Your attic might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but when it comes to comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term protection, it plays a much bigger role than most homeowners realize. Whether it’s letting valuable heat escape in the winter, trapping moisture that leads to mold, or simply underperforming due to outdated insulation, your attic could be quietly costing you money and peace of mind.
At Midwest Attic Solutions, we believe that every successful attic project starts with a clear picture of what’s going on up there. That’s why we offer a free, comprehensive 12-point attic inspection designed to uncover hidden issues and help you make smart, informed decisions about your home. No guesswork. No surprises. Just practical solutions based on real data.
So, what exactly do we check during that inspection and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.
What Is a 12-Point Attic Inspection?
Think of our 12-point inspection as a top-to-bottom attic check-up. Just like you wouldn’t fix a plumbing leak without first finding the source, we don’t recommend insulation or ventilation upgrades without first understanding exactly what your attic needs or doesn’t need. This inspection isn’t just a glance around with a flashlight. It’s a professional, detailed evaluation that looks at your attic’s insulation levels, airflow, moisture control, and more.
Here’s what makes it valuable:
- It’s completely free. There’s no charge and no obligation, just clear insight.
- It’s non-invasive. We don’t tear anything apart. We use tools like thermal cameras to identify hidden heat loss.
- It’s personalized. Every home is different, and so are our recommendations.
- It’s the foundation of a smarter upgrade. Whether you need a simple insulation top-off or a full ventilation overhaul, this inspection ensures you’re only investing in what truly makes a difference.
At the end of your inspection, we’ll walk you through our findings, explain any concerns, and provide a plan that fits your home and your budget. No pressure, just honest expertise backed by decades of experience.
What Are the 12 Inspection Points?
Our 12-point attic inspection is designed to catch the most common (and costly) issues that often go unnoticed. Here’s a closer look at what we check and why it matters for your home’s health and efficiency. Each one of these points plays a role in maintaining a healthy, energy-efficient attic and by extension, a healthier home.
1. Overall Insulation Condition
We start by visually inspecting your Attic Insulation. Is it damaged? Settled? Compressed by years of weight or moisture?
Why it matters: Old or deteriorated insulation loses effectiveness, which can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
2. Existing Insulation Levels (vs. Code Requirements)
Using precise measurements, we determine how much insulation is currently in place and compare it to what’s recommended for homes in Minnesota (R-49 minimum, R-60 ideal).
Why it matters: Insufficient insulation is one of the top reasons homeowners struggle with high energy bills and uneven room temperatures, especially in winter.
3. Thermal Camera Scan for Heat Loss
We use infrared thermal imaging to locate areas where heat is escaping through the ceiling or walls.
Why it matters: Even if your insulation looks okay, hidden gaps can cause major heat loss, costing you money every month.
4. Ceiling Penetration Check (Lights, Fans, Pipes)
We inspect around can lights, bathroom fans, and pipe penetrations, common leak points for heated air.
Why it matters: These gaps allow warm air to escape and moist air to enter, increasing both energy loss and the risk of condensation.
5. Attic Access Panel Assessment
That attic hatch or pull-down ladder? It’s often overlooked but can be a big source of energy loss if not properly sealed or insulated.
Why it matters: Even a small unsealed access panel can undo the benefits of upgraded insulation elsewhere.
6. Soffit Vent Inspection
Soffit vents bring fresh, cool air into the attic. We check for blockages (often caused by insulation) and proper airflow.
Why it matters: Without intake air, your attic can’t ventilate properly,leading to overheating, moisture buildup, and reduced insulation performance.
7. Roof Vent Check
These are your attic’s exhaust system. We inspect ridge vents, box vents, or any other exhaust systems to ensure air is exiting properly.
Why it matters: Without adequate exhaust, hot and humid air gets trapped, especially dangerous in both summer and winter.
8. Duct Insulation Check
We evaluate whether HVAC ducts running through the attic are insulated and sealed.
Why it matters: Uninsulated ductwork can bleed warm or cool air into the attic, wasting energy and making your HVAC system work harder.
9. Mold and Mildew Scan
We examine rafters, insulation, and sheathing for signs of mold or mildew growth.
Why it matters: Mold thrives in moist, poorly ventilated spaces, and it can spread quickly, threatening your health and your home’s structure.
10. Attic Temperature & Humidity Readings
We use professional tools to measure your attic’s climate.
Why it matters: Excess heat in the summer and high humidity in the winter are major red flags for ventilation issues and moisture risks.
11. Exhaust Ducting Check (Bath/Kitchen Fans)
We verify that all exhaust fans are properly vented outside the home,not just dumping moist air into the attic.
Why it matters: This is a common cause of mold and moisture damage, especially in bathrooms.
12. Moisture or Water Damage Assessment
Finally, we look for any visible water stains, leaks, or soft spots in wood structures.
Why it matters: Water damage compromises your home’s structure and can lead to expensive repairs if left unchecked.
Why Homeowners Should Care
You might be wondering, do I really need all 12 of these checks? Can’t I just add more insulation and call it good? Here’s the reality: an attic is a system, not just a storage space. If one part is off, say, you have decent insulation but poor ventilation, the entire system suffers. And so does your home.
Here’s what a thorough attic inspection helps you avoid:
- High energy bills: Heat loss through the attic is one of the biggest causes of rising heating and cooling costs.
- Ice dams: When warm air escapes into the attic, it melts roof snow, then refreezes at the eaves, causing damaging ice dams.
- Moisture and mold: Without ventilation, moisture builds up, leading to wood rot, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality.
- HVAC strain: Poor insulation and leaks make your heating and cooling systems work harder, leading to breakdowns and shorter lifespans.
- Uncomfortable rooms: Ever wonder why one bedroom is always too hot or too cold? Your attic may be the culprit.
By catching these problems early, our inspection helps you prevent expensive repairs and maximize comfort and savings year-round.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once we complete the 12-point inspection, we’ll walk you through our findings step by step. We’ll show you thermal images, moisture readings, insulation levels, whatever applies to your home. No confusing jargon. Just a clear picture of what’s working, what’s not, and what you can do about it.
From there, we’ll give you a customized plan that may include:
- Blown-in insulation upgrades using Owens Corning’s AttiCat® system
- Ventilation improvements such as soffit vents or Solar-powered Attic Fans
- Air sealing to stop leaks around pipes, lights, and attic doors
- Moisture mitigation or insulation removal if needed
The best part? You’re under no obligation to move forward. We don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics, just honest recommendations based on real attic science.
And if you do choose to move forward with Midwest Attic Solutions, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the work will be done by our own in-house installers, not subcontractors. We also offer flexible Financing Options and can help you navigate rebates and tax credits to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Schedule Your Free 12-Point Inspection Today
Most homeowners never set foot in their attic and that’s okay. But ignoring what’s going on up there can quietly cost you thousands in energy waste, repairs, and system wear and tear.
A 12-point attic inspection from Midwest Attic Solutions gives you a clearer picture, smarter recommendations, and the confidence to make upgrades that really matter. Whether your attic just needs a quick top-off or a full ventilation and insulation overhaul, it all starts with the inspection.
Don’t wait for the next ice dam, drafty room, or sky-high utility bill to act.
Schedule your free attic inspection today and take the first step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and protected home.