HVAC Checklist: Attic and Roof

Now that winter is over, it is time to go up into the attic and onto the roof and see what potential damage the winter has brung. For homeowners the world around who experience winter, there are a plethora of problems that can occur in the icy months, such as:

• Ice dams
• Broken shingles
• Moisture damage
• Mold/mildew
• Condensation

During the winter months, there are things you can do to prevent these problems from creating issues in the future, such as safely and regularly knocking down icicles and cleaning out gutters. These actions should be done from the safety of a ladder and never from an ice-slicked roof. But now that we have that out of the way, let us go ahead and talk about the steps you should take when going up into your attic and onto your roof for the first time since the snow melted.

Spring Checklist Item #1: Check the Attic

When you first get up into the attic, make sure that there are no apparent rips, tears, leaks, or missing sections of insulation first of all. This would be your first sign and the catalyst for ice dams and frost build-up appearing in your attic, which will later turn into condensation, then mold and mildew. In fact, if you smell mildew or mold when you get up there, it is likely already too late.

Be sure to pay special attention to the corners and any areas of discoloration. This could indicate previous water damage that has since dried up, but will likely get wet again once moisture presents itself.

On that note, the next item to check are the attic vents themselves. Are they functional? If they need to be replaced, go ahead and do so, but if you had bought a pre-owned home, it is possible that it may not even be adequately ventilated. Check out our roof ventilation calculator to find out.

Also, are there any leaks in the roof itself? If there are, that may indicate broken shingles or something else. On to the roof!

Spring Checklist Item #2: Check the Roof

Before getting on the roof, please observe proper safety protocol and measures before doing so. If you happened to notice any leaks in the attic, it may be due to ice dams building up under the shingles, breaking them over time. If this is the case, it would be necessary to replace the broken shingles to prevent moisture from entering the attic again. And while you are up here, it would also be a good idea to check out that chimney cap to make sure that it is functioning properly, because that chimney will come in handy next winter.

How FAMCO Can Help

FAMCO is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC accessories and equipment in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking for chimney caps or adapters, FAMCO has you covered. If you have any questions about our products or how to get your house ready for the coming seasons, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We will be more than happy to help.