When preparing for winter we know that your attic probably isn’t at the top of your list. However, when winterizing your home it should be one of the first home improvements you make to be ready. Here are a few steps to help with that:
Your furnace should not be heating your attic (unless your roof does not have ventilation with insulation on your roofing deck). With poor insulation during the winter months ventilating your attic during this time releases warm air and decreases your heating efficiency since heat rises. Adding to this that the attic is filling up with moisture-laden air. When warm moist air hits your roof, condensation occurs which can then cause mold or rot your wood.
Check both interior and exterior for any holes, gaps, cracks, or crevices where air can escape. Fill these areas with caulk to help prevent further air from escaping your attic. The smallest hole can make the biggest difference.
Clearing your roof off with debris can be critical in making sure your roof stays undamaged. Some debris can lock in water and hold it in place causing rot or mold within a certain space on your roof.
Heated moisture-laden air in the winter from showering, cooking or other everyday activities can find its way inside your attic and can condense on the cold roof structure underside. Sometimes, heat that becomes trapped in your attic ends up melting snow that’s on your roof causing ice dams.
If you are unsure of where to start or just want help call C.A.R.E. we will send out a weatherization contractor or energy auditor to evaluate the ventilation and insulation in your attic, inspect it and make modifications if needed.