Why Do People Build Attics

The roof would push out on the walls under snow load or perhaps wind and the structure might collapse unless that outward thrust is counteracted.

Why do people build attics.

If your attic space is framed with rafters and is unfinished it has a triangular shape. Squirrels are always looking for sheltered areas to build nests for their litters. Knee walls are not found in all attics and they are not absolutely necessary. I have noticed energy efficiency problems with homes that do not have attics which can be fixed.

They gain access to attics by chewing holes above gutters or at construction gaps where dormers meet the roofline. Some custom homes that utilize heavy timber or glu lam beams to create the attic space would do a lot better in a fire. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool. Attics need to be properly insulated.

An attic sometimes referred to as a loft is a space found directly below the pitched roof of a house or other building. In a way you could think of the attic as wasted space inside your building envelope so why do we need one. At the bottom points of the triangles the rafters meet the top plates of the exterior walls. It s important that the attic be properly insulated vented and sealed from the main part of the house.

I have seen attics so filled with items on my home inspections that i could hardly move through the attic space. But they are awfully good to have. Unfortunately people want cheap and fast attic spaces and trusses are used in 95 of residential builds. Squirrels will also chew corners of trim or any weak area that gives them access to a shelter.

They are replaced in southern states with outdoor storage sheds and attic storage. The percent of homes north of the mason dixon line with basements is close to 90. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. Why do squirrels go in attics.

A pitched roof with two sides sloping down from a ridge is useful in climates with rain and snow. The attic is an important part of your house but if it s not properly designed or maintained any number of problems particularly with ice buildup and water damage can occur. In the sandy soil compositions found in states from maryland to florida and as far out west as california many homes were never built with basements.