'Tis the season to rifle through your dreaded attic, looking for last year's holiday decorations. While you are up there, take some time to make a visual inspection of your attic. First, check the roof and gable vents to make sure they are clear because the screens can act like lint traps. These vents are paramount because they keep the attic cool during summer. You don't want to get stuck checking these vents in the summer, when temperatures can soar into the 100s. In cold climates, a combination of high, inside relative humidity (60% or above) and low outside temperature (30 degrees F or below) may cause condensation on the underside of the roof sheathing. Condensation develops from a combination of high relative humidity and temperature differentials. Condensation cannot form when the relative humidity is low, or the temperature is high. Even in moderate climates with high relative humidity, the day-night temperature cycle, combined with high humidity, may cause condensation on the underside of the roof sheathing. The result is a series of problems such as wet (and consequently less effective) insulation, wood decay, and peeling paint. These conditions may go unnoticed until considerable damage has been done.
Just take a few moments and double check your vents. Remember that unobstructed vents allow moist air to escape from the attic in cold weather, lessening the possibility of condensation and mildew in the attic. While you're up there, check for wasp nests and other signs of pests. During the winter months, wasps are dormant and their nests are easier to remove.
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