Your Attic Inspection Checklist

When the seasons change it may be a great time to put some effort into your attic!  The attic is a vital part of your healthy, functioning home. In Florida we may only need to conduct an attic inspection twice a year, (spring and fall).  Whether you do it yourself or call in a pro, these are the main items that should be addressed during an attic inspection.

• Ventilation
• Insulation
• Leaks
• Pests
• Exhaust Ducts and Vent Stacks

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is key, and one of the first things looked at in an attic inspection. The most efficient way to improve ventilation is with soffit and ridge or off ridge vents.  The soffit/ridge combination takes air from the lowest point of the attic (soffit) and exhausts it through the highest point/peak (ridge) of the attic.  For spray foamed insulation the attic vents internally and does not use soffit and ridge vents.

Insulation

Attic insulation plays a big part in regulating the overall temperature of your home. A drafty upstairs, especially at the entrance to the attic, can indicate a need for more insulation.  New construction standard minimum blow in insulation would typically be R30 or 10.5 inches or something like mineral wool.  The more the better!  When removing blow in to install spray foam the foam is typically only 6 inches deep and sprayed to the roof deck to give the same or similar "R" value.  Advantages of spray are vast but one most appreciated is the spray foam does not introduce outside air into the attic.  This reduces moisture and humidity on many levels.

Leaks

A leaking roof may be evident by water stains, rot or mold in attic. Leaks can be found best if evaluated on a rainy day!  Leave the lights off at first to look for sunlight in places you should'nt see at first.  Be safe and turn the lights on before entering!

Pests

Above all else, please contact your local pest control pro.  Droppings, nests, leaves, acorns and damage to insulation are indicative of a pest problem.  Trapping and removing rodents, and then sealing off any entryways, is the best way to remove and prevent rodents from returning. Bigger pests like raccoons or large snakes should be handled by professionals.

Exhaust Ducts and Vent Stacks

All exhaust ducts and vent stacks should continue through the roof to the outside, but that isn’t always the case. One common mistake made is to leave a bathroom vent fan open venting into the attic.  This should never be done and should always vent to an outside source whehter it be through a soffit vent or through the roof line.  When inspecting ducts and pipes that are vented to the exterior of the home, ensure they’re not cracked, loose or destroyed.

As always, feel free to contact Florida Home Inspector Services for all of your inpsection needs.  We can be reached at 813-812-9700 or via email at dallas@flhomeinsp.com

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