Fillable checklist

Attic Inspection Checklist: Framing Insulation and Venting (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable attic inspection form covering framing, leaks, baffles, exhaust, vermiculite, electrical, and pests. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Inspections Fillable form · 9 sections · 50 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against InterNACHI, ASHI SOP, ENERGY STAR, IRC, and EPA · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a visual attic inspection of a US house: access, framing, roof leaks from below, baffles and venting, kitchen bath and dryer exhaust, vermiculite, electrical, and pests. It is not a whole-house insulation R-value survey and not an energy audit. Do not mark one climate-wide R-value Pass or Fail. Mark N/A on stations the attic does not have.

  • 9 sections
  • 50 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property

This is a visual template, not a licensed home inspection report, not a structural-engineer letter, and not a municipal code inspection. InterNACHI 3.9 asks you to describe insulation type and approximate average attic depth. ASHI asks you to state attic access location and methods. Adopted IRC years vary by state and city.

12 fields
Property

IRC R806 covers vented attics. R806.5 permits some unvented attics inside the thermal envelope. Mark baffle and intake lines N/A on a foam-deck unvented attic. Mark the whole form N/A only if there is no attic.

Hatch, pull-down stairs, kneewall door, or gable. ASHI: state the location of the access and the methods used to inspect the attic. Write N/A if there is no attic.

InterNACHI 3.9: do not enter if the attic is not readily accessible, entry could cause damage, or it looks unsafe. ASHI 2026 text: inspectors are not required to enter an attic with less than 30 inches of vertical and 30 inches of horizontal clearance, or an opening smaller than 18 by 24 inches, and are not required to walk unfloored sections. Record the method even when you stay out.

ASHI section 3 asks you to describe the roof structure (sheathing or decking and framing). InterNACHI 3.1 inspects the general roof structure from readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs.

InterNACHI 3.9 requires describing the type observed. ENERGY STAR: vermiculite is a lightweight, pea-size, flaky gray mineral. EPA: assume vermiculite may contain asbestos and do not disturb it. This field is identification, not an R-value Pass or Fail.

InterNACHI 3.9: record approximate average depth at the unfinished attic floor or roof. Example: about 8 inches at midspan, thin at eaves. ASHI and InterNACHI are not required to identify R-value. Do not convert depth to a climate-wide Pass or Fail.

Dry, raining, or recent rain or snow. A dry stain after a dry week is not the same as a wet-day leak. InterNACHI: report stains. Do not call a stain active without a reason.

Inspection station

Access and framing

Walk joists, truss chords, or boards, not ceiling drywall. This is a visual look at accessible framing, not an engineer calculation of spans, loads, or structural adequacy. Mark N/A if there is no attic.

10 items
Access and framing

Attic entered or viewed from the hatch, or the reason you stayed out

InterNACHI 3.9 and ASHI: inspectors are not required to enter an attic that is not readily accessible or looks unsafe. ASHI is not required to traverse members hidden by insulation. Record the method in the header either way.

Attic entered or viewed from the hatch, or the reason you stayed out: OK, Defect, or N/A

Access hatch, stairs, or kneewall door is present and usable from a finished space

IRC R807.1 model text: attics with 30 inches of height over at least 30 square feet get a rough opening not less than 22 by 30 inches, with 30 inches of unobstructed headroom at a ceiling hatch. That is model code for buildings that require access. Do not treat a smaller older hatch as a licensed inspection fail. Mark Defect if there is no usable way into an attic you were asked to see.

Access hatch, stairs, or kneewall door is present and usable from a finished space: OK, Defect, or N/A

Walked joists, truss chords, or boards, not exposed ceiling drywall

ENERGY STAR: walk on joists or truss chords, not drywall or insulation, to avoid falling through. ASHI 2026 text: inspectors are not required to walk unfloored sections. Stay on a safe path. Stop if vermiculite is present and you would have to disturb it.

Walked joists, truss chords, or boards, not exposed ceiling drywall: OK, Defect, or N/A

Roof structure identified: rafters, trusses, or mixed, plus sheathing you can see

ASHI section 3: describe roof structure, including sheathing or decking and framing. InterNACHI 3.1: inspect the general structure of the roof from readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs.

