Many people rarely enter their attics. This is especially true of attics not used for storage. Attics can also be dangerous, or at the very least, uncomfortable places to visit. They should be inspected at least once a year for signs of pest infestations, leaks, and insulation problems.
Insulation Dangers
Insulation is installed in attics to maintain comfortable temperatures in the living spaces. It also reduces energy costs. Some types of insulation are also dangerous.
Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos insulation was used in US homes extensively before 1980. Loose-fill, paper-wrapped batts, unfaced batts, duct wrap, etc. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen. Left undisturbed it is reasonably safe. Once the fibers are floating in the air, they can be inhaled into the lungs where they remain.
Vermiculite Insulation
Vermiculite insulation provides good R-value but much of the pre-1980 product is contaminated with asbestos from one mine in Montana. As with pure asbestos, vermiculite is benign until disturbed. It is still used for some applications but from sources certified asbestos-free.
Vermiculite and asbestos test kits are available online or from most building supply outlets. Or hire a professional asbestos removal contractor to do an inspection.
Mold
Signs of attic condensation inevitably lead to finding mold. Attic mold infestations cause health problems and eventually structural damage. Mold rots rafters, trusses, roof decks, and more. Replacing insulation and framing damaged by mold and condensation is costly and time-consuming.
Mold spores can cause breathing problems, asthma attacks, and worsen other respiratory problems. It should be removed as soon as it is found.
Pest Dangers
Rodents like mice or squirrels in the attic destroy insulation, leave urine and feces everywhere, and chew framing, wiring, and attic contents. Mouse feces can carry up to 30 different diseases. Bare wires caused by gnawed insulation are a fire hazard.
Some of the other most common attic pests that are dangerous include:
- Rats. Carry disease. Gnaw wires. Damage insulation.
- Stinging Insects. Cause anaphylactic reaction in anyone with allergies.
- Termites. Can make a house uninhabitable in 5 years.
Injury Dangers
Attics are often tight spaces full of nasty surprises for the unwary. Have plenty of light when working in an attic. Some things to look out for:
- Roofing nails. Hundreds sticking through roof sheathing.
- Framing spikes. Protruding from framing.
- Truss gang nails. Extremely sharp exposed corners.
- Splintered wood. Split framing members.
- Falling. Ceiling drywall does not hold an adult human’s weight. Improperly set ladder through attic access hatch.
- Tripping. Cluttered attics, loose boards, wires, pipes, and HVAC ducts are tripping hazards. Especially with a lack of lighting.
- Heat. Attics can get extremely hot on summer days. Heat stroke is possible. Hot chimney pipes can cause burns.
