Early spring brings warmer, wetter air. Your attic might be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind – because up there, dampness translates into damage. When was the last time you poked your head up there and had a look around? The first thing you’ll notice is how dark it is, and then just how quiet – all the insulation muffles noise, making the space feel either strangely quiet, or wonderfully serene.

As you’re looking around, you should see a bit of daylight coming in from what look like gaps in the soffit and roof-deck, around the outside lower edges. Don’t be alarmed, these reveals of daylight are actually good to see. They’re vents – intended to encourage consistent airflow. These vents in the soffit are designed to bring in cool, flowing air into the attic, and the vents on the roof-deck above are designed to release hot, moist air. Working together, they help prevent moisture buildup. If you’re not seeing any daylight, have a pro take a look – it’s likely that the attic is not getting the required ventilation. 

Inspect the insulation. Attic insulation should look light and fluffy, not packed down or flattened. Its effectiveness depends on trapping tiny air pockets, which act as the primary barrier against heat transfer or cold penetration. If the insulation is compressed, it means those air pockets disappear, and so does much of its performance. In fact, squished insulation can lose up to half its R-value (heat-resistance rating), meaning your home becomes much less protected against temperature swings. TIP – If storing things in the attic, don’t stack items on top of the insulation.  

As you continue to look around, you’ll also notice the plumbing vent stack – a vertical pipe extending all the way through the roof. The plumbing vent stack works to equalize pressure, regulate drainage, and release sewer gases outside. If you see any daylight coming through the gap anywhere near the plumbing vent stack, it means the rubber membrane is damaged and needs to be replaced ASAP. It’s an open floodgate to water damage. Call a professional. 

Look for other sources of water buildup. Common weak points include cracked or missing shingles, and clogged gutters that can back water up into the attic and result in leaks into the home. 

As always, if you need recommendations – be it a roofer, plumber, or electrician – don’t hesitate to call me.