Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic Ladder

By Robert Robillard on Tool and Product Reviews

Installing an Werner Energy Seal Attic Ladder – Review

After the terrible winter, the folks in New England suffered, I have been looking closer at ice dam causes and prevention. One of the biggest causes I’ve seen, on my inspections of homes, is excessive heart loss and air leaks, the culprit was attic ladder hatches. We recently had an opportunity to install a Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic Ladder that we feel addresses this concern.

Gas strut and weather seal

Air Locking Design

The Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic Ladder initially got our attention with is integrated weather stripping on the ladder frame. This weather stripping helps creates a tight seal that reduces drafts, air leakage and wasted energy, and we thought, when combined with an insulated draft cap, would be a step in the right direction in controlling our ice dam issues.

The folks at Werner claim that this unit is 60% more efficient then a standard wood attic ladder door, not a bad stat to promote.

Universal Fit for Ceiling Heights 8 ft to 10 ft.

The Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic Ladder fits attic openings 22.5 in x 54 in. and is constructed of light weight, aluminum construction with a 375 lbs load capacity. This unit fits all ceiling heights from 8 ft to 10 ft. and allows you to cut down the legs to ensure a secure and solid footing. We found the ladder and all of the components, durable and rugged.

Durable construction

Smooth Performance

Two side-mounted, gas struts allow the door to open smoothly and control the door when closing. The struts allow a controlled, smooth and slam-free method of closing the door. They also eliminate those large, bulky springs not only get in the way but often break. These struts are narrow, low profile and are easily replaced if needed.

Insulated Door

Werner worked with Owens Corning, and built in Owens Corning R-5 PINK^®insulation, within the 1-inch thick door structure. This combined with an additional [optional] insulated attic hatch cover will significantly reduce wasted energy through heat loss and air leaks.

Rivet hinges

Key Features

Some of the key features on the Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic Ladder include a 6” frame, [which allowed us ample room to install foam spray insulation around the frame after insulation], insulated door and air-lock design, two gas struts and non-marring ladder feet and slip-resistant steps which help ensure operator safety.

Installing trim

Installation

The Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic ladder installation went according to plan, easy and smooth. It fits into a rough opening of 22-1/2 in x 54 in.

The unit was slightly smaller than the unit it replaced so we added four pieces of half inch plywood, two rips on each side to reduce the width by two-inches. It installs similar to the older inefficient wood ladder types and comes with special lag bolts to ensure strength and longevity.

Improvement

We feel that the weather-stripping seal on this unit is minimal and offers complete, yet thin coverage on both sides of the door. The slightest misalignment of the unit may result in air leaks. I’d like to see Werner add a larger coverage weather strip coverage on their doors.

Werner Energy Seal Attic Ladder Video Review

Conclusion

The Werner AE221o is an outstanding unit and we highly recommend installing one if you need a pull down ladder. The fit, finish, quality of the components and energy saving features make purchasing this unit a no-brainer.

Cost

The Werner AH2210 sells online here for $246.50 Werner-AH2210-Universal-Aluminum-375-Pound

: Werner AE2210 Attic Ladder

: durable contruction

: Rivet hinges

: Gas strut and weather seal

: Durable – 375 lb capacity

: Struts control smooth open and close

: Easy installation

: Removing old ladder

: New unit

: Broken spring

: Old inefficient wood ladder

: Old hatch didn’t close properly

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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Werner AE2210 Energy Seal Attic Ladder