Attic Tents

3,708 Views | 10 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by Texker
Texker
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Thinking of adding one to the attic stairs in the front bedroom hallway. Any experiences?
Absolute
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They help. Mostly with air leakage if you seal it well. Easy to install. Difficult to quantify the benefit though.
agcivengineer
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We have one. Everything I climb in my attic I notice a decent heat difference when I lift it up. Not sure how much that impacts my electric bill though.
Sazerac
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Installed one couple years ago. Def help.
Texker
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I just put my infrared thermometer on the attic stair ceiling and on the hallway ceiling. The attic stairs ceiling is 10 degrees warmer. I'm mostly buying to restrict air flow pull from the attic. Any insulating properties would be a bonus.
BenTheGoodAg
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Interesting - I never knew this product existed.

I have a few closets that have small doors for attic access, and they used to get pretty warm. I fashioned up a few door covers with foam board insulation, and it made a big difference. So I'd agree with the sentiment that they work, but probably hard to quantify.
wildmen09
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I put one in because the attic stairs are right above my upstairs thermostat so it was running more than needed. It definitely doesn't hurt and you can find them pretty inexpensive on Amazon
tgivaughn
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Well, pre-tent days solution were to simply apply exterior wall insulation board between stairs & attic only ~R-4
sooo if paying today's tent prices, it seems one should shop
1. R-value
2. Foil faced attic side quality
3. Air infiltration - but this can be DIY weather stripping, etc.

One opinion:
https://homeinspectorsecrets.com/insulation/attic/best-attic-stair-insulation/
Short-hand answers here ... long-hand help here ....
http://pages.suddenlink.net/tgivaughn/
aggiemike02
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Absolutely recommend. Staple on and seal with foil tape. Definite help in our house which had an u sealed/leaky attic pull down door.
Absolute
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I had the attic tent brand. I put a generously sloppy bead of caulk down under the flange part that you stapled to the deck boards to seal it. Worked pretty well.

I haven't compared options, but have seen a few other option on Inspections. None really seem as nice.

Alternatively, I have also seen a diy built version with one builder that works nicely and might be cheaper if you have the diy skills. Basically they build a box above the stairs and seal the top with foam board or a door type piece. Sealed up with weatherstripping.

I had considered doing that, but in the end decided the pre-made one was easier.
Texker
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I bought a pre-made but haven't installed it yet. In the meantime after my OP I taped the gap with painters tape to stop the air flow from the attic.
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