The attic and crawlspaces of a home oftentimes are not a priority for a prospective buyer. They’re mostly concerned with the condition of high-traffic living spaces and the functionality of the utilities of a home. However, the less occupied areas of a home can surprisingly be most telling of its structural integrity, energy efficiency, and air quality. To stress the importance of inspecting these often-unused spaces, let’s take a look at some common problems found in attics and crawlspaces.
Common Signs of Damage Found in Attics and Crawlspaces
Home inspectors will search for clues in the attic or crawlspace to discern whether more serious concerns are hiding from plain sight. Some of the common signs of damage in these spaces include:
- Truss or Rafter Damage: When inspecting a roof, it’s important to look inside the attic, as you could find broken rafters or support trusses that can forecast a roof collapse.
- Water Damage: Home inspectors will look for staining on the walls or support beams, as it could be a sign of a roof leak, which can contribute to damaging wood rot and mold.
- Pest Damage: A pest inspection can look for anything from poop pellets from squirrels to damaging termite infestations. The presence of larger animals can indicate big gaps in the home’s eaves or loose boards.
- Fire Damage: If the color of the rafters deviates from that of natural wood, it could be a sign of a previous fire in the home.
Beyond finding issues with the roof and framing, experienced home inspectors will sometimes look at the interior portion of a chimney from the attic to determine if there’s any weather deterioration or cracks in the brick.
Mild Problems in Attics and Crawlspaces
Home inspectors will also be on the lookout for issues that may influence the energy efficiency or air quality of a home. For instance, insufficient or damp insulation in your attic can allow heat to escape your home or invite humidity into your attic. Furthermore, they will analyze the condition or presence of flash barriers and ventilation to ensure your attic or crawlspace is protected from the buildup of moisture or wood rot.
Knowing that these common problems found in attics and crawlspaces can create significant headaches for homeowners is why home inspectors take their time inspecting these areas. If you’re buying or selling a home, you should share the same concern for these spaces as the other rooms in the home. At Homeinex Corporation, we include the roof and attic or crawlspace in our basic home inspection for this reason. If you’re invested in buying or selling a safe and secure home, contact us today.