Roof structure identified: rafters, trusses, or mixed, plus sheathing you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

No broken, cracked, or sagging rafters, truss members, or roof sheathing

InterNACHI attic roof inspection: look for broken, damaged, or sagging framing and sagging sheathing. InterNACHI 3.3: report cutting, notching, and boring that may present a structural or safety concern. This is visual only.

No broken, cracked, or sagging rafters, truss members, or roof sheathing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Solid-sawn rafters and ceiling joists not cut, notched, or bored in a way that looks like a safety concern

IRC R802.7: structural roof members shall not be cut, bored, or notched beyond the limits in that section. InterNACHI 3.3 requires reporting concerning cuts. A small plumber notch is not automatically an engineer fail. Mark Defect for a rafter cut through, a large notch at midspan, or a hole that leaves little wood. Mark N/A on a truss-only attic.

Solid-sawn rafters and ceiling joists not cut, notched, or bored in a way that looks like a safety concern: OK, Defect, or N/A

Trusses not cut, notched, drilled, spliced, or loaded with equipment without visible engineering

IRC R802.7.2 and R802.10.4: do not cut, notch, drill, splice, or otherwise alter trusses without a registered design professional. Added HVAC or water-heater loads that exceed the truss design are not permitted without verification. InterNACHI structural text flags truss modification. Mark N/A if the attic has no trusses.

Trusses not cut, notched, drilled, spliced, or loaded with equipment without visible engineering: OK, Defect, or N/A

Rafter roof has a visible tie across the span: ceiling joists, rafter ties, or collar ties

IRC: where collar ties are used they go in the upper third, not less than 1x4, and not more than 4 feet on center. Ceiling joists or rafter ties often do the wall-to-wall job. Missing metal connectors are not automatically a defect (InterNACHI: they have not always been required). Mark N/A on a truss roof.

Rafter roof has a visible tie across the span: ceiling joists, rafter ties, or collar ties: OK, Defect, or N/A

Roof sheathing not decayed, delaminated, or pulled loose from the framing

InterNACHI: long-term leakage can cause brown or white decay and dark staining on the underside of the deck. ENERGY STAR: moldy or rotted rafters or joists mean hire a professional before sealing or insulating. H-clip absence is not a defect unless you know the jurisdiction required them.

Roof sheathing not decayed, delaminated, or pulled loose from the framing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Sistered repairs and visible hangers or plates, if present, still look fastened

InterNACHI: note sistered or repaired rafters. Nails should be sunk to the head, not tacked. When metal connectors are installed, they should have the fasteners in place. Lack of connectors on an older house is not by itself a defect.

Sistered repairs and visible hangers or plates, if present, still look fastened: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Moisture and roof leaks

The attic is often where roof leaks show first. InterNACHI 3.1 requires reporting indications of active roof leaks. Report stains. Do not call a dry stain active without a reason. Mark N/A if you could not see the deck.

7 items
Moisture and roof leaks

Underside of the deck checked at chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations

InterNACHI attic roof inspection: check around roof penetrations. Long-term leakage often shows as dark staining on sheathing and framing. InterNACHI 3.1 also inspects vents, flashing, skylights, and chimneys from the exterior.

Underside of the deck checked at chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations: OK, Defect, or N/A

No unexpected daylight through the roof deck

InterNACHI: if you can see out, water may be able to find its way in. Exception: older shake roofs can show daylight without leakage. Designed ridge, soffit, or roof-vent openings are not defects.

No unexpected daylight through the roof deck: OK, Defect, or N/A

Moisture stains described by location, not labeled active unless wet or recently rained

InterNACHI: report any stains you find. Do not call it active leakage without a good reason. A stain that reads dry may be old, or it may not have rained. Recommend a qualified roofer if you have doubts.

Moisture stains described by location, not labeled active unless wet or recently rained: OK, Defect, or N/A

No brown or white decay of sheathing, rafters, or ceiling joists

InterNACHI: long-term leakage can cause severe decay, usually brown or white. ENERGY STAR: moldy or rotted attic rafters or floor joists indicate a moisture problem. This is visual. SOPs do not require a moisture-meter survey.

No brown or white decay of sheathing, rafters, or ceiling joists: OK, Defect, or N/A

Dark mold-like staining on sheathing or framing noted as visual only

InterNACHI: mold growth usually appears as dark staining on the underside of sheathing. InterNACHI and ASHI are not required to determine the presence of mold. Describe what you see. Do not claim a lab identification.

