Your attic plays a significant role in the overall health and safety of your home. As a frontline barrier between the outdoor elements and the indoor living spaces of your home, the attic space is integral in keeping airflow and moisture at bay.

The attic is also an indicator of troubles affecting your houses, such as leaks, pest problems, and energy inefficiencies that can wreak havoc on your health and wallet. Certified home inspectors recommend that your attic be inspected annually to ensure your home is functioning as it should.

Seasonal Attic Inspection

As a homeowner, you can do your part to be on top of any issues that may arise in your attic by conducting your assessments of the space throughout the year. Experts recommend that homeowners inspect their attics when the seasons change to jump on any problems that may be brewing.

Whether you choose to inspect your attic yourself or call a professional, knowing what items should be addressed is vital to the health and safety of your home.

Ventilation Is Vital

While your attic is a gatekeeper for airflow, it does not need to be airtight. Attics must be adequately ventilated so that the house can breathe. Poor ventilation can lead to mold and condensation that may eventually lead to rot. When checking your attic’s ventilation, look for molds, mildew, rusted nails, and condensation, which all can be signs that you need to address ventilation issues.

Check Insulation

Attic insulation helps to regulate the overall temperature of your home, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you feel a draft near the entrance to the attic or find it troublesome to control your indoor air temperature, your insulation may be insufficient.

A general rule of thumb is that if your attic’s insulation is below or level with the floor joists, you should add more. Consider upgrading old insulation with spray foam insulation for ultimate temperature control.

Look For Leaks

A leaking roof will most likely show up in your attic space first. Catching leaks early is critical to keeping repair costs low and reducing damage to your roof. Evidence of leaks is water stains, wet materials, rot, and mold in the attic and on the sheathing. Leaks can also be found around plumbing stacks, vents, and chimneys, where materials deteriorate over time.

Pests Pose Problems

Animals love to make attic spaces their homes, but these pests can quickly cause problems for your home and family. Rodents, raccoons, squirrels, birds, bats, and bugs are all drawn to the warm shelter that your attic provides. When inspecting your attic, look for signs of a pest invasion by checking for droppings, nests, and chewed attic materials. If you see pests have made themselves at home, you’ll need to determine how they are getting into your attic and have that issue resolved.

To keep your home and family safe, inspect your attic seasonally.