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3.1001.9 Sealing Access Doors and Similar Intentional Penetrations

Topic:

Attics

Subtopic:

Penetrations and Chases

Desired Outcome:

Attic access door properly sealed and insulated

For supporting material, see Referenced Standards and Building America Solution Center.

Multifamily Homes

	Title	Specification(s)	Objective(s)
	3.1001.9a Worker safety	All worker safety specifications will be in accordance with SWS 2.0100.3 Worker Safety	Ensure worker safety, especially in regard to fall protection considerations and contaminants found in demolition, such as asbestos, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.
	3.1001.9b Occupant safety	Occupant will be notified of changes or repairs to be made An occupant safety plan will be prepared and implemented	Ensure occupant safety
	3.1001.9c Pre-inspection	If attic access is below the air and thermal boundary Thermal boundary The separation between the interior and exterior environments of a building that slows heat flow , then the roof and any exterior roof access locations will be addressed in accordance with SWS 3.1801.2 Sealing and Insulating Exterior Roof Access Panels and Hatches If attic access is part of the air and thermal boundary Thermal boundary The separation between the interior and exterior environments of a building that slows heat flow , it will be airtight and insulated	Ensure correct plan of work is selected to maintain the air and thermal boundary Thermal boundary The separation between the interior and exterior environments of a building that slows heat flow
	3.1001.9d Sealant selection	Sealants will be compatible with their intended surfaces and applied in accordance with manufacturer specifications Selection will be durable, pest resistant, and have a weather-appropriate seal Indoor sealants will be low volatile organic compound ( VOC VOC Volatile organic compound ) products that meet independent testing and verification protocols, such as Green Seal GS-36, "GREENGUARD Children and Schools," or comparable certifications Fire-resistance-rated assemblies will be provided with sealants permitted by the authority having jurisdiction and adopted building code	Prevent intrusion of moisture and pests into the sealed assembly Prevent exposing workers or occupants to excessive VOC VOC Volatile organic compound levels Ensure sealant meets or exceeds the performance characteristics of the assembly and is compliant with local fire code requirements
	3.1001.9e Sealing	Access hatch frames will be sealed using caulk, gasket, weather strip, or otherwise sealed with an air barrier Air barrier The separation between the interior and exterior environments of a building that slows air flow to the point that no smoke movement is visible at 50 pascals of pressure difference across the boundary material, suitable film, or solid material Options will be installed with a latch, lock, or frictionally engaged components of a prefabricated unit above the opening that do not require a latch A rigid dam having a height greater than the insulation to be installed will be constructed to contain insulation when attic access is opened	Prevent air leakage
	3.1001.9f Installation	Access hatches will be insulated with noncompressible insulation to the same R-value as adjoining insulated assembly Attic hatch rough opening will be surrounded with a durable, rigid protective baffle that is higher than the level of the surrounding attic floor insulation	Achieve uniform R-value on the attic door or hatch Achieve uniform R-value on the attic floor Prevent loose attic floor insulation from entering the living area
	3.1001.9g Attachment	Insulation will be permanently attached and in complete contact with the air barrier Air barrier The separation between the interior and exterior environments of a building that slows air flow to the point that no smoke movement is visible at 50 pascals of pressure difference across the boundary	Insulate to prescribed R-value
	3.1001.9h Quality assurance	Attic access will be adjusted to properly fit the jamb and allow for ease of operation and security Attic access system will be tested for air leakage in accordance with ASTM ASTM ASTM International, www.astm.org E1186	Ensure proper operation of the attic access and hardware Prevent air leakage through assembly
	3.1001.9i Durability	Completed measure will have a minimum expected service life of 20 years	Ensure a minimum expected service life
	3.1001.9j Building operations staff/occupant education	Purpose of insulation and proper hatch operation will be communicated to building operations staff and occupant	Occupant and staff understand how to use the hatch to ensure integrity of insulated and sealed assembly throughout service life