Attic Venting: Why It’s One of the
Most Critical Parts of Morristown TN Home Inspection

People in the market for a home often carry with them a mental list of items which define their “perfect house.” Maybe a fenced-in backyard, new appliances, granite countertops, a finished basement.

For many home-shoppers, proper attic ventilation may not rank as high as, say, “plenty of closet space,” but it certainly should.

During a lifetime of home inspections, certified inspectors have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to attic venting. Before you buy, it pays to have a home inspection which includes a thorough assessment of this critical home element.

First, what are some of the benefits of proper attic ventilation? A home stays cooler in the summer by expelling trapped solar-heated air, which translates into greater comfort and cost savings. A well-vented attic in winter will prevent roof warming, which leads to the formation of destructive ice dams. Further, extreme summer heat in a poorly vented attic can cook shingles and roof sheathing, cutting short their intended life spans. Failure to follow manufacturer instructions in regard to attic venting will also void warranties on most roofing products.

Ideally, a proper balance of correctly placed intake and exit venting will keep the attic close to outside temperatures, helping to prevent high moisture levels that can damage roof and attic wood structures, harm roof decking, spur mold and mildew growth, lead to paint failure, invite wood destroying insects inside, and other concerns.

An attic should have at least one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic, according to the Federal Housing Administration. Amazingly, it is not uncommon for a Morristown TN Home Inspection to reveal significantly less venting or no venting at all.

The Morristown TN Home Inspection will include an evaluation to ascertain if attic venting is present, what kind of venting is in place, and if it’s doing its intended job. Signs that there may be inadequate attic venting will be noted in a home inspection report. They may include:

• Shingle deterioration
• Mold and mildew in the attic
• Wet insulation
• An excessively hot attic
• Sheathing condensation
• Condensation on rafters

A Morristown TN Home Inspection is a great opportunity to ask a professional about attic venting. A complete attic inspection is included in an A-Pro 500-point home inspection. To hire a certified local A-Pro home inspector, visit Morristown TN Home Inspection or call 423-273-5950.