During the home inspection process, the home inspector will do an examination of the attic in the home. Here are five areas of the attic that will be inspected.
1. Attic Access – The attic access location would be located by the home inspector. Before accessing the attic, the home inspector will document the condition of the access door and if there is an attic ladder. The home inspector will also determine if the ladder is safe and if the feet sit firmly on the floor.
2. Insulation – The home inspector will enter the inside of the attic and report on the type, depth and condition of the insulation. Most homes have either roll fiberglass or blown insulation. If the attic floor is covered, the inspector will make a comment that the insulation under the floored section of the attic is “not visible”.
Ventilation – Most attics will have a two ventilation points. The types of ventilation points are soffit, gable, ridge, and roof vents. Below is an explanation of the vent types.
Soffit vents are located in the eaves. If a home has soffit vents, daylight should be visible from the eaves. With soffit vents, baffles should be installed that maintain the air space and hold back the blown insulation.
Gable vents are located in the top corners of gable roof ends. These vents should have screens that protect the attic from birds and other flying rodents like bats.
Ridge vents are a continuous vent varying in length and located at the top of the ridge. Ridge vents are common in hip roof configurations.
Roof vents or fans are put in the roof sheathing in holes cut between the rafters. These vents are often installed on the rear of the house for cosmetic purposes.
The two vent sources ought to be from two opposite origins. For instance, gable roofs have both gable and soffit vents. Where hip roofs will have ridge and soffit vents. Elaborate roof formations will possess multiple vent opening.
4. Structure – The roof should not have any loose, broken, or cut framing members. The home inspector will also comment on the condition of the roof sheathing.
5. Leaks – The home inspector will examine all the valleys and roof penetrations for signs of roof leaks like staining, wet wood, etc.
The home inspector doesn’t have to inspect any attic spaces where the head room is less than three feet high. The home inspector doesn’t have to inspect any attic spaces where hazardous material is present like mold.
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