Overview
An Attic is the area of your home which is above the ceiling of the highest story of your home, and just below the roof.
Attic vents are the mushroom-shaped circulating fans on your roof, and/or the openings you see on the side of your house near your roof. These vents can become blocked by leaves, bird’s nests, etc. Your attic also contains ‘insulation’, a fluffy material that reduces the transfer of heat, similar to the way a down coat keeps a person warm. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and helps to keep your home cool in the winter. Since heat rises, homes tend to lose heat through the roof, which is why attic insulation is important.
In most homes, the Attic space will be ‘un-finished,’ which means that it will not have any heating and air conditioning for this area, and the walls are not covered with drywall or plaster. However, in some homes the Attic space will be finished living space.
Some Attic spaces are easily accessed by permanent stairs, while in other homes the Attic space is accessed only through a moveable ceiling panel or a pull-down foldable ladder.
Routine Care
Check attic for leaks and pest openings
Checking for leaks is to prevent serious water damage. Checking for cracks and openings is to prevent infestation of pests.
Sealing openings to the outside inside of your house will help you conserve energy.
Timing: March (yearly)
How To
This task involves:
Inspecting the inside of your attic for evidence of water leaks;
Looking for any cracks or openings to the outside that would permit the entry of bats and other pests;
Looking for any opening to the inside of your house where heat or cooling can escape.
Benefits
The benefits of this task are relatively high. Doing this task can help prevent serious damage by water and pests, which can be very costly to eliminate and repair damage from.
Costs
The cost of this task can be moderately high, from an investment of time standpoint, depending on how easy or difficult it is to access your attic spaces. You will likely need a good flashlight to complete this task.
Originally posted at http://www.petermuehlbronner.home-wizard.com/attic/care/check-attic-for-leaks-pests