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Does Attic Insulation Go Bad?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Insulation. No Comments on Does Attic Insulation Go Bad?

If your home was built decades ago, it may not be as energy-efficient as you would like it to be. One of the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is by insulating your attic, but if your attic is already insulated you might be wondering “does attic insulation go bad?” You might have also heard that the insulation in your home can last decades or longer. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors argues that most common types of insulation, such as loose-fill fiberglass or batt insulation can last over 100 years.

Given that, you might just consider never thinking about your insulation installation again. However, you might want to think again. That figure is the life-expectancy of common insulation under ideal conditions. In the real world, the life expectancy of your insulation can be far shorter. 

Understanding the mechanisms that cause attic insulation to go bad can help you avoid costly repairs. If you are in an older home, you should definitely consider having your attic insulation installation inspected. Catching damaged or wet insulation early will ensure that your home continues operating at peak efficiency.

What Causes Insulation to Go Bad?

The most common type of insulation is made from fiberglass, so you might be wondering what could make a seemingly resilient material go bad. While fiberglass may seem impervious to most substances, care needs to be taken to protect the insulation in your home.

The biggest culprit threatening the insulation in your home is moisture. Moisture can come from any number of sources. One of the most common sources is a leak in your roof or walls. Moisture damage can also occur if there is a gap in your insulation. As warm air moving through the gap encounters cold air it causes condensation to form, which in turn leads to the formation of mold growth. 

Moisture and mold damage are definitely a major threat to your insulation, but they aren’t the only ones. Rodents and pests are attracted to an insulated attic because it makes great nesting materials. Not only will the act of them building their nest physically damage the insulation, but the accumulation of their urine and feces in the nest will dampen the insulation and affect your air quality. Not only will this lessen the effectiveness of your insulation, but it will also serve as a contamination risk. It’s best to rodent-proof your attic and crawl space and prevent any opportunities for attic access to outside critters.

Other sources of damage to insulation include puncturing or cutting, or exposure to excessive UV radiation and air leaks. Dust, dirt, and debris can also impact the effectiveness of your insulation. Your insulation may become compressed over time and less effective at preventing the transfer of heat.

Should You Replace Bad or Old Insulation?

A common question people have is whether it really matters that their insulation is damaged or old. The answer is a forceful yes, the state of your insulation can have an enormous impact on the energy efficiency of your home. If your insulation has been damaged from water or rodents it should absolutely be replaced. 

If left unaddressed, your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your home cool during warmer months and warm during colder months, which is a costly waste of energy. Your home will also have more dramatic shifts in temperature, rather than remaining a more consistent temperature throughout the day. 

If your insulation is on the older side but otherwise in good condition, it might still be a good idea to replace it. Newer insulations have a higher R-value, meaning they may function as a more effective thermal barrier. It is also very important that when adding insulation, it is correctly installed and provides adequate coverage. Over time, insulation can be disturbed or moved for any number of reasons, which will reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and cause your home to become less energy efficient.

Final Thoughts

If you aren’t sure whether you need to have your insulation replaced, consider scheduling an inspection with Attic Construction. Inspections are the most effective way to tell whether your insulation is damaged. The type of damage to your insulation can also highlight other issues that you don’t want to leave unaddressed, such as a leaky roof, air leakage, or a rodent infestation.

If there is a larger issue that caused your insulation to become damaged it will have to be fixed before you replace your insulation. Catching any issues early can help you avoid more costly repairs down the line.

Inspections aren’t simply about finding bigger issues. Properly installing insulation can help reduce utility costs and keep your home a stable temperature, yet insulation often isn’t properly installed or is inadequate. Both issues can be costly over a long period of time. A simple inspection can let you know if your insulation has been improperly installed or is inadequate. Covering gaps in insulation or installing an adequate amount can have a big impact on the efficiency and energy savings of your home.

To schedule an inspection of your insulation or to learn more about how insulation can go bad, please contact Attic Construction. With decades of experience with insulation, our professional staff can quickly identify any problems with your current insulation and provide guidance on how to address those problems in your living space. To learn more, contact Attic Construction today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/25-things-you-need-to-know-about-insulation/
  2. https://www.nachi.org/life-expectancy.htm
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha13.htm
  4. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/long-fiberglass-insulation-last-93486.html

 

How Do Animals Get in the Attic

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Rats, Rodents in Attic. No Comments on How Do Animals Get in the Attic

Have you heard scratching or moving in the walls and ceiling of your home? Or have you noticed unpleasant or stale smells? Perhaps your pets have been paying close attention to your walls and ceiling. These are all common signs that you may need rodent proofing as rodents are actively making a home in your attic.

While you might have an affinity for wildlife, you probably also recognize that having pests make their home in the unfinished spaces of your home like your attic, walls, or crawl spaces is not ideal. In fact, a rodent infestation that is allowed to become established can bring with it harmful diseases and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. 

How Rodent Infestations Occur

How do animals get in the attic? The answer is that pests like rodents and mice gain access to your home through small gaps in the exterior. The reality is that small pests can gain access to your home through a gap as small as ¼” for mice or bats. Rats can pass through mesh wires larger than ½”.

Rats, squirrels, opossums, and other pests are opportunistic when they are looking for a place to nest. Your attic and the other unfinished spaces of your home offer a dry place that is safe from predators. If you have trees or tall bushes that have grown close to your roof it can offer easy access to an unsecured grate, holes, or small gaps in a vent. If you are dealing specifically with squirrels, you can also read further on how to get rid of squirrels in the attic.

It’s not just trees or bushes that can attract critters to your home. Trash near your home can provide an easy meal source. Piles of leaves or yard waste can offer an attractive nest to rodents who haven’t already made their way into your home. If you haven’t yet, it’s a good idea to take some time to ensure your yard and the areas around your house are neat and tidy.

Despite your best efforts, you might find yourself a victim of a rodent infestation. Don’t worry, it can happen to anyone. Remember, it only takes a ¼” gap for mice to gain access to an area, so the exterior of most homes are vulnerable. However, it is important to understand how to recognize a rodent infestation and what steps to take with animal control to ensure you deal with it before it becomes a bigger issue.

What To Do Once an Infestation Occurs

Rodents and pests are a persistent problem, and unless you have taken steps to rodent-proof your home you are vulnerable to a rodent infestation. Once a rodent colony has established itself, it can be difficult to deal with.

One of the first steps is recognizing that an infestation has occurred. The early signs of a rodent infestation may be subtle and can go unnoticed. Common signs of an infestation are:

  • Scratching noises or moving in the walls. 
  • Stale smells from accumulated urine, feces and animal waste
  • Evidence of nesting materials such as insulation or shredded paper. 
  • Rodent droppings. 

Ideally, you’ll prevent an infestation from occurring before it happens, but dealing with one after the fact is possible. If you suspect you have a rodent infestation, it’s important to call professionals to assess the situation and outline remediation such as decontamination, insulation removal, and new attic insulation installation.

For most infestations, the first step is to prevent further access. This involves rodent-proofing the exterior of your home so that pests can’t enter. It may also be a good idea to trim any shrubs or trees that are providing the rodents with easy access.

Effectively rodent-proofing means more than simply trimming bushes or trees back. Every access point on the exterior of the home will have to be assessed and covered if necessary, using mesh and other materials that are rodent resistant and safe for your electrical wiring. 

Once you have secured the outside of your home it’s time to clean up the remnants of the infestation. Rodents love to use insulation as nesting material, so cleanup may involve the removal of damaged insulation. Once any contaminated materials have been removed from the attic it can be decontaminated and new insulation can be installed if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Animals can make their way into your home through any number of avenues. Usually, they do so through small gaps in the exterior of your home, such as near vents or between your eaves. Pests like mice and rats only need tiny gaps in your exterior to gain entry, and they can often overcome physical barriers if they aren’t constructed with rodent-resistant materials. 

