Should I be able to see daylight in my attic?

Author: Dr. Theresa Hagenes II  |  Last update: Friday, March 21, 2025

If you note areas in your roof decking through which daylight is streaming through, you've got a problem. There should never be holes in your roof decking, as they indicate a problem with both the shingles and the plywood sheathing. In these cases, seeing daylight in your attic requires immediate attention.

Are you supposed to see sunlight in your attic?

Usually seeing daylight in your attic is not a good thing and may be a sign of damages that could allow moisture intrusion into the home.

Is it normal to see light in your attic?

This is pretty normal. You should sit up there during a rain to make sure you don't have anything active along that rake, but light can get in between rake tiles without water being able to. Light can be tricky in attics. I've worked on slate and tile roofs for 20+ years as a reference.

Should I be able to see light through ridge vent?

Carolyn, If your builder installed a ridge vent, that means that you have a vented unconditioned attic. If you can see light at the ridge, that's a good thing. If there were no light at your ridge, that would be cause for worry.

Is it normal to see daylight through roof tiles?

Seeing daylight in your loft

“If you can see daylight up there, it's likely to be the case that your roof is in need of some repair,” she said.

How to Check if Your Soffit Ventilation Baffles are Working (From Your Attic)

Should you be able to see roof flashing?

The flashing should be partially exposed along the wall. Since you can see step flashing, some homeowners choose a more expensive flashing material like copper to achieve a certain aesthetic.

What is walking on my roof at night?

Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise.

How to tell if your ridge vent is working properly?

Another way to inspect the ridge vent from your attic is by turning on the attic light and where the rafter is, you should be able to visibly see a light from the side of the house. This indicates the ridge vents aren't clogged up and light and air can travel through the ridge vent system without any issues.

Will a ridge vent cool my house?

Ridge Vents: Usually installed along the peak of the roof and considered one of the most effective exhaust vents. They allow for continuous air flow along the entire ridge, effectively removing hot air.

What is the downside of ridge vent?

While ridge vents have many advantages, they are not always ideal. In cold climates, ridge vents can allow snow into the attic. They're also more expensive than box vents and won't work on all types of roofs.

Is it code to have a light in the attic?

An attic lighting outlet is only required for finished and habitable attics. C: A dwelling unit attic being used only for storage requires a lighting outlet. Lighting outlets in an attic are only required if equipment is located in the attic.

What could possibly be in my attic?

The most common animals that live in an attic are raccoons, squirrels, bats, mice, and rats. Getting rid of an animal in the attic requires more than setting a trap. Different species require specific control strategies to keep you and the animal safe. Long term solutions can involve extensive repairs and remediation.

What does light on in the attic mean?

The meaning of 'A Light in the Attic' is that curiosity and the search for the unknown are essential aspects of the human experience. It suggests that even in the darkest and most hidden corners of life, there is the potential for discovery and illumination.

Are you supposed to see light in the attic?

DAYLIGHT COMING THROUGH THE ATTIC ROOF.

If you go into your attic to inspect your roof and you see light shining through cracks or holes, you need to repair or replace your roof immediately.

How do you illuminate an attic?

Roof windows or traditional windows will allow access to sunlight and add freshness to the space. Make the most of them. You can also consider skylights, which are perfect for attics. Lighting in the attic is a key element in creating a magical and functional space in the house.

What does the sun do in the dusty attic?

Ans: The sun rays enters through the keyhole in the dusty Attic and make the dusty Atti'c spider glad. Yes,it is welcome there. I come to know by the line “He, through the keyhole make glad which shows that the sun enters the attic spider becomes happy”.

What should the temperature be in the attic in the summer?

The ideal attic temperature should be no less than 60 degrees in the winter and no more than 10 to 20 degrees above the outdoor temperature in the summer. If your attic temperature climbs above 130 degrees, you may start running into issues with your energy bill, as well as the integrity of your roof.

Is it OK to have an attic fan and ridge vent?

In my experience, a mix of passive and active ventilation tends to work very well; combining an attic fan with ridge vents will improve what the natural process starts, which makes sure your attic remains healthy.

Can you have too much ridge vent?

It is absolutely possible the ventilation system on your roof is excessive. Maybe your home is older and prior ventilation was installed by a homeowner, or incorrect vent sizes were used in an older roof layout. Too much ventilation can negatively influence the attic's and home's insulation as well.

Should you be able to see light through a ridge vent?

Should you see light through a ridge vent? The only light you should see should be at the vents and window.

How to test attic ventilation?

Bring your flashlight and incense to your attic and light it. Be sure to stand near the ventilation in your attic for the most accurate results possible. Observe the movement of the smoke. If your ventilation is working properly, the smoke from your incense will drift inward.

Can a ridge vent be installed wrong?

Even the slightest deviation from the recommended installation procedures can compromise the ridge vent's performance and longevity. An improperly installed ridge vent may fail to provide sufficient ventilation, leading to trapped hot air, moisture buildup, and potential energy inefficiency.

Why do I hear footsteps in my attic?

If you have an unfinished attic, odds are those footsteps you hear come from some rowdy ducks, mice, a cat or even a wily raccoon. Maybe they are looking for food or – perhaps – to escape from becoming food. Or maybe they are looking for an easy route inside your home.

When should I worry about my roof?

The most obvious clue you might need a new roof is finding water inside your home. Regularly check your attic, especially after a rain storm or if you notice an ice dam along your eaves. Look for signs of water penetration because major leaks inside your home are most likely to start there.

Why is there a sound in my attic at 3am?

Noises in the attic are worrying and can be an indication that rodents or other wildlife may be living in your roof. Attics (lofts) are ideal environments for squirrels and rodents, who damage stored items by gnawing and possibly cause fire hazards by chewing electric cabling.

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