How To Check Attic For Leaks

Make sure the weatherstrip compresses when you close the attic hatch door or windows.

How to check attic for leaks.

Replace incandescent bulbs with cooler operating compact fluorescent bulbs. Find a roof leak head into the attic to get a good look at the underside of the roof. Replace your old recessed lights with air tight insulated can models available at home centers and lighting stores. Water will reflect light so bring a flashlight along.

Here are the solutions we recommend if you have recessed can lights protruding into your attic. Walk on joists or truss chords not exposed ceiling drywall or insulation to avoid falling through the ceiling. You may see stained or discolored wood areas that will lead you to the source of the leak. Scan your roof monthly for deteriorating shingles and missing or broken flashing.

The underside of your roof may be obscured by. Arm yourself with a flashlight and head up to the. Once you locate the source of the water mark the area. See basic ladder safety if you intend to use a ladder.

If you do not have built in pull down stairs then use a sturdy ladder to access the attic area. Looking across your attic if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists you probably need to add more insulation. You can use this air leak detection test in other areas of your home as well. Inspect the underside of the roof for.

If the smoke or paper begins to move erratically you have an air leak. Seal the leaks you found with your hand and smoke pencil before using the fog machine. Follow damaged insulation back to the source of the roof leak. Visual inspection can go a long way to heading off these problems.

Investigate appliances and fixtures. Quick check of insulation levels. You can test to see if you have attic door leaks with an incense stick or thin piece of toilet paper first. To save time and better pinpoint the problem you can hire a professional to inspect your insulation and fill any gaps that might be letting warm air into the space.

Once you ve found the leaks in your duct work seal them by wrapping them in foil faced tape or by applying mastic with. Attic leaks develop slowly over time. If you have several leaks the. Insulation is responsible for keeping warm air inside your living space and out of the attic where it can lead to condensation.

If you have an attic the easiest way to spot the leak is to up there on a rainy day.