How to install insulation above attic staircase?

[cludelessdiwhye]

We have a pull down stair case into the attic (e.g., https://www.bunnings.com.au/bailey-2-34-3-12m-170kg-aluminium-folding-attic-ladder_p0860930?region_i...).  We have improved the insulation for the attic (varies from about r4-r6), but the stairwell just has thin ply underneath it (and so we get heat transfer).

I was wanting to put insulation on top of the staircase, so when it shuts we won't have significant heat transfer, which would look something like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv283TzNjAI)

However when I look at the insulation panels such as this (https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-1200-x-600-x-30mm-xps-multi-use-foam-board_p0461085) it appears that the r value is relatively low (i.e., to get an r value of 6 I would have to glue 8 panels on top of each other, with this being a relatively expensive exercise, relative to the earthwool that we have used for the rest of the attic).

I was wondering if there were any other ideas about how to approach this project?

[JacobZ]

Hi @cludelessdiwhye,

Thank you for reaching out for assistance in installing insulation above an attic staircase.

Having watched the video, it seems like you should be able to replicate the box he created with the insulation using some pine framing and plywood.

You could then attach earthwool to the top of the box using Zenith 19mm x 700m Poly Pro Insulation Strapping with some staples to hold it in place. As you wouldn't need that much strapping, you could use this Wrap & Move Blue Packaging Strapping, which is much the same thing.

The frame itself would be heavier, but altogether, it would likely turn out cheaper than the alternative.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob