An Attic is the area of your home which is above the ceiling of the highest story of your home, and just below the roof.

Attic vents are the mushroom-shaped circulating fans on your roof, and/or the openings you see on the side of your house near your roof. These vents can become blocked by leaves, bird's nests, etc. Your attic also contains 'insulation', a fluffy material that reduces the transfer of heat, similar to the way a down coat keeps a person warm. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter, and helps to keep your home cool in the winter. Since heat rises, homes tend to lose heat through the roof, which is why attic insulation is important.

In most homes, the Attic space will be 'un-finished,' which means that it will not have any heating and air conditioning for this area, and the walls are not covered with drywall or plaster. However, in some homes the Attic space will be finished living space.

Some Attic spaces are easily accessed by permanent stairs, while in other homes the Attic space is accessed only through a moveable ceiling panel or a pull-down foldable ladder.

See also: Pest Control, Roof Gutters and Roof.

Shown in the 'Routine Care' section are the recommended routine maintenance tasks for your attic. The 'Q & A' section shows answers to common questions. And the 'Articles' section provides helpful articles about your attic.