Dark mold-like staining on sheathing or framing noted as visual only: OK, Defect, or N/A

No repeated ice-dam staining at the eaves, or snow climate does not apply

ENERGY STAR: ice dams in winter are a symptom of a warm attic from air leaks and weak insulation at the eaves. Stains, rusted nails, or damp sheathing at the lower roof are clues. Mark N/A in a climate with no snow. This is not a climate-zone R-value Pass or Fail.

No repeated ice-dam staining at the eaves, or snow climate does not apply: OK, Defect, or N/A

Insulation not wet, matted, or stained from a roof leak

ENERGY STAR air-sealing and insulation projects: wet or damp insulation indicates a leaky roof. Hire a professional before adding insulation. Do not disturb vermiculite to check under it.

Insulation not wet, matted, or stained from a roof leak: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Baffles and attic venting

InterNACHI 3.9 inspects ventilation of unfinished attics and reports the general absence of ventilation. Inspectors are not required to determine adequacy or to activate thermostatic fans. Do not calculate 1/150 or 1/300 net-free area as a Pass or Fail unless you actually measured. Mark these lines N/A on an unvented foam-deck attic.

8 items
Baffles and attic venting

Attic identified as vented, unvented, or mixed, and remaining vent lines marked to match

IRC R806.1 requires cross ventilation of enclosed attics unless the assembly is an unvented attic that meets R806.5. Spray foam on the underside of the deck is often an unvented design. Missing soffit vents are not a defect on a qualifying unvented attic. Do not invent a climate-wide R-value Pass or Fail for R806.5.

Attic identified as vented, unvented, or mixed, and remaining vent lines marked to match: OK, Defect, or N/A

Soffit or eave intake openings present on a vented attic

ENERGY STAR: outside air should enter low at the soffits and leave high at a gable or ridge vent. The most common insulation mistake is blocking eave airflow. Mark N/A on an unvented attic.

Soffit or eave intake openings present on a vented attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

Ridge, gable, or high roof vents present on a vented attic

ENERGY STAR: air moves in at soffits and out through a gable or ridge vent. IRC R806.2 model exception uses high vents within 3 feet of the ridge when the 1/300 ratio is used. InterNACHI is not required to determine adequacy. Mark Defect for the general absence of high and low openings on a vented attic. Do not fail a house from an unmeasured square-inch ratio.

Ridge, gable, or high roof vents present on a vented attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

Insulation not burying soffit or eave intake

ENERGY STAR: never cover attic soffit vents with insulation. Use rafter vents (baffles). InterNACHI attic roof inspection: check that soffit vents are not blocked by insulation.

Insulation not burying soffit or eave intake: OK, Defect, or N/A

Rafter vents or baffles in eave bays keep a channel from the soffit into the attic

ENERGY STAR: staple rafter vents to the deck between rafters where the ceiling meets the floor, then insulation can go out to the edge. Blown insulation may need a block at the top plate so it does not fill the soffit. Mark N/A if there are no soffit vents.

Rafter vents or baffles in eave bays keep a channel from the soffit into the attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visual 1-inch space between insulation and roof sheathing at eave vents

IRC R806.3: where eave or cornice vents are installed, insulation shall not block airflow, and not less than a 1-inch space shall be provided between the insulation and the roof sheathing at the vent. This is a visual channel check, not a calculated net-free-area Pass or Fail. Mark N/A if there are no eave vents.

Visual 1-inch space between insulation and roof sheathing at eave vents: OK, Defect, or N/A

Vent openings protected against rain, snow, and creatures

IRC R806.1: ventilation openings shall be protected against rain or snow, and required openings shall be protected to prevent entry of birds, rodents, snakes, and similar creatures. Screening openings are typically 1/16 to 1/4 inch. Chewed or missing screens belong here and on the pest station.

Vent openings protected against rain, snow, and creatures: OK, Defect, or N/A

Powered attic fan, if present, not running with blocked soffits

ENERGY STAR: if soffit vents are blocked and the attic is not sealed from the house, an attic fan can pull cooled house air into the attic. InterNACHI is not required to activate thermostatically operated fans. Mark N/A if there is no fan. Do not turn a thermostatic fan on.

