Frequently Asked Questions Page Home
Q. How long will it take to close the Lid as I leave the attic?
A. Tilt the Lid over you as you leave the attic Magnetic seal: Line up one end of the Lid with the metal strips on the floor and lower the rest of the way to the floor. 5-10 sec. Weatherstripping seal: Lay the Lid down on the attic floor and pull the 4 rubber straps down and hook them to the anchors. 20-40 sec.
Q. Will I be able to see the Therm-A-Lid in my house?
A. No, the Therm-A-Lid is in the attic sealed to the attic floor.
Q. Is there anything to trip over or climb through?
A. No. The entire Lid is removed as you enter into the attic. The magnetic seal does have a metal strip caulked to the floor, but it is about 1/16" tall.
Q. Does the Therm-A-Lid make a good seal?
A. Yes, the magnetic gasket seals to a metal strips that is sealed to your floor with caulking, sealing the entire stair opening. This seal is as tight as your refrigerator door seal.
The weatherstrippng seal is compressed to form a seal to the floor with 4 EPDM rubber straps.
Q. My stairs are in the garage. Do I need to insulate over my stairs?
A. Yes, If you use energy, of any kind, to heat/cool the garage you should insulate.
Q. Will insulation or the Therm-A-Lid fall on me when I pull down my attic stairs?
A. No. The Therm-A-Lid covers the entire opening into the attic. It stays in the attic sealed until you climb the stairs and release the rubber straps and lift or simply lift the magnetic off with about the same amount of force it takes to open your refrigerator. The Lid weighs about 11lbs.
Q. What kind of caulking do you recommend?
A. Latex general purpose works fine.
Q. Can you still get into your attic?
A. Yes, simply remove the Therm-A-Lid to right, left or tilt it back to allow access.
Q. Which Lid is the best?
A. Both Lids are the same except for the seal. The Magnetic works the best for uneven attic floors. (lots of joints or planked floor)
The Foam weatherstrpping works well on smooth to small changes in the floor. (Plywood floor or 3 or 4 joints several inches apart)
Q. My attic is not floored. Will the Lid still work.
A. It is best to add at least a 1" X 4" border around the perimeter of the open into the attic. This gives the Lid something to seal against. This allows you to seal the entire stairway, not just the stairway frame.
Q. Can I use spray adhesive to add addition insulation to the Therm-A-Lid?
A. No, most spray adhesives will burn or melt the polystyrene. Test your adhesive on a polystyrene coffee cup. Use water based glues to glue the additional insulation that you what to the Therm-A-Lid.
Q. I live in a very cold climate, can I get more R-value?
A. We cannot economically produce/ship a Lid with an R-value of 30-40. You can purchase additional insulation and glue it to the Lid. The Lid will still provide you the seal you need to stop air infiltration, which is the major concern, plus give you a clean, lightweight device to attach the additional insulation.