WHAT’S IN YOUR ATTIC?

You go up there seasonally to retrieve, and then replace, the holiday decorations. But it’s a grab-and-go trip since the attic is cold, dark and mysterious. Should you visit this space more often? What should you look for if you do—besides that tree skirt you can never find?

If your home has an attic and you haven’t looked in there yet this year, go right now. Oh, wait, read this first! You should inspect your home’s attic regularly, perhaps seasonally. The more often you look up there, the more likely you will notice changes and prevent problems. Here’s what you should look at and for:

ROOF LEAKS

In most attics, you can get a good view of the underside of your roof. Inspect that roofing material for signs of leaks or other damage. This is where frequent inspections pay off. Take photos and compare each time you visit. If you see new water spots or significant color changes, have a roof expert take a closer look.

INSULATION

With this inspection, you’re also looking for changes. If your attic has blown-in or loose insulation, make sure its thickness is consistent across the attic space. Look for wind-washing, which is the effect of ventilation in your attic moving the insulation and reducing its effectiveness.

CREATURES

Even though your attic might be cold in the winter and hot in the summer, some creatures still find it a refuge from rain, wind and predators. Look for droppings, and check for nests, trails or even teeth marks. You can set traps, but it’s better to seal any obvious entry points around vents and ducts.

DUCTWORK

Bathroom fan ductwork can come loose in your attic and simply exhaust moist bathroom air into your attic space— and moist air in your attic is as bad as it sounds. Also, if a chimney runs through your attic, keep your eye on the brickwork and the chimney’s overall structure.

STORED ITEMS

Your attic environment is different from other rooms in your home. Sure, it might be roomy, but it’s not an ideal storage place. Do not keep paint or chemicals in your attic. And do not use it to store natural fibers like wool, which can be attractive to rodents and insects. Also, monitor leather goods, artwork or other valuables that can be affected by temperature and humidity swings.