Powered attic fan, if present, not running with blocked soffits: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Kitchen, bath, and dryer exhaust

InterNACHI 3.9 inspects mechanical exhaust in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry. ASHI inspects kitchen, bath, laundry, and clothes-dryer exhaust. ENERGY STAR: those ducts must terminate outdoors, not in the attic. Mark N/A on a fan the house does not have.

6 items
Kitchen, bath, and dryer exhaust

Bathroom exhaust terminates outdoors, not in the attic

ENERGY STAR: kitchen, bathroom, or clothes dryer vents that exhaust moist air into the attic are a reason to hire a professional before sealing or insulating. InterNACHI attic roof inspection shows a bath-fan duct ending in the attic and wet sheathing.

Bathroom exhaust terminates outdoors, not in the attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

Kitchen exhaust terminates outdoors, not in the attic

Same ENERGY STAR list: kitchen exhaust must go outdoors. A duct that dumps cooking moisture into the attic is a defect. Mark N/A if there is no kitchen exhaust duct in the attic.

Kitchen exhaust terminates outdoors, not in the attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

Clothes dryer exhaust terminates outdoors, not in the attic

ENERGY STAR and ASHI include dryer exhaust. Lint plus moisture in an attic is a fire and moisture defect. Mark N/A if the dryer vents through a wall that you can confirm from outside and no dryer duct is in the attic.

Clothes dryer exhaust terminates outdoors, not in the attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

Exhaust ducts connected through to the roof or wall cap, not crushed, kinked, or pulled apart

InterNACHI: a roof jack lifted during reroofing can separate a vent and dump moisture or combustion products into the attic. Look for disconnected joints, unfastened sections, and crushed flex. This is not a duct R-value check.

Exhaust ducts connected through to the roof or wall cap, not crushed, kinked, or pulled apart: OK, Defect, or N/A

Kitchen, bath, and laundry exhaust systems present, or marked N/A if the house has none

InterNACHI 3.9.I.C and ASHI insulation and ventilation: inspect those mechanical exhaust systems. Absence of a required bath fan is a local-code question. Mark Defect only if a fan is installed and dumps into the attic, or if you were asked to confirm termination and cannot.

Kitchen, bath, and laundry exhaust systems present, or marked N/A if the house has none: OK, Defect, or N/A

Insulation and combustibles held off chimneys and flues, with a shield or dam if you can see one

ENERGY STAR notes that codes often use about 1 inch at metal flues and 2 inches at masonry, and to build a metal dam so insulation stays back. IRC R1003.18: interior masonry chimneys need 2 inches to combustibles (1 inch if the chimney is entirely outside). IRC R1005.8: factory-built chimneys need an insulation shield that follows the listing and terminates not less than 2 inches above the insulation. Those are not one Pass or Fail pair. Mark Defect if insulation is packed against a hot flue with no airspace or shield.

Insulation and combustibles held off chimneys and flues, with a shield or dam if you can see one: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Vermiculite and insulation condition

Describe type and approximate depth. Report general absence. Do not mark a climate-wide R-value Pass or Fail. EPA: assume vermiculite may contain asbestos and leave it undisturbed. This station is not a whole-house insulation survey.

6 items
Vermiculite and insulation condition

Insulation type observed matches the header, including vermiculite if it is present

InterNACHI 3.9.II: describe the type of insulation observed. ENERGY STAR: vermiculite is a lightweight, pea-size, flaky gray mineral. Stop disturbing the material if you recognize it.

Insulation type observed matches the header, including vermiculite if it is present: OK, Defect, or N/A

Approximate average depth recorded, not scored as an R-value Pass or Fail

InterNACHI 3.9.II: describe approximate average depth at the unfinished attic floor or roof. InterNACHI 3.9.IV and ASHI: inspectors are not required to identify composition or R-value. Recommended R-values change by climate zone. Do not invent a Pass or Fail from depth alone.

Approximate average depth recorded, not scored as an R-value Pass or Fail: OK, Defect, or N/A

Insulation present at the unfinished attic floor or roof deck, or the attic is an unvented foam-deck design

InterNACHI 3.9.III: report the general absence of insulation in unfinished spaces. Bare joist bays over living space are a defect. Foam on the underside of the deck can still be OK if that is the thermal boundary. This is presence or absence, not evenness scoring for an energy audit.

