How to Access a Sealed Attic

A sealed attic entrance results from ceiling texture or spray insulation sealing the entrance to the attic shut. Opening the sealed attic entrance can be complicated, because the task can damage the area around the entrance and your ceiling. Having an access to an attic that is not sealed is required by most local building departments. If you have access to your attic, you can use it for storage and inspect the condition of your roof.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Flathead screwdriver

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Score all around the attic panel with your utility knife. Focus on the corners, as that is where it tends to get stuck. The scoring with the utility knife will help you minimize the damage done to your ceiling and texture.

   • 2

     Push gently up on each of the corners of the panel until you find the one that is the least tight.

   • 3

     Jam the screwdriver on the loose corner and try to pry it open. Keep shimming the screwdriver around and keep prying it open until you can push the panel off.