While inspecting the attic, make sure to check the roof framing as well. Also, check the rafters and trusses for cracked, broken and sagging sections, and look whether the rafters are spreading apart near the ridge. Such problems are uncommon, but if they do occur they indicate a structural defect that should be assesses by a professional.
Next, look at the floor joists. If they have been cut to accommodate an opening for an attic fan or pull-down stairs, make sure the cut ends have been properly secured to a header. If not, record this condition on your worksheet for later correction.
If trusses have been used for roof framing, check to see if any of the webs or chords have been removed. Homeowners often cut and remove them in order to gain more attic storage space for various items, without realizing that this affects the structural integrity of the truss. This condition should also be recorded on your worksheet for future repairs.
Attic Structural Inspection – Ensuring Proper Insulation and Ventilation
Attic ventilation is essential in every home, and may consist of vents and soffit vents, ridge vents and soffit vents, or gable vents and soffit vents. When checking the ventilation, always make sure that the soffit vents are not plugged by insulation inside the attics near the soffit areas. Installing baffles will help keep the soffit areas clear for proper ventilation.
If a ridge vent has been installed, make sure it is clean because it will occasionally get plugged with insulation and not vent properly. In addition, make sure the sheathing under the ridge vent is cut back to a minimum of three inches for proper ventilation. Every attic should have a minimum of 10 to 12 inches of insulation installed. Furthermore, if the house has roof vents, make sure they are not clogged by animal, birds or bees nests.
Look very closely for any rotted sheathing caused by water leaks. Common areas to find damaged sheathing generally include the sections near chimneys, around any roof vents, around skylights and in valley areas.
If you have wood trusses or engineered trusses, inspect them closely for cracks or bowing. In older homes, wood trusses often have very long spans and cause the structure to bow. If the trusses are bowing, additional support may be necessary. If you find this condition, contact a local licensed contractor to review the attic structure and make any necessary repairs.
During an attic structural inspection, you may also find a black substance or possible mold on the sheathing. This condition typically occurs when the attic is not properly ventilated. Moreover, if you also find mold, it is best to hire a mold inspector to make all necessary recommendations.
Lastly, make sure all bathroom vents are vented to the exterior of the home, and all plumbing vents are run through the roof to the exterior of the home.