Insulation present at the unfinished attic floor or roof deck, or the attic is an unvented foam-deck design: OK, Defect, or N/A

No vermiculite, or vermiculite identified and left undisturbed

EPA: if you have vermiculite insulation, assume it may be contaminated with asbestos. Leave it undisturbed. Removal, if chosen, belongs to a trained accredited asbestos contractor independent of the company that assessed it. ENERGY STAR: do not disturb vermiculite unless an approved lab has tested it. Do not DIY sample or vacuum it.

No vermiculite, or vermiculite identified and left undisturbed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Attic with vermiculite is not used as storage, or no vermiculite is present

EPA: airborne fibers are the hazard, so the first step is not to disturb the material. Stored boxes that get dragged through vermiculite are a disturbance. Mark N/A if there is no vermiculite. Mark Defect if people are walking or storing on it.

Attic with vermiculite is not used as storage, or no vermiculite is present: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection limited to floored paths, or stopped, if vermiculite is present

InterNACHI 3.9: do not enter where entry could cause damage or look unsafe, and do not move, touch, or disturb insulation. ENERGY STAR: do not disturb vermiculite. Record Viewed from hatch only in the header if you stayed out.

Inspection limited to floored paths, or stopped, if vermiculite is present: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Electrical in the attic

InterNACHI 3.7 asks you to describe the type of wiring observed and to report solid-conductor aluminum branch wiring if readily visible. ASHI 2026 text asks you to state visible knob-and-tube. This is not a panelboard inspection and not an NEC calculation.

6 items
Electrical in the attic

Predominant wiring method described: NM cable, armored cable, knob and tube, or mixed

InterNACHI 3.7.II: describe the type of wiring observed. ASHI: describe the predominant branch-circuit wiring method. Look from a safe path. Do not move insulation to hunt for cable.

Predominant wiring method described: NM cable, armored cable, knob and tube, or mixed: OK, Defect, or N/A

No knob-and-tube wiring in contact with insulation

ENERGY STAR: knob and tube (pre-1930) can be a fire hazard when in contact with insulation, and it is a reason to hire a professional before insulating. ASHI 2026: state the presence of knob-and-tube where visible and readily identifiable. Mark N/A if none is visible. Do not bury it to check a hidden run.

No knob-and-tube wiring in contact with insulation: OK, Defect, or N/A

Solid-conductor aluminum branch wiring reported if readily visible, or none seen

InterNACHI 3.7.III: report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring if readily visible. Service-entrance aluminum is not the same as branch-circuit aluminum. Mark N/A if you cannot see branch conductors.

Solid-conductor aluminum branch wiring reported if readily visible, or none seen: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible junction boxes have covers, and open splices are not lying in the insulation

ENERGY STAR attic sealing: caulk around electrical junction boxes. A missing cover or an open splice in insulation is a visual defect. InterNACHI is not required to insert tools into fixtures. Do not remove a cover that is already on.

Visible junction boxes have covers, and open splices are not lying in the insulation: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible cables not cut, pinched, or showing scorched or brittle jackets

Look along the walking path and at truss plates. Heat, pest chewing, and staple-through damage show as cracked or discolored jackets. This is visual. Do not tug cables.

Visible cables not cut, pinched, or showing scorched or brittle jackets: OK, Defect, or N/A

Recessed can lights: insulation kept about 3 inches away unless the fixture is marked IC

ENERGY STAR DIY guide and attic insulation project: never lay insulation over recessed lights. Keep insulation at least 3 inches from can lights unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling). Use a metal or mesh dam for loose fill. Confirm the IC mark before allowing contact. Those two ENERGY STAR pages agree on 3 inches. Mark N/A if there are no attic cans.

Recessed can lights: insulation kept about 3 inches away unless the fixture is marked IC: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Pests and entry points

InterNACHI SOP does not require determining the presence of rodents, birds, bats, or other pests. This station is extra visual evidence you can see from a safe path. Wear a respirator. Do not touch droppings. Leave if contamination looks heavy.

7 items
Pests and entry points

Vent screens intact from the attic side, not chewed or pulled from the edge

InterNACHI animal inspection: screens can look intact from outside and still be pulled away or chewed from inside. IRC R806.1 also wants openings protected against birds and rodents. Use a mirror on mushroom vents if needed. Do not tear a screen to inspect it.

