Attic Health Check — DIY Inspection Guide for New Mexico Homeowners

Before you climb up

Attics in NM hit 140°F+ in summer. Go early morning or after sunset. Never inspect alone.

• Someone knows you're up there

  Text a neighbor or family member — set a 30-minute check-in.

  Issue
• You have a real flashlight (not just a phone)

  Headlamp is best — you need both hands.

  Issue
• You're wearing a dust mask (N95) and long sleeves

  Old NM attics carry rodent droppings and blown-in fiberglass.

  Issue
• You're stepping only on joists or walkboards

  Red flag · Stepping between joists = ceiling collapse. Stop and back out.

  Issue

Underside of the deck (look up)

• No daylight visible through the sheathing

  Red flag · Daylight = a hole. Mark it and get an inspection this week.

  Issue
• No dark stains, streaks, or 'ghost' rings on plywood

  Rings mean past leaks. Fresh dark stains mean active leaks.

  Issue
• No sagging, bowing, or 'spongy' spots

  Red flag · Sagging deck means the sheathing is rotted. Do not walk under it.

  Issue
• No black or fuzzy mold on rafters or sheathing

  Black staining near ridges usually = ventilation problem, not always a leak.

  Issue
• Nail points not covered in rust or dripping rust stains

  Rusty nails = chronic condensation. Common in poorly-vented ABQ attics.

  Issue

Insulation & floor

• Insulation is dry, fluffy, and even in depth

  NM code target: R-49 (about 14–18" of blown fiberglass or cellulose).

  Issue
• No matted, compressed, or water-stained insulation

  Red flag · Wet insulation = active or recent leak directly above that spot.

  Issue
• No visible rodent tunnels or nests

  Rodents wreck insulation R-value fast. Also chew wiring.

  Issue
• Bathroom / kitchen exhaust ducts vent OUTSIDE — not into the attic

  Red flag · Ducts dumping into the attic is the #1 hidden cause of NM attic mold.

  Issue

Ventilation

NM code targets 1 sq ft of net free vent area per 300 sq ft of attic floor, split intake + exhaust.

• Soffit vents are visible and not blocked by insulation

  Baffles should keep insulation off the vents. Missing baffles is common.

  Issue
• Ridge vent, gable vents, or turbines are unblocked

  Look up — you should see slits of daylight along the ridge (if ridge-vented).

  Issue
• No 'painted-shut' or stuffed-with-rags vents
  Issue
• Attic temperature within ~20°F of outside on a sunny day

  Bigger swing = under-ventilated. Shingle life drops fast.

  Issue

Penetrations & flashings (from below)

• Around every plumbing vent stack: dry, no rust ring on nails
  Issue
• Around chimney or B-vent: no daylight, no black tar dripping
  Issue
• Around skylight curbs (if any): dry drywall, no stains
  Issue
• Bath fan housings: dry, not rusted, not dripping
  Issue

Electrical & mechanical

• No knob-and-tube or cloth-jacketed wiring near insulation

  Red flag · Old wiring buried in insulation is a fire hazard. Call an electrician.

  Issue
• Junction boxes have covers (no open splices)
  Issue
• HVAC duct joints sealed with mastic — not cloth 'duct tape'

  Leaky ducts push $$$ out of your utility bill every month.

  Issue
• Water heater flue (if attic) rises without sags, no scorching
  Issue

Your notes

Saved on this device — take these with you when you talk to James.