How to Fix a Poor Seal on an Attic Door

Since heat rises, having an attic door that is not airtight allows energy to escape, wasting money. According to the Consumer Energy Center, weatherstripping is a cost-effective, simple way to prevent energy from escaping. Additionally, it helps increase the effectiveness of your air conditioning in the summer. With products found at your local home supply store, fixing your attic seal takes only a couple of hours from start to finish.

Tape measure
Cloth
Plastic scraper
Self-adhesive weatherstripping
Soap and water
Assistant (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure each side of the inside edge of the attic door where it meets the facing. Add the four numbers together. This gives you the perimeter of the door.
- 2
  Multiply the number by 10 percent and add it back to the original number. For instance, if the total is 100, multiply it by 10, and then add them together for a total of 110. Purchase this amount of weatherstripping for your attic door.
- 3
  Remove any existing weatherstripping from the door by pulling off as much as you can by hand. Moisten any remaining glue and scrape it with a plastic scraper. Scrape lightly to avoid damaging the wood.
- 4
  Clean the edge of the attic door with a mild soap and water. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth.
- 5
  Remove the tape cover from the self-adhesive weatherstripping in small increments as you press it along the edge of the attic door. Move about an inch, and continue attaching the stripping until it covers the edge all the way around.

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Window & Door Repair