Attic Care And Maintenance

Prepare Your Attic for Winter

Fall is one of the best times to prepare your roof for winter, and your attic is an important place to focus your efforts. Attics are vital in reducing roof damage and in keeping your home comfortable during the colder months.

Because your attic is the space between your home and your roof, it is easy for it to stay out of sight and out of mind. However, it is important to take care of this area in order to protect your roof. A properly cared for attic will increase the life of your roof, keep your house warm, and help save energy costs. It is a good idea to inspect your attic at least twice each year so that you can make any necessary changes before they become major problems down the road!

Ventilation

Ventilation and insulation are two major factors when making sure your attic is ready for winter. Improper ventilation and insulation in your attic lead to issues such as:

– Ice dams
– Damp wood
– Mold and mildew
– Interior damage

Ventilation is key to keeping your attic dry. If you have a closed attic, you can install vents in the roof to allow heat and moisture to escape. A well-ventilated attic will allow your home to remain a comfortable temperature all winter long.

Ventilation also prevents ice dams by allowing heat to escape from below and moisture to evaporate from above. Ice dams are created when water freezes on your roof and snow continues to fall on top of that layer of ice, causing it to grow thicker until there’s no longer any room for snowfall above it. If ice dams aren’t fixed in time, they can cause serious damage to your home from leaks and cracks in ceilings below. This is why it’s so important to make sure your vents are clear before winter hits so that air has a way to escape.

Insulation

Attic insulation is just as important to maintain. Insulation serves as a protective layer that prevents leaks from causing damage to your home’s interior. Some of the benefits of insulation include:

• Reduced energy costs
o Insulation can lower your heating bills during winter months by preventing excess heat from escaping through cracks in your home’s walls or ceiling spaces.
• Reduce leak damage
o Insulation lowers the risk of damage to your home if your roof is leaking or has cracks by protecting walls and ceilings from excess moisture.
• Prevention of structural issues from extreme temperature shifts
o Attic insulation is important to prevent structural damage from expanding rafters, sagging ceilings, and bowed or cracked walls. The extra weight of snow and ice buildup on a home with an uninsulated attic can lead to leaks that cause interior damage and mold growth on the roof decking.
• Protect roof shingles
o Roof shingles are prone to cracking or becoming brittle when the weather changes drastically, but insulation allows them to maintain a more regulated temperature all year round.

Check your home for these signs of poor attic insulation:

• Cracks in the ceiling or walls—If you notice cracks in your ceiling, it could be a sign that there’s an air leak in the attic.
• Leaks in the roof—Sometimes a leak will appear on your ceiling even though there isn’t evidence of water damage elsewhere on your home. This could mean that the insulation is collapsing and allowing rain to fall through into your living space.
• Signs of mold and mildew—Although this may not seem like an insulation problem at first glance, moisture left behind after snow melts can lead to mold growth if not properly treated. And if overlooked for too long, this can be very costly to correct later on.
• Signs of water damage—If you notice anything like water stains or mold growth on ceilings or walls, these are signs that there might be leaks somewhere up top and should be fixed ASAP!

When winter is around the corner, it’s important to be prepared. This means checking on your attic insulation and ventilation at least twice a year. Make sure there are no leaks or cracks in the roof that could cause air to escape and raise your energy bills. You should also look at the quality of insulation itself by checking for mold growth or mildew stains on surfaces like walls and ceilings indoors. If possible, hire an expert who can inspect these issues before they become serious problems.

Does your roof need a tune-up before winter hits? Call one of our roofing experts today at 937-298-8664 or contact us online for a free roofing consultation and estimate.