How to Adjust the Seal on Drop-down Attic Stairs

Most homeowners know the importance of installing insulation along their attic floor and walls to prevent heat loss. However, the drop-down attic stair opening needs to be sealed just like the rest of the attic. Feel the door's perimeter. If it feels colder than the rest of the walls, the seal needs to be adjusted. It should only take you a few minutes to adjust the seal. Afterward, you may notice a rather significant difference in the air temperature below the opening.

Screwdriver
Tape measure
Weatherstripping
Foam backer rod
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Pull down the drop-down attic stairs and enter your attic. Pull the stairs back up so you can easily view the gap around the perimeter. Inside this gap you will find either weatherstripping or foam backer rod.
- 2
  Peel the weatherstripping or foam backer rod out of the gap. Use a screwdriver to reach into the gap if you cannot reach the seal with your fingers. Since you felt a draft around the stair opening, chances are the seal has sustained some sort of damage or got wet.
- 3
  Measure the door's side gaps, and transfer these measurements to a new piece of weatherstripping or foam backer rod. Use a scissors to cut the seal. Push the seal into the gap. If you are using weatherstripping, peel off the paper on the adhesive backing before pressing it into the gap.
- 4
  Measure the end gaps, and cut two more pieces of weatherstripping or foam backer rod. Insert the seal into the gap. These two pieces should press snugly against the two side pieces to form a continuous seal around the attic stairs.

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