5 Dangers In Your Attic
Your energy auditor at Smart Energy Pros will check for energy waste and health/safety issues.
Homeowners rarely go into their attic unless it’s easily accessible which is unfortunate because there are significant problems that they may not know about. This post will cover potential health/safety/durability issues that could be found in the attic. These are some of the things your energy auditor will look for during your home’s inspection.
Asbestos
The picture above shows vermiculite which was throughout this homeowner’s attic. This material MAY contain asbestos and is only a health/safety issue if the material is disturbed. We may also find asbestos wrapped around boiler pipes or flues (chimneys for furnaces and or water heaters).
If we were to find any asbestos-like material within the attic or home then you would be notified immediately and the audit would be rescheduled until the material is removed. If you know or find any asbestos-like material then please use this list of companies to treat the material.
Pests
Raccoons infested this homeowner’s attic and trampled the insulation which is why it’s matted down.
Pest infiltration can unfortunately happen and not only is it upsetting it can be a serious health risk and jeopardize your home’s efficiency. Depending on the severity of the issue all of the insulation may need to be removed and the attic space may need to be sanitized.
Knob and Tube
Knob and tube is an old wiring system that was prevalent in the mid atlantic area before 1950. The problem with this wiring system is that it can get so hot that if it comes into contact with insulation it can be a fire hazard. If knob and tube is found within the attic then it may or may not be active. If it is active then it MUST be removed or deactivated before work can be done.
Roof Leaks
This is a very obvious danger and generally speaking if the problem is severe you will notice it before we show up. However, what we find are small leaks that you won’t notice until much later.
Mold
Mold can form in the attic for a variety of reasons and you may not know it because you may be attributing these problems to something else. Depending on the severity of the issue all of the insulation may need to be removed and the attic space may need to be sanitized.
Conclusion
Health/safety issues will always take precedence during an energy audit and this is the first thing that Smart Energy Pros looks out for. If you are interested in receiving a home assessment from well rounded professionals then schedule an assessment here.
