Check your attic

Inspect your attic to stop heat loss and moisture problems.

Time

15 minutes

Difficulty

Moderate

Expertise

None

Frequency

Once a year

Where

All US

Overview

Your attic is a great indicator of potential moisture problems in your home.

It's often best to inspect the attic by standing on a stepladder, with your upper body through the attic access hatch. That's because in many homes, the floor of the attic is not meant to bear weight. You can stand on the ceiling joists, but one false step could send you through the ceiling below. Also, if the joists are covered with insulation, you risk tripping over buried wiring and getting an electrical shock.

Only go into an attic with a legitimate floor. Wear a mask and other protective gear and clothing to protect you from dust, debris and skin irritants like fiberglass.

Steps

1. Look for water stains on the underside of the roof and rafters, indicating leaks.
   • Monitor old stains for signs of new leaks.
   • New stains indicate active leaks. Have the roof repaired or replaced.
2. Check for signs of animals, such as droppings. Have a professional remove as squirrels, bats, raccoons, mice, bees, wasps and other vermin.
3. Check for mildew on the underside of roof, indicating poor attic ventilation, humidity or air leakage from the house.
   • Increase attic ventilation.
   • Install a weatherstripping seal around the attic access hatch if missing or worn.
   • Check for possible air leaks around light fixtures, plumbing stacks, and around chimneys and ducts. Have any leak sealed.

     

4. Inspect roof vents.
   • Check if the roof vents are clogged with bird or insect nests. If so, have the nest removed.
   • Wet or compressed insulation under roof vents indicates the vents allow wind-driven snow or rain to enter the attic. Have the vents replaced.