Check Your Attic

Check your attic for signs of leaks, animals, excess humidity and other problems. You want to catch and fix them early.

Time — 30 minutes
Difficulty — Moderate
Expertise — None
Frequency — Once a year
Where — All US

Steps

1. If you've never opened the attic hatch, cover the floor below it with a drop cloth to catch loose insulation. Many attics had insulation blown in from the outside of the house through the roof vents, so it's possible that a foot of loose insulation sits on top of the attic access hatch.
2. 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.
3. Check for signs of animals, such as droppings. Have a professional remove squirrels, bats, raccoons, mice, bees, wasps and other vermin.
4. Check for mildew on the underside of the roof, indicating poor attic ventilation, humidity or air leakage from the house. Do the following to address the problem:
   • 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.
5. 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.