In a list of home maintenance tasks, an attic inspection seems to be some way down for most homeowners. However, today we’re going to show you why this task could actually save you time, money, and lots of hassle. Here are some top reasons why you should have your attic inspected (especially if you haven’t in quite some time!).
Table of Contents
1. Check the Insulation
Firstly, have you noticed that the heating doesn’t seem to be working as efficiently recently? If so, the reason could actually be a deterioration of the insulation in your attic. This is bad at any time of year, but just before winter it could lead to colder evenings and more expensive utility bills as your heating furiously works to keep the property warm. With a simple attic inspection, you can assess the condition of insulation and catch small problems before they turn into an unwanted frustration.
2. Find and Fix Roof Leaks
Unfortunately, roof leaks are another problem that has the potential to cost money. The longer the roof damage goes unnoticed, the more chance there is of encountering:
- Mold and mildew
- Attic damage
- Water damage (and a fire hazard)
- Wasted energy
- Higher utility bills
Even after all this, the structural integrity of the property is also compromised. Again, this has its own problems when left alone without a fix.
3. Mold and Fungus Identification
We’ve touched on it already, but mold is something that can grow even without a roof leak. Unfortunately, the attic is known for dampness. In turn, this creates the perfect environment for mold and other problems. As well as ruining the aesthetics of the attic, the problem with mold is that it spreads rapidly, can cause huge issues for somebody with allergies, and can threaten the structural integrity of the building.
4. Verify Future Plans
While some people are happy to leave their attic as is, others have grand plans to install some drop-down stairs and open the space to use it as an extra living room or storage area. Before you do any of this, an attic inspection will tell you the state of the space and whether your potential plans are actually possible. Surely, it’s better to learn of potential problems early than spend lots of money and then learn?
5. Prevent Electrical Problems
With electrical shortcuts comes fire hazards, but you’ll be surprised at how many inspections highlight this sort of issue. When people move into a new home, potential problems include lots of junction boxes, electrical shortcuts, and bare wires all over the attic. It’s best to get these problems fixed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of fires and other damage.
6. Eliminate Critters
Something we haven’t mentioned yet is the possibility of critters who seek the warmth of the attic to get away from the cold weather outside. This doesn’t mean you’re safe in the summer months because, equally, some will seek a break from the sun. Common critters in attics include:
- Bats
- Mice
- Rats
- Birds
- Raccoons
With a simple inspection, you will not only learn of critter infestations but also weak spots that could lead to an infestation if not corrected.
Just in case this wasn’t enough, attic inspections can also be used to assess the floor framing, roof framing, or to keep control of the climate of your home (and reduce condensation). As you can see, attic inspections protect the investment you made in your home, so why not get one set up today?