Oh, Those Attic Access Doors!!

Easily accessible storage is a valuable commodity in any home; but the access doors can be having a serious impact on utility bills and allergies.

This week's blower door testing shows how.

In this four year old home, we found the duct system leakage to be within acceptable levels, mainly because it was comprised of a lot of flex duct with few connections. We did find some leakage around the flat screen tv. The homeowner was already aware of this because of a continuous cold weather draft coming from around the screen. The television, like many new homes, was installed over the fireplace. The cable and electrical entry came through the exterior wall cavity enclosing the flue, leaving an unsealed opening around the wires.

The real story on excess home leakage was discovered when we moved upstairs. Right by the golf ball collection on the wall of the tv room was the first place we found it. A nice, full size door gave wonderful access to the attic space behind the wall for storage. With no weather stripping or seal around the door it also allowed for significant infiltration. Our homeowner told us that she had five such doors in the upstairs, plus the pull down staircase to the upper attic. All five were allowing a lot of air to infiltrate the upstairs of the home. Infiltration from attic spaces means dust and utility bill consequences. I believe weather stripping the doors just went on the honeydo list.

We took care of the pull down staircase before we left with an Attic Tent.