More Ventilation

Part 2

 

By now you’re wondering what that last blog has to do with home inspections. Quite a bit actually. Most inspectors get up on to the roof if they can to be able, to tell the condition of the shingles. If the shingles are aged prematurely a home inspector has an good indication that something further is going on. 

 

Inspectors look for signs of moisture throughout the home. Most signs of moisture come from a leak from somewhere, like a leaky faucet. But sometimes an inspector will note a mold like substance in a closet with no apparent source of leaking. Sometimes moisture from washing machine, dish washers and even breathing can collect in different areas and condense on the walls. This moisture gives mold a chance to grow. When an attic is under ventilated or has too much insulation, we as home inspectors know we may find additional issues with moisture in the home.

 

Most inspectors will also get up into the attic and determine how much insulation is present, if it is installed properly and if there is plenty of ventilation. Improperly installed insulation, such as a kraft paper faced insulation installed with its facing upward can trap moisture underneath of it and promote mold growth. Also, blown in insulation that is blown covering soffit vents can lead to heat buildup and possibly damaged shingles. Home inspectors also look for the proper amount of insulation. In our area we should have at least a R-38. What is R-value? R-value is simply the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value the greater the insulating effectiveness it has. Each type of insulation, from batts to blown in insulation has its own R-value so make sure to follow the manufacturers’ instruction when adding new insulation. Here is a link to an interactive guide on how much insulation you may need in you area.

 

An attic may not seem like a very important area, especially since most home owners will never see it. But as you can tell by this reading, an attic contains some very important components of your house. If an inspector doesn’t, at a bare minimum, open up that attic hatch and poke his or head up there is doing their client a big disservice. Inspectors will also be looking at plumbing, electrical, and structural members.