Attic stair covers, also known as attic stair insulation covers, are an efficient and affordable way to increase energy efficiency and utility cost savings. But are they really worth investing in? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of attic stair covers to help you decide if they are right for your home.
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What are attic stair covers?
Attic stair covers are insulated covers made to fit over folding attic stairs or pull-down ladders. They usually consist of insulated fabric or padding secured by velcro, zippers, or drawstrings. The covers seal off the attic stair opening when closed to prevent conditioned air from escaping into the attic and unconditioned attic air from entering the home.
Benefits of attic stair covers
There are several key benefits that make attic stair covers a worthwhile investment for many homeowners:
- Improved energy efficiency – Attic stair covers add an extra layer of insulation over the attic stair opening, preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This can lead to lower energy bills for heating and cooling.
- Better temperature regulation – Sealing off the attic stair opening helps keep temperatures stable inside the home, reducing hot and cold spots near the attic access.
- Lower dust and allergen infiltration – Attic stair covers block dust and allergens like pollen from blowing in from the attic, improving indoor air quality.
- Noise reduction – The added insulation muffles sounds from the attic and exterior, making the space near the attic access quieter.
- Moisture control – Attic stair covers prevent moist interior air from condensing on cold attic surfaces in winter, helping reduce mold, mildew, and wood rot.
- Adds finished look – A covered attic opening looks more neat and tidy than an exposed staircase.
Factors impacting energy savings
Several factors influence just how much you can save on energy bills by adding an attic stair cover:
- Climate – Colder climates see greater heating savings in winter, while hot climates realize more cooling savings in summer.
- Attic insulation – Homes with deficient attic insulation have more potential for savings from sealing off the attic stairs.
- House size – Larger homes use more energy so an attic cover produces greater total savings.
- Frequency of attic use – Infrequently accessed attics allow for keeping the cover closed more often.
- Air leaks – Homes with lots of other air leaks won’t see as much impact from adding attic stair covers.
In energy audits, uncovered attic stairs are frequently identified as a major source of conditioned air loss and driver of high energy bills. Sealing this opening can often produce energy savings of 5-10% or more.
Cost of attic stair covers
Attic stair covers range in price from about $100 to $300 depending on the material, size, and features. Here are the main factors affecting attic cover costs:
| Material | Insulated fabric – $100-$200 Rigid foam – $200-$300 |
| Size | 22 x 54 inch – $100-$150 25 x 54 inch – $125-$175 32 x 54 inch – $150-$250 |
| Features | Zipper closure – $20-$30 extra Drawstring closure – $10-$20 extra Velcro closure – standard |
It’s important to measure the attic opening when ordering a cover to ensure proper sizing. Buying a cover specifically made for staircase size usually costs a bit more than a generic one-size-fits-all cover.
Professional installation cost
Many homeowners opt to install attic stair covers on their own to save on labor. But for those that prefer to hire a professional, installation costs typically range from $150-$300 depending on the installer and complexity of the project.
DIY vs professional installation
When deciding whether to DIY attic stair insulation or use a professional installer, here are some things to consider:
Benefits of DIY installation
- Saves on installation labor costs
- Usually simple for homeowners to install themselves
- Convenient to install on your own timeline
Benefits of professional installation
- Experienced installers can ensure optimal fit and insulation
- Professionals have right tools and materials for the job
- You don’t have to worry about falls or injuries installing it yourself
- Work is guaranteed when using a qualified pro
For most basic rectangular attic stair covers, DIY installation just involves laying the cover over the opening and securing the edges with provided fasteners like velcro or drawstrings. It can usually be accomplished in under an hour with minimal tools.
More complex installations, like custom-fit rigid foam covers, may benefit from using a professional installer. They have the skills to cut rigid foam insulation properly and seal it air-tight around the staircase framing.
Tips for installing attic stair covers
If you decide to take on installing attic stair insulation yourself, here are some helpful tips:
- Carefully measure the attic opening and confirm cover size – inaccurate sizing is the most common DIY mistake
- Check for protruding nails, screws, brackets – hammer down or cover with tape to prevent tears
- Cover sharp wood edges with trim to prevent damage
- Use a helper for large covers to manage positioning and fastening
- Secure cover tightly but avoid over-stretching fabric
- Seal edges with weatherstripping or spray foam for optimal efficiency
- Label cover with “insulation” and “do not remove” to prevent misuse
Alternatives to attic stair covers
Beyond stair covers, alternatives like sealing kits and replacement stairs can also minimize attic air leaks:
Attic stair sealing kits
Low-cost sealing kits use foam, weatherstripping, and plastic sheeting to seal attic stairs. Less effective than rigid covers but a quick DIY solution.
Replacement attic stairs
Swapping out old leaky wooden stairs with new well-insulated folding models creates a tight air seal.
Permanent attic flooring
Framing a fixed section of attic floor over the stairway opening eliminates the need for a cover. But reduces attic access.
Cons of attic stair covers
While generally an effective solution, there are a few potential drawbacks to attic stair covers to consider:
- Can be difficult to install properly on irregularly sized openings
- Must be removed each time attic is accessed
- Can tear or degrade over time and need replacement
- Adds expense if hiring out professional installation
- Reduces natural light from attic when cover is closed
Conclusion
In most cases, attic stair covers provide significant energy savings and efficiency benefits that outweigh their relatively low cost. For homeowners with attic spaces directly connected to living areas, covers are one of the simplest ways to reduce wasted heating and cooling. Consider your climate, attic use frequency, and installation factors to decide if an attic stair cover is a smart investment for your home.