What is a Home Inspector Looking for in an Attic?

What is a Home Inspector Looking for in an Attic?
The attic is seen as just a buffer space between your living space and the roof. It is an important structural component to the home, however. When you have your home inspected, you will find the home inspector probably spends a fair bit of time up in the attic. This is because several issues can be spotted from up there, and they can be indicators of further damage deeper inside the home. So what is the home inspector looking for while up in your attic?

Structural Damage
The home inspector will be looking for damage to the structure in the attic since it holds up the roof. This can also include checking for roofing damage not immediately obvious from the roof itself.

Fire Damage
While the homeowner needs to disclose fire damage when selling, it can be easy to cover it up. Yet, often that cover-up job does not include the attic. You may find soot, scorch, and other fire damage in the attic that effects the integrity of the home.

Water Damage
When inspecting the attic, the inspector will not only look for water damage from a roof leak, but for moisture caused by faulty ventilation or leaking plumbing as well. Typically, the attic is where inspectors find water damage if the homeowner doesn’t already know about it.

Insulation
Great attic insulation will help minimize your heating and cooling costs. The inspector will judge whether there is adequate insulation in your attic and make sure the batts are facing the right way as well.

Chimney Condition
The chimney will also be inspected from the exterior and roof of the home, but the inspector will also want to look at the portion that is in the attic to make sure it is properly sealed as well as inspect the mortar on the brick.

Contact True North Home Inspection at (603) 229-2571 if you have any questions or to schedule an inspection!