For many homeowners, the attic is a place to store items that they use infrequently. Issues are often missed since most people don’t think about their attic unless they need to look for something stored there and since many homeowners don’t know how to spot signs of problems. You should regularly inspect your attic, or have it inspected by a professional, to identify issues before they become too serious and require costly repairs.
Ventilation
Moisture travels through the walls and ceilings and winds up in the attic. The area can also become oppressively hot on a summer day. Ventilation is necessary to allow moisture and heat to escape. Insufficient ventilation can lead to high heating and air conditioning bills. Several types of vents can be used in an attic, depending on the style of roof. Check to make sure your attic has enough vents and that they aren’t blocked by dirt, dust or belongings stored in the areas around them.
Insulation
The R-value, which measures insulation’s efficiency, can change over time if the insulation is compressed or disturbed. The effect can be particularly stark in older homes. Insufficient insulation can cause your home to lose heat in the winter, which can lead to high heating bills. Check to see if your attic has enough insulation. If not, have more installed to make the house more energy efficient.
Framing
Since the house’s framing is exposed in the attic and in few other areas, an inspection of the attic framing can provide a good indication of the roof’s overall condition. If the framing is damaged, the roof may have more widespread damage that may become even worse if a storm brings strong winds.
Leaks
Areas around the chimney and vents are prone to leakage. Water stains on the roof or vents or changes in insulation are signs of a leak. Even a minor leak should be taken seriously because it can quickly become much worse. Water leaking into an attic can cause wood to rot and can cause mold that can endanger your family’s health.
Pests
Birds, raccoons, rats, mice, squirrels and bats often choose attics when looking for warmth and shelter. If one gets in, others are likely to follow, and some may give birth. Pests can leave urine and droppings that may spread diseases. In addition, they can damage insulation, wires, sheetrock and wood and may even chew through electrical wires, which can create a fire hazard.
Are You Paying Enough Attention to Your Attic?
Problems in the attic are frequently overlooked since it’s a part of the home that many people don’t enter or think about much. That is precisely why it’s important to regularly inspect your attic for signs of trouble or to hire a professional to conduct an inspection. If it’s been a while since your attic was inspected, get it thoroughly checked as soon as possible.
