Attic Issues - How to Check For Them

If you haven't inspected your attic in a while, you should consider making a plan to do so. You can easily hire an inspector to help with this task.

There can be many problems and issues lurking in your attic.

Here is a checklist of things to look for and check in your attic:

• Trusses and Roof Framing

  • Separation of metal side plates from wood at joints?

  • Broken wood members?

  • Moisture damage on wood?

  • Broken rafters?

  • Proper ridge board?

  • Any repairs look inadequate?

• Ventilation

  • A very common issue is bathroom exhaust vents and even clothes dryer ducts discharging directly into the attic. These ducts bring with them a lot of moisture. These should be corrected.

  • Blocked soffit vents?

  • # of soffit vents adequate?

  • Ridge or roof vent quantity adequate?

  • Gable vents present? If yes, are screens adequate?

• Moisture Issues

  • Any visible moisture? If yes, from roof leak or condensation?

  • Any mold like substance?

• Fire Damage

  • Any signs of fire damage?

• Firewall issues

  • Are there firewalls in the attic?

  • Is the roof sheathing adjacent to the firewalls fire resistant?

  • Is there at least 4 feet between the firewall and the ridge vent?

  • Is there sufficient distance between sewer vent stacks and intake vents?

• Roof deck and gables

  • Visible holes through roof?

  • Visible holes/openings in gable

• Pipe/Flue Penetration boots

  • Any visible leaking around boots?

• Insulation

  • Type?

  • Thickness?

  • Any damage?

  • Present at all locations?

• Wildlife

  • Any evidence of wildlife entry?

The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any financial decisions. There are no sponsors of this newsletter.