Make home snug by keeping attic in tip-top shape

A house is broken down into three components; e.g. attic, living envelope and crawlspace or basement.

Attics are a very important part of our homes, however people tend to ignore them until they have no choice but to inspect them. When the spring thaw comes, and your roof begins leak which damages drywall, paint, and furniture, the preventive inspection is far too late.

Attics act as a buffer between the outside and the interior living space. Attics are not normally heated. The reason for that is because the outside air should circulates freely within the attic eliminating moisture build up that is created in the living envelope.

Every attic should have vents (soffits and gable end vents) which allows air flow into the space.

A dry attic should not have pest problems; however a warm, moist attic is a recipe for not only mold, but insects, birds, bats and rodent problems.

Rodents can be particularly harmful in an attic. Their urine will penetrate through the drywall and off gas a terrible smell. They will eat through wire insulation and damage fiber glass insulation by nesting in it.

During winter ice will build up and through pressure will force off or up roofing material and allow moisture to penetrate into the attic.

When inspecting your attic pay special attention to the wood structure (Trusses, floor joists and sheathing). Watch for variation in coloring and water staining. Pay special attention to the area around the chimney and plumbing vents.

Check out the bottom four feet of the roof eaves. Where two roofs meet (valleys) pay special attention, these are critical areas. 

To check the seal of your attic door or hatch use a candle. Light it and then blow it out so it will smoke.

Run the candle around the perimeter of the hatch to see if the smoke is drawn in or blown out. If either occurs, add a strip of foam weather seal around the edge of the hatch or door.

If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting your own attic, call a certified and licensed contractor who will perform a proper inspection and provide you with a well documented written report.

 Note:  A well-documented report includes supporting pictures as evidence of their claims.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?  For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out at www.nwees.com.

n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection & remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.