Have you looked in on your attic lately? If you have an unfinished attic or crawl space above your home chances are you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it let alone actually poking around up there. Attic issues can become serious if you don’t catch them early which is why inspecting your attic often is so important.
Checking Your Attic
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check your attic once every 3 to 6 months. There are numerous reasons why checking your attic regularly is important, notably it’s the first place leaks will show themselves. If a leak occurs, there will be signs of it in your attic before anywhere else.
Checking your attic is also important because, in many ways, the attic is a cornerstone of your home’s ventilation system. If there is mold, bacteria or other potential toxins in your attic, they might be circulating from there to areas throughout your home without your knowledge.
What to Look For
Before heading up into your attic or crawl space, make yourself a checklist so you know what you’re looking for. Checking for each of these things every time you inspect your attic will make it easier to catch small problems before they become big problems:
- Roof Leaks: Look for water or signs of water damage on the underside of your roof. Inspect on a rainy day to spot leaks more easily.
- Mold and Mildew: Keep your eyes (and nose) open for signs of mold and mildew, which could indicate a larger problem with your attic ventilation.
- Pest Infestation: Mice and other rodents often infest attics. Look for their droppings, and for torn-up insulation indicating their presence.
- Insufficient Insulation: A lack of attic insulation can be harming your roof health and your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Professional Inspection
In addition to doing your own checkup, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your attic every once in a while, even if it’s just once a year. If you have a trusted roofing contractor, ask about combining an attic inspection with your regular roofing inspection and maintenance plan.
Contact us today to learn more about trusting StormForce of Jacksonville with the care of your roof and attic. We’re proud to be Jacksonville’s #1 roofer, and we’re committed to keeping your house safe and sound.