Although many homeowners know it, it’s worth repeating that the home’s access point to the attic–often referred to as the skuttle–can be the location of serious energy loss during both the heating and cooling seasons.
The Skuttletight is an insulated attic system designed to greatly reduce energy loss through the attic skuttle. Suitable for new construction or retrofits, the Skuttletight can fit attic hatches, entryways, stairs, covers and doors.
Skuttletight makes two options–one for the ceiling entrance and one for a kneewall entrance. The former, called the Model ST-100, is built with internal weatherstripping and EPS foam that give it an R-40 insulating value. The kneewall panel, called the Model ST-200 SW, has an R-19 insulating value.
Prices vary across the country, but a homeowner can expect to pay around $200 for the energy-saving Skuttletight, which, as an insulating system, also qualifies for the energy tax credit.
Both Skuttletight units are best installed using a professional contractor. Dealer locators are found on the company’s website.
To determine if the home needs the extra insulating properties of a system like the Skuttletight, homeowners should look into getting a Home Energy Audit. If the auditor uses a thermal imaging device, have a look at the results on the attic entry space. You might be shocked by what you see. Check out the image on this page which shows energy loss through an attic space looking through a Forward Looking Infrared camera, used to identify energy loss problem spots.
What steps have you taken to seal up your home lately?