Vent screens intact from the attic side, not chewed or pulled from the edge: OK, Defect, or N/A

No mouse-size grooves or trails in blown insulation

InterNACHI: mouse trails look like someone rolled a small ball over loose fill. Dime to quarter-sized holes are often mice or flying squirrels. Squirrel or raccoon trails are larger. Do not rake insulation to hunt for them.

No mouse-size grooves or trails in blown insulation: OK, Defect, or N/A

No rodent droppings or bat guano piles on the walking path

InterNACHI: mouse droppings are rice-seed size and scattered. Bat guano piles up under a roost and crumbles. Do not touch droppings. InterNACHI bat text: guano and bird droppings can carry histoplasmosis spores. Mark Defect if you see piles or scattered droppings. Mark N/A only if the path was fully hidden and you could not look.

No rodent droppings or bat guano piles on the walking path: OK, Defect, or N/A

Faced batts not shredded for nesting, and no obvious nests in soffits you can see

InterNACHI: fiberglass pulled from its paper backing often means squirrels. Soffit bays below the attic floor are a common den. Stand only where it is safe. Mark N/A if batts are unfaced or you cannot see soffits.

Faced batts not shredded for nesting, and no obvious nests in soffits you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

No unexpected chewed holes at soffits, fascia, or gables that are not designed vents

InterNACHI: mice can use a 1/4-inch gap. Bats can use about 3/8 inch. Squirrels need about 1 1/2 inches or larger. Designed soffit, ridge, and roof vents are not entry-hole defects if their screens are intact.

No unexpected chewed holes at soffits, fascia, or gables that are not designed vents: OK, Defect, or N/A

Unexpected daylight at eaves or fascia is a designed vent, or it is noted as a hole

InterNACHI: turn the flashlight off and look for light. Confirm it is not a ridge or soffit vent you already listed. A dark hole that does not reflect light can be an animal opening.

Unexpected daylight at eaves or fascia is a designed vent, or it is noted as a hole: OK, Defect, or N/A

Left the attic, or stayed on boards, if droppings or nesting looked heavy enough to disturb

InterNACHI roof series: dust masks are inadequate around animal urine or feces. If contamination is heavy, stay out, note it, and recommend a qualified wildlife contractor before anyone insulates or air-seals. Mark N/A if you saw no contamination.

Left the attic, or stayed on boards, if droppings or nesting looked heavy enough to disturb: OK, Defect, or N/A

Form details

Findings and sign-off

List every Defect line here. This worksheet is not a licensed inspection report, not a structural-engineer letter, not an asbestos survey, and not an official code inspection.

5 fields
Findings and sign-off

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References

  1. InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice, sections 3.1 Roof, 3.3 Structure, 3.7 Electrical, and 3.9 Attic, Insulation and Ventilation
  2. ASHI Standard of Practice (current page: structure, attics, insulation and ventilation, electrical, exclusions)
  3. ASHI Standard of Practice 2026 approved text (attic entry limits, unfloored attic, insulation R-value, knob and tube, venting systems)
  4. International Residential Code 2024, Chapter 8 Roof-Ceiling Construction (R802 cuts and trusses, R806 ventilation, R807 attic access)
  5. International Residential Code 2024, Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces (R1003.18 masonry clearances, R1005.8 insulation shield)
  6. ENERGY STAR, About Attic Ventilation (soffit intake, rafter vents or baffles, never bury soffit vents, attic fans)
  7. ENERGY STAR, Attic Air Sealing Project (wet insulation, exhaust into attic, knob and tube, vermiculite, walk joists, flue dams)
  8. ENERGY STAR, Attic Insulation Project (3-inch can-light clearance unless IC-rated, vermiculite, exhaust, little or no ventilation)
  9. ENERGY STAR, A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating (vermiculite identification, 3-inch can-light dam, exhaust into attic)
  10. EPA, My attic has vermiculite insulation. Am I at risk? Should I take it out?
  11. InterNACHI, Mastering Roof Inspections: Attic Area Roof Inspection (leaks, decay, framing, soffit blockage, exhaust dumped in the attic)
  12. InterNACHI, Structural Issues for Home Inspectors (truss cuts, sagging, collar ties, fire damage, 1-inch sheathing clearance)
  13. InterNACHI, Inspecting for Animals (attic trails, droppings, vent screens, soffit nests, do not disturb feces)
  14. InterNACHI, Bat Infestation (guano piles, entry stains, histoplasmosis caution, do not touch droppings)

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.