Introduction
According to Handy, installing an attic access door is essential in both commercial and residential buildings if you want to enjoy better energy efficiency, prevent heat loss and drafts, promote proper insulation, and enjoy many other benefits. However, it is important to know the differences between various different types of attic access doors to choose one that is suitable for your requirements.
The Considerations
Here are a few things to consider when choosing ceiling attic access doors:
- The type of attic access door – There are many types of ceiling attic access doors that you can install in your house, and they are listed below.
- Simple attic hatch – As the name suggests, attic hatches are the simplest ceiling attic doors and are also the most widely used as well. These are also called scuttle holes since the ceiling doors are a removable part of the ceiling in the shape of a square or a rectangle.
You just need to push the cut out in the ceiling and move it to the side to gain entry using a ladder that comes with the attic hatch.
- Spring-loaded attic door – Spring-loaded attic access doors are uncommon, but they come with pull-down stair access that allows easy entry to the attic. You just need to push up the door and pull a nearby cord to reveal the pre-installed stairs.
The stairs could be made from either wood or metal and can be easily folded. Thus, they are more convenient than a simple attic hatch.
- Knee wall attic door – Knee wall attic doors are typically installed on the vertical walls of a mid-height room. Since these are not installed on the ceilings, they can be installed in rooms with sloped ceilings. Knee wall attic access doors are usually used to increase the storage area of a small room or even create a small bedroom.
- Insulation and security – Insulation and security are two of the most important concerns of attic access doors and panels. No matter the type of attic access door, without proper insulation the door will lose heat and raise your energy bills.
We suggest you attach foam board on the back of the doors and apply weather stripping to all the sides of the attic access door to insulate it properly. To secure the door, we recommend you install deadbolt locks, door chains, hooks, eye latches, or lockable draw catches.
- Routine maintenance – Choosing a suitable attic access door is not enough. It is also essential to install the attic access door properly to ensure it doesn’t create any condensation from heating and cooling when warm air is flushed through the vents.
Routine checkups and maintenance are also important to prevent any issues such as mold build-up or insect infestations and improve the longevity of the doors.
Conclusion
Handy suggests you hire the services of a reputed access panel company to install ceiling attic access doors in your house. It is also important to choose ceiling attic access doors that have a good insulation ranking, are lightweight, and are made of sturdy material such as chrome steel.
