11/04/2026
Before Winter Hits, Take a Look in the Attic!
Most homeowners never open the attic hatch until something goes wrong — a stain on the ceiling, a drip during a thaw, an ice dam creeping down the roof edge. A quick look up there before winter is one of the cheapest forms of insurance you can give your house.
Here's what a pre-winter attic check should cover:
Insulation — You want an even blanket, roughly 10–14 inches for our East-Central Indiana winters. Bare spots, insulation that's been trampled flat, or piles shoved against the eaves all cost you heat and money.
Ventilation — Baffles and soffit vents need to stay open. Blocked ventilation traps warm, moist air against the cold roof deck — that's how you get frost on nails, mold on sheathing, and ice dams at the edge.
Roof leaks — Look for dark staining on the decking or rafters, daylight at penetrations, and rusty nail tips. A slow leak found in November is a repair; found in February, it's often a ceiling.
Pests and openings — Gaps at gable vents and eaves are invitations. Squirrels and raccoons love a warm attic, and they don't leave on their own.
Bath fan vents — Fans should exhaust outside, not into the attic. One dumping warm shower steam up there all winter can soak insulation and decking.
Buying a home this fall? This is exactly what we check during the attic portion of a full inspection. Schedule yours at certified123.com — and if you already own, fifteen minutes with a flashlight this weekend beats a surprise in January.
