Inspector's check · Attic
On a cold day, is the attic close to the outdoor temperature?
In winter a healthy attic feels nearly as cold as outside. A warm attic, frost on the nail tips poking through the roof boards, or snow melting off your roof faster than your neighbors' all mean house heat is getting up there. Also check that insulation isn't stuffed against the roof at the eaves, blocking the soffit vents. Every attic runs hot in summer, so do this check in winter.
Safety first: Step only on the joists or on boards laid across them; the ceiling below won't hold you. Wear a dust mask and gloves. If the insulation is loose, gray-brown and pebbly like gravel (vermiculite), don't disturb it: it can contain asbestos, so have it tested before anyone works up there. Skip the attic on hot summer afternoons.
Why it matters
Heat in the attic melts snow on the roof, and it refreezes at the cold edge as ice dams that push water under the shingles. Trapped moisture also rots the roof deck.
If it's a problem
An inspector would write it up as “Attic runs warm or vents are blocked” and rate it fix this year. Your options, with rough U.S. costs:
- DIY, $50 to $150: Pull insulation back from the eaves and staple in foam vent baffles so air can flow up from the soffits.
- Handyman (usually best), $300 to $1,000: Install baffles in every rafter bay and clear or add soffit vents.
- Pro, $1,000 to $3,500: Insulation or roofing contractor air-seals the attic floor and balances the intake and exhaust vents.
Get this on your own house's plan
DwellTended builds a seasonal plan for your actual house, shows what needs you this week with rough costs, and reminds you before things are due. Free to start, no inspection report needed.