A pressure equalization device for installation on or at an entry of an attic of a home or other building is described. The pressure equalization device can be an access panel of an attic access hatch. The access panel is a solid, generally flat panel of material such as wood or plastic. The access panel includes an aperture that passes therethrough. The aperture is covered with an air-permeable cover made from a material such as cloth or plastic mesh. The mesh is constructed to allow air to pass through the aperture between the attic and interior of the building for purposes of equalizing pressure between them. Pores of the mesh are sized so that insects, rodents, and other animals and dust and debris cannot pass through and into the interior of the building.