get the best solution. If you're interested in this take a look at Corbett Lunsford and his youtube channel Home Performance.



          But to answer your question build a wall around your attic access to prevent the blown in insulation from falling through, put a seal on the attic access frame (kinda like a door seal) and adhere bats of insulation to the door itself.



          Here is a link for some air sealing tips. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/56102/The-3-Rules-of-Air-Sealing



          And here is one for why it's important http://energysmartohio.com/how_it_works/air-sealing/






          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.










          Before you add insulation, consider air sealing your attic, meaning use a closed cell foam to seal penetrations in ceiling such as top plates, holes for electrical, lighting and plumbing. This will prevent air communication between the attic and the conditioned space something that just adding blown in insulation cannot do. If you are experiencing comfort issues in your home, are looking for energy saving or health benefits reach out to home performance professionals and have a blower door test preformed to determine the amount of air leakage your home has and get the best solution. If you're interested in this take a look at Corbett Lunsford and his youtube channel Home Performance.



          But to answer your question build a wall around your attic access to prevent the blown in insulation from falling through, put a seal on the attic access frame (kinda like a door seal) and adhere bats of insulation to the door itself.



          Here is a link for some air sealing tips. https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/56102/The-3-Rules-of-Air-Sealing



          And here is one for why it's important http://energysmartohio.com/how_it_works/air-sealing/







          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.









          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited Mar 29 at 3:36





















          New contributor




          Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.









          answered Mar 29 at 3:28









          Max JohnsonMax Johnson

          213




          213




          New contributor




          Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.





          New contributor





          Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.






          Max Johnson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.























              1














              Yes, the energy loss from an uninsulated attic door is substantial. You can and should attach batts or rigid foam directly to the top of the door.



              This article explains the energy impact of having an uninsulated attic door with an otherwise insulated attic:
              https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/34932/Attic-Stairs-A-Mind-Blowing-Hole-in-Your-Building-Envelope



              In example given in the article, "the amount of heat that flows through the 10 sf of attic stairs is the same as what flows through 380 sf of the insulated attic".






              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.

























                1














                Yes, the energy loss from an uninsulated attic door is substantial. You can and should attach batts or rigid foam directly to the top of the door.



                This article explains the energy impact of having an uninsulated attic door with an otherwise insulated attic:
                https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/34932/Attic-Stairs-A-Mind-Blowing-Hole-in-Your-Building-Envelope



                In example given in the article, "the amount of heat that flows through the 10 sf of attic stairs is the same as what flows through 380 sf of the insulated attic".






                share|improve this answer








                New contributor




                Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.























                  1












                  1








                  1







                  Yes, the energy loss from an uninsulated attic door is substantial. You can and should attach batts or rigid foam directly to the top of the door.



                  This article explains the energy impact of having an uninsulated attic door with an otherwise insulated attic:
                  https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/34932/Attic-Stairs-A-Mind-Blowing-Hole-in-Your-Building-Envelope



                  In example given in the article, "the amount of heat that flows through the 10 sf of attic stairs is the same as what flows through 380 sf of the insulated attic".






                  share|improve this answer








                  New contributor




                  Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.










                  Yes, the energy loss from an uninsulated attic door is substantial. You can and should attach batts or rigid foam directly to the top of the door.



                  This article explains the energy impact of having an uninsulated attic door with an otherwise insulated attic:
                  https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/34932/Attic-Stairs-A-Mind-Blowing-Hole-in-Your-Building-Envelope



                  In example given in the article, "the amount of heat that flows through the 10 sf of attic stairs is the same as what flows through 380 sf of the insulated attic".







                  share|improve this answer








                  New contributor




                  Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer






                  New contributor




                  Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  answered Mar 29 at 15:46









                  Steven T. SnyderSteven T. Snyder

                  1113




                  1113




                  New contributor




                  Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.





                  New contributor





                  Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






                  Steven T. Snyder is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






























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