Four Seasons Home Services

The attic is one of the few areas in the home that is rarely occupied, and as a result, it is often forgotten. We may throw a couple boxes up there for storage, but other than that, not many people use the attic on a regular basis. Does that mean that it should be neglected? Your answer should be “no,” but unfortunately there are many people who do not properly care this space who end up with major problems and a repair bill that is quite literally through the roof!

Inadequate ventilation is the main issue that faces poorly maintained attic spaces in homes all across America and in Chicago. The problems that follow mainly step from the presence of moisture in the attic space. Everyday activities such as showers and laundry as well as the weather conditions outdoors both contribute to moisture buildup in the attic. Unless you have a proper ventilation system, that moisture could be causing major damage to your roof, your attic, and your home.

Common problems found in poorly ventilated attics include:

1. Mold: During the summer months, the attic is packed with hot and humid air. This creates the perfect environment for mold growth, and mold knows no boundaries. Given the right circumstances, mold can take over a home and cause health problems for both you and the rest of your family.
2. Roof Deterioration: All of the excess moisture in the attic will eventually seep into the roof decking and cause it to sag and become soggy. Moisture also will cut down the lifespan of your roofing shingles by causing cracks and decay.
3. Rust: Anything that is metal inside the attic is susceptible to rust when moisture levels are high. Often times this will include nails and fastening equipment for duct work and plumbing. For example, if a support strap for your duct work breaks due to rust, you could have an entire portion of your HVAC duct system fall apart.
4. Air Conditioning Problems: When an attic isn’t properly ventilated, heat will accumulate in the attic and stifle the air conditioning system as the heat creeps into the living spaces of the home. Couple this problem with poor attic insulation, and you could drastically reduce the life of your air conditioner. Replacing the a/c is an investment that most homeowners can barely afford to make once nevertheless every 5- 10 years!
5. Frost: During the winter, excess moisture in the attic will turn into frost that can cause water damage to the ceiling once it melts.
6. Ice Dams: This is a big problem in the city or Chicago, and many homeowners probably don’t even realize it. If you have large overhangs of ice that collect on your roof during the winter, you have this problem.  An ice dam is formed through a repeated process of melting and freezing of snow and ice on the roof. First, the warm air from the home melts the snow on the roof. When the water reaches a cold spot, like the roof overhang, it freezes. This happens over and over, melting and freezing, until there are pockets of trapped water that cannot roll off the roof. The water then destroys shingles and causes leaks in the roof. This problem is even more likely if the attic doesn’t have proper insulation because the heat from the furnace will have easier access to the attic than if the attic was well insulated.

Four Seasons Home Services is your attic ventilation and insulation expert. We will expertly assess your situation, and craft a plan that will work best to solve all of your attic problems. Whether you have too much or too little, make Four Seasons your go to contractor for all of your attic repair needs.

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