Attic Inspections

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I turn on the bathroom ventilators and try to find them in the insulation if possible. Probably 25% of the time, they have no ducts at all and are 100% covered by insulation. Ceiling moisture damage will result over time.

[William J. Decker]

David;

If you walk on 2 x 4 engineered trusses and make sure that you are over a support wall and step close to the webs, there is no problem.

As to the insulation, I usually walk the attic in 'chinese slippers', with flexible rubber (and insulated) soles and canvas sides. It is very easy to 'feel' your way along.

Also, get yourself a UV flashlight. I have found many attics that look OK from the scuttle hole, but when I shine the UV around, I get all sorts of light ups, usually from mold from water infiltation.

Better quality, you can charge more.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

I seldom get to see an attic I can get into.
Here in Canada most attic entrances are in the master closet .
Small opening full of clothes.
The Attic usually has 8 inches blown in cellulose insulation.
I get enough of the insulation falling on the cover I have used in the closet with out going into the attic.
I can see me bringing about a bushel of insulation down on my clothes . Trying to get out side to shake it off and the trail through the home .
I try and make sure I get a good look from the attic entrance but no way will I go all the way into the attic.
Roy Sr

[dplummer]

Does anybody check temp? I check temp & RH outside, inside & the attic. Doug

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

William,

Also, get yourself a UV flashlight. I have found many attics that look OK from the scuttle hole, but when I shine the UV around, I get all sorts of light ups, usually from mold from water infiltation.

Come on now, we know why you have a UV light, let loose! You bought it so you can use it on all those blacklight posters you hung onto from the 60's!

Actually I've been looking for one but have not found one worth buying yet. Most are very weak and you wind up having to get right up to the area to use it. Those that are comparable to even a mag lite burn through batteries so quick it would be difficult to use for long. Do you have a preference on a UV Light brand, model? Have you found different wavelengths better for one inspection task over another? Any other advice on the lights from your experience?

[William J. Decker]

I go to Home Depot and buy 2 UV bulbs and fit them to regular lignt fixtures with reflectors.

Simple, safe, effective.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by rcooke

I seldom get to see an attic I can get into. Here in Canada most attic entrances are in the master closet . Small opening full of clothes.

Roy, how big a boy are you? You may want to cite this if the openings don't meet this standard:

"R807.1 Attic access. The rough-framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location."

[lewens]

I will only enter the attic space itself if I see something that is of a concern. I don't like the idea of going across trusses due to insulation etc. but if there is a reason to go in there I will. Older attics with good solid ceiling joists, I will always enter and have a good look around. The bottom chord of trusses have been known to break under my weight and I hate repairing drywall.
Larry

[lewens]

Roy
A dust buster in the truck and a drop sheet will take care of the mess and I always pop the hatch to get inside. Even if the hatch is obscured by whatever I will ask the Realtor or homeowner for permission to enter the space. I have seen too many mold problems in attic spaces to not try to get in there. I have even come across an raccoon or two in my travels, not to mention squirrels, mice, pigeons etc. I believe the client has the right to know and I am working for them.
Larry

[Brian E. Kelly]

Todays no leave the deck attic

[Mark A. Timpani, CMI]

You do good english

[gporter]

That is snow

[Patrick Bolliger]

Today's attic surprise guys..

Tell me how far would you guys go in this attic...

[Mark A. Timpani, CMI]

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

Patrick wrote:

Tell me how far would you guys go in this attic...

I would only go as far as my head and torso could make it through the scuttle entrance!!!

This is a good time to ask another question.

How many Inspectors perform a cursory (very quick) check of the attic before they walk the roof?

I do this before walking any roof and this is only one of the reasons why!! I want to know what I'm walking on before I do it!!!