Install a draft cap for attic door insulation

All homes have energy leaks, places where needed heat escapes in the winter and unwanted heat enters during the hot summer months. Your attic, particularly the attic door, is a big culprit here. Installing attic door insulation will go a long way in making your home more comfortable year-round.

Even if you have your attic floor and ceiling well insulated with a radiant barrier, your attic door is still a weak spot. You need a way to prevent airflow between your house and the attic.

So what is the best type of insulation for attic doors? If you search online, you will find many different solutions, from additional covers to tents and various DIY solutions. A draft cover is an effective solution that is inexpensive and easy to use. It fits right over the top of the attic opening and you can easily install it yourself.

A shot cap weighs less than eight pounds and all you have to do is slide it into place. It’s easy to find out if this attic door insulation solution will work for your attic (as long as you have a “standard size” opening). Simply open the attic hatch and take a few measurements. You want to measure inside the trim, so you’re only measuring the door. If it’s about 24 by 52 inches, your attic opening and stair unit are a standard size, which means you’ll be able to use a draft cap just fine. So once you know the draft cap will fit, installing attic door insulation is a snap. Just slide it.

The benefits of a draft cover go beyond heating and cooling. Because attics tend to collect dust and are cleaned less frequently than the rest of the home, an unprotected attic door can be a source of dust particles and allergens entering your home. The draft cover can keep your house more clean and healthy. You’ll even save about $20 a month on your utility bills.