How to create tight seal for access panel to attic?

[atwnsw]

We just finished remodeling a vacation house and there are 2 access panels that go up into the ceiling. These need to remain accessible but I want to prevent any bugs from getting out. I want to create some sort of seal and would welcome your input. The panel opening measures roughly 32" x 22". I spoke to the insect treatment company and he suggested some sort of gasket that would create a tight seal but couldn't point me in the right direction.

Any suggestions on what to use and where to buy? How would it pull down to create a proper seal without attaching handles and drawing my eyes to an unsightly access panel? It is in both my master closet and laundry room so these are high traffic areas.

Thanks in advance.

 

[The Cobbler]

I used vinyl wrapped foam weatherstripping from entry doors mounted in a roughly 5/8" x 1-1/4" pc of pine rabeted on the table saw for the spline of the weatherstrip to push in to . my attic hatch 5/8 MDF, has a layer of 5/8 drywall and about 24" of styrofoam glued on it for fire/weight/ insulation

 

[uscarry45]

Weather stripping comes to mind. As far a pulling down on it and not having something unsightly You could make it heavy but that may defeat the access part. I am thinking of some threaded bolts that push it down tightly

 

[mcdye]

I put weather stripping on the lip and added insulation to the back of the board.

 

[FlaGman]

You could put a metal skin on the panels and use a refrigerator gasket

 

[unslow1]

I put weather stripping on the lip and added insulation to the back of the board.

Same here.

 

[Bert_]

I put some weather stripping on mine and put a couple bricks on top of it for weight.

 

[Kezorm]

I don't expect you want to redo the access panels completely, but I can highly recommend SkuttleTight. Recently had one installed as part our addition project and without a doubt it's the only way to go.

SkuttleTight All-In-One Attic Entry System

 

[rayra]

foam rubber 'bulb seal' weather stripping. comes in all shapes and sizes.

Frost King 5/16 in. x 1/4 in. x 17 ft. White D-Center EPDM Medium Gap Weatherseal Tape V25WA - The Home Depot

The Frost King V25WA 5/16 in. x 1/4 in. x 17 ft. White D-Center Medium Gap Premium Rubber Weatherseal Tape is a multi-purposed product that can be used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses, providing

www.homedepot.com

 

[ez-duzit]

If you really want an airtight seal look at how boat hatches are constructed. And plan on some latches to compress the seal.

 

[BillK]

The two in my house just have your typical stick on foam from Home Depot. Probably 1/4" thick ? The hatches are 3/8" plywood and just sit there. Have been that way for 40 years with no problems. I dont know where you are located but I really dont think we get much in the way of bugs in the attic. Either too hot or too cold depending on the season.

 

[4x4Pete]

A small bead of Dap (painters caulk) on the edge where the hatch sits works well. Place the panel down into the caulk before it sets up. Just enough to seal it but not enough to prevent access. I don't access the attic often (like never if it was a choice) so it works, was easy to do and is pretty much invisible but sealed. If I need to go up there, I would cut the caulk with an Olfa knife and lift the hatch.

 

[yeldogt]

I don't expect you don't to redo the access panels completely, but I can highly recommend SkuttleTight. Recently had one installed as part our addition project and without a doubt it's the only way to go.

SkuttleTight All-In-One Attic Entry System

That's a nice setup .... I like. I use return grills for HVAC that mud in like that -- from a company called Best Access Doors

 

[yeldogt]

I typically use the metal type that hinge down and then cut a block out of rigid foam that fits snug to the framing. So -- you open the metal flap and push the block up into the attic.

I'm not sure how you can hold the inner down -- typically when you use a wood picture frame you need at least two screws and you hold it up.

The metal are more money --- they do make plastic that snap in place --- but you see them as well. There is no perfect solution ...

 

[MattN03]

I put weather stripping on the lip and added insulation to the back of the board.

I did the same.

 

[atwnsw]

Thanks everybody for the ideas...

 

[atwnsw]

I typically use the metal type that hinge down and then cut a block out of rigid foam that fits snug to the framing. So -- you open the metal flap and push the block up into the attic.

I'm not sure how you can hold the inner down -- typically when you use a wood picture frame you need at least two screws and you hold it up.

The metal are more money --- they do make plastic that snap in place --- but you see them as well. There is no perfect solution ...

Can you provide a link as I am having difficulty finding this metal type?

 

[lolaetype]

I don't have any photos so try to picture this. Our last house had a pull down stair on the second floor ceiling to access the attic. I built a wooden box with a hinged top to fit over the stairs when folded. The attic side of the box was insulated with foam panels. The hinged top had foam weatherstrip where it fit on the box To get in the attic I'd pull down the folding stairs, climb up halfway, open the top of the box I'd built and do whatever I needed to do in the attic. something similar could be made for the square access panel.

 

[yeldogt]

Can you provide a link as I am having difficulty finding this metal type?

Just google ... there are quite a few companies. The metal are noticeable just like the picture frame --- in our beach cape I have one in the hall. Sometimes you can hide them off to the side. Less noticeable than a big picture frame setup .....

The reason I switched to the metal is for speed and ease more than looks. The frame has an internal flange that attaches to the house framing and it has two little locks that you turn with a screwdriver. Flat looking when installed. My cape has a hot attic and we need the heavy insulation above. The old setup had the picture frame but the trim was attached to the panel and held on with some trim screws.

In some situations people just have some fiberglass on the panel and you just push it all up .... IMO this does not work as well if you need that insulation value for comfort. Seems to always leak a bit

With the metal --- after you lower the opening panel (they hinge and are removable) you just push up on the foam panel you make to fit snug .... two loops of wire through the foam makes two "handles" to pull the foam back down when finished.