What to Check in an Attic
An attic review can reveal important home issues, including loose access ladders, damaged wood, moisture, insulation concerns, electrical wiring, and ventilation problems. The attic shown appears to be in generally good condition.
Key takeaways
- Make sure the attic ladder is not loose.
- Inspect the wood for deterioration, breakage, termites, or other animals.
- Look for moisture, including possible water entry near roof openings or a blocked former chimney.
- Check the insulation, electrical wiring, roof light entry, and bathroom ventilation routes.
Explanation
When reviewing an attic, check that the ladder is secure and that the wood is not deteriorated or broken. Look for signs of termites or other animals, as well as moisture that may come from the roof or an opening above. The review should also include possible water entry near a blocked former chimney, the condition and thickness of the insulation, electrical wiring, and light entering through the roof. Bathroom exhaust lines should lead outside rather than vent into the attic, and air ducts or bathroom air outlets should also be checked for signs of a problem.
Reel transcript
English version
What is the attic? Tararán, tararán. One of the favorite parts of the house too, because this is where important problems are found and need to be checked. I mean, for example, it has a ladder here that is loose. We look here at the wood, to make sure it isn't deteriorated, isn't broken, doesn't show signs of termites or animals that destroy it, and that there aren't other types of animals. We look, for example, for those types of moisture that may come from the roof or from some opening it has above. In this case, it seems there used to be a chimney there and they blocked it, but that chimney possibly has bad flashing and water, moisture may be getting in there. The insulation, which is the protection against heat and cold, should not be displaced and should have good thickness. This one has a quantity, but it seems as if they simply put some pieces on top and not very professionally. Electrical wiring, I like to turn off the light and see whether there is any light coming in through the roof, which would indicate another problem. The bathroom exhaust lines, which should go to the exterior, should not vent into here. Air ducts or bathroom air outlets as well. And any other sign that indicates there is a problem. This one, in general, generally looks to be in good condition.
Related resources
Talk with David about your buying, selling or investment goals in North Carolina.
Talk to David