Common Attic Issues Found During A Home Inspection
In the Capital District especially, your home inspector is going to be on the lookout for these common attic issues. What will they mean for your property?
Why Check The Attic?
Your attic serves an important role in your home's ventilation. Not only does it play a big role in properly insulating your home from the outside elements, the attic houses many different systems that your home's safety and efficiency absolutely rely on every day. From electrical and heating to plumbing and everything in between, the attic is going to be carefully inspected in any home you are considering.
Additionally, the attic is a place where the inspector can get a closer look at the structure and rot heating on the home, which makes it very important to investigate it thoroughly. Although attics rarely have hidden problems, there are many obligatory aspects that should be checked over.
Many times, your home inspector will find that electrical wires are running right through the attic. While that might not sound like a problem, it's very important that these wires are securely attached to the structure, such as the wooden beams, and safely tucked out of the way. Exposed or poorly secured wires can be a target for rodents and a hazard for those in the area.
Many times, vents and chimneys will run straight through the attic and up through the roof. While that's not an issue in itself, it can be a problem if they are improperly secured or if they are blocked in some way. This will cause the hot air to escape from the home's heating system which leads to a build-up of moisture in the attic, causing dampness issues like mold. Metal chimneys may also rust due to condensation.
The plumbing system of any home is going to wind around the attic at some point to the outside areas where it can discharge. Air leaks can be an issue, especially around plumbing stacks and open eave spaces. They'll lead to water vapor which, in turn, will lead to the build up of moisture. Bathroom and kitchen vents especially are known to have air leaks in the attic area and they need to be sealed.
Insulation
In the attic, your home inspector will be checking for damage to the insulation and even missing insulation. Since the attic is the first place you'll lose heat during the winter (heat rises), your inspector will want to look this over carefully--especially here in the northeast!
The attic plays an important role by hosting the roof and ceiling structure. The beams will be looked over along with the supports in search of broken, splitting, sagging, or poorly installed components. Structural deficiencies will need to be properly addressed to ensure the safety of the home.
The Author Adam Clark is the owner and operator of Shield Guard Home Inspections. Adam Clark is a local Home Inspector located in Albany NY that has performed over 6000 Inspections Book online Phone: (518) 720-7152
