Ecological Building Systems: Why it is important to choose an airtight attic hatch

Neil Turner, Technical Sales Manager at Ecological Building Systems, explains a practical way to improve comfort and energy efficiency in a building by installing an airtight attic hatch…

“Ensuring that attic hatches are airtight is crucial for maintaining the overall energy efficiency and comfort of a building. These hatches serve as access points to the loft or roof space, allowing for installation and maintenance of various systems, such as insulation, ventilation and electrical wiring.  However, when they are not properly sealed or installed, attic hatches can compromise indoor comfort and lead to energy loss.

Common issues with non-airtight attic hatches

Firstly, an unsealed or poorly insulated attic hatch can result in significant heat loss during the winter months and unwanted heat gain during the summer. As a result, maintaining a stable indoor temperature becomes more challenging, requiring cooling systems to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can lead to noticeably higher energy bills and may also reduce the lifespan of HVAC equipment.

As air leakage through attic hatches can create drafts, it can also contribute to condensation issues, which may result in poor indoor air quality and mould growth, leading to structural damage over time in the building.

Finally, uncontrolled air leakage can introduce pollutants and allergens from the attic into the living space, negatively affecting indoor air quality. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with respiratory issues or allergies.

Airtight attic hatches

There are several reasons why we recommend airtight attic hatches. Firstly, they improve energy efficiency by preventing air leakage and helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. If heat loss through air leakage is not addressed, an uninsulated attic can cause the average U-value to increase from 0.16 W/m²K to 0.18 W/m²K. This rise, applied across the ceiling area, results in greater heat loss and higher energy bills.

With improvement in energy efficiency, the energy bills can be reduced too. Homeowners can expect to see a decrease in their monthly utility costs, just by making airtight attic hatches a worthwhile investment. 

Selecting the right attic hatch 

One question we are regularly asked is how do we ensure an airtight seal to the hatch?

There are several certified airtight attic hatches on the market. However, a common issue is that while the door may be airtight, air leakage can occur between the frame and the ceiling’s airtightness layer i.e. the membrane/vapour control layer (VCL).

We recommend Wellhöfer airtight attic hatches manufactured by a company with over 60 years of expertise in attic hatch production.

Wellhöfer’s approach to sustainability extends beyond its products. As the first company to develop a Passive House Institute-certified attic hatch, Wellhöfer is dedicated to reducing energy loss and enhancing indoor air quality. Since 2011 the Wellhöfer company has been part of the over 440-year-old Juliusspital Foundation balancing social welfare with environmental responsibility.

Wellhöfer attic hatches are designed with airtightness and thermal performance in mind. They feature third-party certification, an airtight door, and a sealing system that ensures reliable connection to the ceiling’s airtightness layer.

If the frame and surrounding noggin/VCL are not properly sealed, it can create a leakage area equivalent to the size of an A4 page, leading to significant heat loss and increased risk of mould and condensation in the attic space. Therefore, it is essential not only to install an airtight and adequately insulated attic hatch but also to ensure the frame is sealed airtightly. Take a look at the range here

Final thoughts

As discussed, there are many reasons why it is important to ensure that attic hatches are airtight to maintain energy efficiency, comfort and indoor air quality in buildings. By selecting an effective attic hatch system, ensuring it is correctly installed and by carrying out regular inspections, homeowners can significantly enhance the performance of their attic hatches.”

Ecological Building Systems, with its headquarters in Carlisle, Cumbria, is renowned for supplying a variety of natural materials to optimise building performance and durability.

Over the last few years, the business has grown significantly through supplying innovative, sustainable building materials, backed up by expert advice and product training.

For more information, visit ecologicalbuildingsystems.com/shop-by-brand/wellhofer or www.ecologicalbuildingsystems.com