How to Insulate an Attic Pull-Down Ladder
- 1). Lay the 54-by-55-inch piece of cardboard down on the floor. If the attic opening is 54-by-25 inches, use the measuring tape and mark off 15 inches from each end of the 55-inch side at the top and the bottom. Draw a line connecting the top and bottom marks, creating three rectangles that are 54-by-15 inches, 54-by-25 inches and 54-by-15 inches. Fold the cardboard along the drawn lines. If the attic opening is 54-by-22 inches, cut 3 inches off the 55-inch side with the razor blade to create a piece that is 52-by-54 inches. Use the measuring tape to mark 15 inches from each end of the 52-inch side at the top and bottom. Draw a line connecting the top and bottom marks, creating three rectangles that are 54-by-15 inches, 54-by-22 inches and 54-by-15 inches. Fold the cardboard along the drawn lines. This will create the top and the two long sides of the rectangular-shaped box that is the insulating cover.
- 2). Attach the two short sides of the rectangular-shaped box that is the insulating cover. If attic opening is 54-by-25 inches, attach the 15-by-25-inch pieces of cardboard with duct tape to the open sides of the folded 54-by-55-inch piece. If the attic opening is 54-by-22 inches, cut the 15-by-25-inch pieces of cardboard down to 15-by-22 inches, and attach the pieces with duct tape to the open sides of the folded 52-by-54-inch piece. The entire shape of the cover is now complete.
- 3). Place the insulation inside the open bottom of the box cover so that it is against the 54-by-25-inch top. Cover the insulation with plastic wrap, and use duct tape to seal the sides of the plastic wrap to the inside of the box cover. If the attic opening is 54-by-22 inches, cut the insulation to fit.
- 4). Open the attic door and apply foam weatherstrip tape all around the top of the folding attic stairway frame.
- 5). Place the box cover on top of the weatherstrip tape as you leave the attic. The open bottom will allow for your pull-down ladder once the door is closed.
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