| The majority of heat loss and gain in your house occurs
through your attic/roof. In order to control the climate in your home,
your attic must have the correct amount of quality insulation. Moisture
often builds up, causing problems with both insulation and structural
support. The attic is also another floor, whether or not it is
used, and should be kept in good condition, like the rest of your home. |
- Insulation
In order to properly control the temperature in your home,
there must be at least 3 inches of insulation in the attic for mild
climates, and 4-6 for cold climates. It is also needed under
floors and in crawlspaces for colder climates.
- Vapor Barriers
On the warm side of insulation, vapor barriers should always be
used. Many older homes, however, do not have these installed, as the
insulation was installed prior to the development of vapor barriers.
Without vapor barriers, moisture control inside of a home is
impossible, and water may begin causing damage in humid
climates.
- Ventilation
Ventilation is very important in the roof joist spaces of a ceiling,
and the crawlspaces beneath. Generally, the degree of dampness can
provide all the information you need about the ventilation in a
crawlspace, but it is important to note that this is not always the
case, and very expensive damage may occur if this is not properly
checked periodically.
- Framing
Attic framing is very important, as this is the structural
support of any roof. While it is generally well built to begin with,
other problems in an attic, such as moisture, may damage this
essential part of your home.
- Access
There should be good access to your attic at all times.
Either through stairs, a drop-down ladder, or some other means, you
should be able to enter your attic at any point in time, to check
for leaks and other structural and cosmetic problems.
- Leaks
It is very important to check for leaks in any attic,
because such problems often lead to leaking inside of a home, and
may cause water damage on any floor as water travels through
ventilation ducts and the walls. It is important not only to look
for dripping water and evidence of such, but also to check whether
or not any materials in the attic are absorbing water and channeling
it to different parts of the home.
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