Attics can serve a variety of purposes. Some homeowners utilize their attic as a storage area, while others never even peek into theirs (or are afraid to!)—wise homeowners developing a habit of checking their attics now and then. As home inspectors, we regularly see our share of problems originating in the attic, even some odd ones. So today, we’ll uncover some of the top issues with their roots in the attic space!
Is Your Attic As Well Insulated As You Think?
One of the first things home inspectors focus on is the condition of the attic’s insulation—most attics sport blown-in insulation due to its ability to fill tight spaces and other hard-to-reach areas. The unfortunate reality is that some contractors cut corners when installing it this way, and the insulation doesn’t provide all its intended benefits.Inexperienced homeowners installing it themselves can also face similar issues down the road.
With improper insulation comes a whole spectrum of problems originating in the attic, such as uneven indoor temperatures, greater overall power bills, more potential for ice dams in winter time, accelerated roof aging, moisture and pest problems, and, worst of all, a lower valuation on the home itself!
Speaking of Pests, A Major Problem Originating In The Attic
It may not be comforting to think about, but your home may have had pest problems originating in the attic without your knowledge! More households experience this issue than you think. Home inspectors in Southwest Virginia often uncover evidence of mice scurrying around in attics and forming their own superhighways in the insulation.
Mice have an astounding ability to climb vertically, so accessing walls and, eventually, the attic is no challenge for them. They make it into their own habitat with nests and droppings, ruining the insulation, reducing the home’s air quality, and making for an unmistakable odor. You may or may not already be aware of mice problems in your home, but regardless, their source is likely in your attic.
Where There’s Moisture, There’s Mold
Clients often ask Detail View Home Inspections specifically to check for the presence of mold. Our Southwest Virginia climate is more favorable than others, but the potential for mold is still real. Attics are somewhat susceptible to mold overgrowth resulting from a lack of airflow and ventilation.
Roofs and attics are constructed with ventilation in mind, with ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents designed to manage airflow. However, these vents can clog with debris, obstruct ventilation, and create the perfect conditions for mold spores to thrive, introducing mycotoxin hazards and eventually contributing to structural problems if unaddressed! It can easily start as a problem originating in the attic, affecting the rest of the home and the people within it.
Home Inspectors See It All
We’ve inspected homes old and new all across the Roanoke and New River Valley. Though many property owners overlook their attic, Detail View makes it a priority. We want to help reveal these issues so you may take prompt action and prevent the problem from worsening. So, if you think your property has problems originating in the attic or elsewhere in the structure, we hope you will reach out!