The attic of a house contains structural components and plays a role in making the house energy efficient. At the same time, the attics are the least maintained areas of a house. Inspection of an attic can help to find out the leakages in the roof and can also help to assess the constitution of the structural components of the building. It has been noticed that insulation errors in the attic can cause utility bills to increase by 20% in a year. So, to save money and keep your house in a better condition, the attic inspection is necessary.

Attic Inspection Checklist

Inspector checks for the following things while on a visit to the attic during a home inspection:

Attic Structure

While inspecting the structure of the attic, the inspector checks the joists, rafters, and walls. Any sign of structural damage here can affect the structural integrity of the whole building.

Insulation

Compromised insulation in the attic can become a cause of raised utility bills, so the inspector checks the insulation in the attic thoroughly.

Ventilation

The attics require good ventilation, and the inspector checks if there are any issues with the ventilation here.

HVAC Ducts

HVAC ducts pass through the attic. They should be clean and insulated, and no duct should be damaged.

Roof Leaks

The inspector must check for signs of roof leaks. Roof leaks in the attic can cause problems, such as mold infestation. Thus, it is very important to check for roof leaks during an attic inspection.

Moisture Damage

In the attics, moisture and water damage are most common. Home inspector checks for any signs of such damages during attic inspection.

Pests Check

The inspector checks if there is infestation of any pest at any corner of the attic. For instance, if there is the presence of termites, it can be troublesome for the homeowner.

How Often Attic Inspection is Required?

The attic is the least visited area of a home. That’s why the issues in the attic are noticed only at the time of home inspection. There is no set time to get the attic inspected, but some signs indicate that your attic needs attention, and it’s time to go for an attic inspection. Those signs are:

Temperature fluctuation in the interior
A damp smell in the house
Weird sound of the duct system
If utility bills increase than the optimal value
HVAC system needs regular maintenance

If there are any such issues in your home, you should schedule an attic inspection.

Tips to Keep the Attic in Good Shape

The attic of your home might be a not often visited place, but keeping it in good shape can help enhance your living experience. There are a few tips to keep the attic in good shape:

Visit the attic at least once a week
Check the insulation regularly to maintain optimal energy efficiency
Ensure proper ventilation in the attic to prevent moisture
Look for any signs of moisture and leaks in the roof
Look at the frame and joists
Check if there is any pest activity in the attic
Make sure there is no debris in the attic
Check for the damages in the roof
For a detailed check schedule, regular home inspections

Following these tips can help you to keep the attic in good condition and can save you from paying heavy amounts for the repair works.

Conclusion

The issues in the attic are only noticed at the time of inspection. Sometimes it becomes too late to prevent the damages. Being the least visited area of the house, the attic remains ignored. Anyhow, having regular attic inspections can help a homeowner keep the attic in good shape, and it can also help to increase the life span of the structural frame of the building. For detailed home inspection with the most accurate reports, contact The Brickkickers today!

The Importance of Checking the Attic During a Home Inspection