| "Dear Dan: People seldom think about it, but the attic access opening can account for a significant loss of heat from your home during winter. This loss is a combination of heat flow through the uninsulated cover and warm air leakage where it rests on the molding." "During summer, heat from the roof radiates down into your home through the access cover. If you air-condition, a leaky cover draws cool air from your house and forces your air conditioner to run longer. If you do not air-condition, the air leakage actually can help to ventilate naturally." "When I moved into my home, the attic cover was just a 20 by 22-inch piece of plywood resting on uneven molding. First, I stuck thick adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping on the top of the molding. Next I nailed a layer of old drywall over the plywood to give it enough weight to compress the weatherstripping for a tight seal." "I glued several layers of rigid foam insulation on top of the drywall to provide a high insulation level. Finally I covered the rigid foam insulation with aluminum foil. The foil helps reflect the heat from the hot roof during summer so less gets through to my bedroom." "There are several products designed specifically for this application. Battic Door offers a reasonably priced design which is basically a very strong cardboard box sized to fit over the opening and the stairs. You attach your own fiberglass batt insulation to the top and sides of the box. The box is delivered collapsed to your home and it is easy to assemble." "Another option is an insulated zippered opening cover by Insulsure. This cover is flexible and is attached to the attic floor for a good seal. Pull down the folding stairs, climb up and unzip the top of the cover to enter the attic. There is an optional reflective foil top to block the summer heat." "The third option is a domed molded foam cover (similar to a foam cooler), by Atticap, designed to fit over the stairs and opening. It insulates well and is very lightweight.
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