ATTIC Sample Clauses

ATTIC. There is an attic access in the left utility room. We entered the attic area to perform our inspection. Portions of the attic areas are not accessible to inspection due to limited height clearance and ducting. The attic is framed with 2x6 rafters. The ceilings are framed with 2x6 ceiling joists. The rafters are overlaid with board sheathing. Only minimal ventilation is provided to the attic area. We recommend additional ventilation be provided. Adequate attic ventilation is important to prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause decay and damage and to prevent excessive attic temperatures. Improved ventilation can reduce attic and interior room temperatures. Several attic vents are not screened. We recommend the vents be screened to prevent animal entry. The attic is insulated with fiberglass xxxxx that are approximately 4 to 7 inches thick. The insulation in the attic vestibules near the furnace has been installed reversed with the paper backing facing the open space. See an example below. Inverted vapor barriers can constitute a fire hazard. A warning to this effect is typically found on the insulation vapor barrier. The vapor barrier should be placed against a solid backing, toward the interior of the dwelling and should never be visible from the crawlspace or the attic. In humid environments, this inversion can also cause the accrual of condensation and can damage framing. We recommend vapor barriers be properly placed.

ATTIC. Attics are not to be used for storage or any type of activity. If evidence is found that access to the attic was committed a $150 restoration fee will be assessed.

ATTIC. Lessee SHALL NOT enter the attic for any other reason other than an emergency. Lessee SHALL NOT store anything in the attic at any time for any reason.

ATTIC. The attic inspection is conducted with several goals in mind. While the attic structure is always the first focus there are also many other important pieces of information gathered here. The underside of the roof is investigated for leaks, attic insulation is evaluated, ventilation is evaluated, bathroom and kitchen vents can often be seen, condensation or mold problems are often revealed. Attics tend to be a home for "do it yourself" electric work such as when people add lights and fans to rooms below. Ducts can often be seen and often found disconnected or lacking insulation. Birds, squirrels, mice, bats, and other pests like to live in your attics as well. In the micro view of the structure we are looking for cracked rafters, broken or incorrectly modified trusses, and spots of rot in under roofs. Those items are important but usually not too difficult to repair. The macro view of structure includes rafter sizing, spans and thrust control, the presence or absence of rafter sag and the resultant bow in exterior walls, overloaded trusses, rafter beam condition and bearing. Insulation in modern attics should be at least R-30 (about 9 1/2"). That is rare in old houses. The newest building code (2009) requires R-38 in new houses. Almost every house has some gaps that could be filled. Attic accesses and whole house fans need to be insulated. Although there is a recent trend toward building conditioned attics with no ventilation that is rare. It is allowed in the building code (with strict requirements) but the method has not withstood the test of time yet. A generalized rule for ventilation is that there should be openings equaling 1/300th of the space being ventilated, and half should be low and half should be high. If it is all high you need to double the size of the opening (typical in older houses). A lack of ventilation is often revealed by condensation stains on the nails coming through the roof from the shingles. Since they are cold in winter the warm air from the house tends to condense on the cold nail tips creating stains and drip marks. Mold growth around xxxxx and incorrectly bath fans is common but should be corrected. You should go up in your attic at least once a year to look for pests (every house gets them eventually), disconnected ducts, displaced insulation (from wind and workmen), condensation, and subtle roof leaks.