Why Use an Attic Hatch

Did you know when it comes to building deficiencies, one overlooked aspect of heat loss and air drafts is the attic? The attic, whether it be commercial or residential, is sometimes overlooked.

The attic hatch is something that never gets the sufficient amount of attention, and often than not it is forgotten. The attic hatch, while overlooked, when not fully insulated or cared for, can impact the overall proper operation of a building and space. The attic hatch is often found in walk-in closets, or hallways. The hatch allows one access to their attic space. Whether it is for an annual inspection of the underside of the roof or to ensure there are no leaks, drafts and mold.

Inspecting the attic hatch can sometimes be as simple as feeling the draft that is coming in. Not only is it essential to check for drafts but it is also vital to ensure that there is no mold or unwanted and unnecessary condensation and pest infections. Pests does not just include bugs, but also small vermin such as mice or squirrels. 

During the day, these larger pests can be heard moving around; however, mice tend to be more active and alive at night, which is when most people are asleep. Given where the attic is, it’s not always convenient to access, therefore, with attics, it truly is an “out of sight, out of mind” component of any commercial or residential building.

Purchasing the right hatch

A proper attic hatch is one that has a weather strip around the perimeter. This allows for the appropriate amount of insulation which helps reduce any loss of heat from the inside but also prevents any air from coming in. It is important when purchasing an attic hatch that the proper measurements are taken, but also the environmental elements are considered. 

This can be everything from ensuring the appropriate climate inside the attic itself but also the surrounding space as well. One way of helping with this is through having proper ventilation and roofing insulation.

When an attic is not properly insulated, ventilated or even have the proper hatch, it can result in mold or mildew. Without purchasing the proper hatch or taking care of the attic these can impact the space and depend on the severity of the mold or mildew, it can also affect one’s health.

Doing it right

It is important when looking to invest in a roof hatch that one has it installed properly. Why? Because even when you think that an access panel has been installed correctly if certain aspects are not considered it can result in what a client does not want. For example? 

When warm or hot air is flushed out through a vent, if the hatch is strip has worn down, or it does not have a weather strip, it can result in a heating and cooling creation of condensation. One this happens to the attic and to the access panel when spring rolls around it will result in staining and further delaminating of the hatch.

Keep it in mind and in sight

No structure or project is the same – every scenario will be unique to the building and to the environment. It is important to remember when making the decision to invest and install an attic hatch that it is insulated and has a weather strip. Not only are these features important, but it is also crucial that if there is any mold or mildew in the attic to start with that, it is mediated before a hatch is installed.

For more on attic hatches or to see an array of access doors and panels to suit your project, visit us at www.bestaccessdoors.com. Contact us at sales@bestaccessdoors.com for any further questions and/or inquiries you might have – our helpful representative is always eager to help!