Once a rodent infestation occurs, it’s important to contact professionals like Attic Construction to solve the problem. The first step is to deny further access to your home, which means rodent-proofing the exterior of the home. Then it is important to thoroughly decontaminate the space and reinstall attic insulation if any were damaged.

While dealing with a rodent infestation isn’t ideal, catching one early can help avoid costly repairs. If you suspect you have a rodent infestation you should strongly consider having an inspection done. Even if you haven’t seen signs of an infestation, an inspection can help highlight gaps in the exterior of your home. Addressing those weaknesses early can help you prevent rodent infestations before they occur.

To learn more about dealing with animals in your attic or to schedule an inspection, please contact Attic Construction today.

Attic Construction is a well-established company that has been providing attic services from different locations. So, whether you are searching for an insulation installation in Phoenix or attic cleaning in Orange County, we got you covered.

Sources:

  1. https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/attic-pest-removal/
  2. https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/identify-and-prevent-rodent-infestations
  3. https://sfenvironment.org/sites/default/files/fliers/files/final_ppbd_guidelines_12-5-12.pdf 

 

How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Attic

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Rodents in Attic. No Comments on How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Attic

Squirrels may be furry and cute when you are out on a hike, but these small creatures can cause big problems if they decide to make your attic their home. If you are wondering how to get rid of the squirrels that have made their home in your attic, you aren’t alone. Many homeowners struggle with squirrel infestations and effectively dealing with this wildlife removal will probably require the services of a professional for rodent proofing.

Understanding the Damage Squirrels can Cause

You might scoff at the idea that squirrels living in your attic can pose a serious problem, but before you completely dismiss the threat that squirrels face, let’s take some time to fully understand the scope of the problem.

ully understand the scope of the problem.

Exactly how do animals get in the attic? Rodents like squirrels are attracted to attics and other unfinished spaces in houses because they offer a refuge from both predators and the elements. Once squirrels have gained access to your attic and crawl space, they can use it as a base of operations to keep their baby squirrels safe during breeding seasons while the adults go outside of the home to forage for food.

Attics and unfinished spaces are also appealing because they offer a variety of nesting materials for a mother squirrel. Squirrels will turn pretty much anything in your attic into material for a squirrel nest, including attic insulation and items that you might have stored up there. This is one component of the damage that squirrels can cause. Simply by living and nesting in your attic, attic squirrels can cause enormous damage to your insulation or any items that might have been stored in the attic space, leading to a full insulation removal to resolve the issue.

Squirrels are also notorious for damaging electrical wiring and drywall in unfinished spaces. Electrical wiring can be chewed or destroyed to incorporate into nests. Drywall is often damaged from urine and squirrel feces or squirrel droppings left behind as the squirrel colony in your attic gets established. If a squirrel travels or falls into an area they can’t get out of, like a wall, they’ll become trapped there and eventually die. As they decompose, the dead squirrel will give off unpleasant odors and cause damage to the surrounding surfaces that it is resting on.

The Health Risks of a Squirrel Infestation

It is important to understand that squirrels pose a health risk to any residents living in the building. Any wild animal, including squirrels, is capable of transmitting diseases to humans. These pest diseases can be transmitted directly either through a bite or through exposure to the urine and feces of the rodent, or indirectly through the bite of a tick or flea that is carried on the rodent.

Squirrels are foragers, so while they may have a nest in your home they will be leaving it regularly to go out and gather food for their young. Don’t let this idyllic image fool you, these gathering trips are regular opportunities for the squirrels to pick up and bring new diseases back into your home. 

These are some of the most common diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from squirrels and other rodents:

  • Tularemia
  • Plague
  • Leptospirosis
  • Salmonella
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
  • American canine hepatozoonosis (ACH)
  • Canine ehrlichiosis
  • Bartonellosis
  • Tapeworms

One thing that is notable about squirrels and other unwanted pests in your home is that they bring in fleas and ticks, which can transmit harmful diseases to other animals in your house. If you have dogs or cats living in your home you will want to be very aware of the warning signs of a squirrel infestation or squirrel activity in your attic and move quickly to address it.

How to Tell When You Have an Infestation

Now that we’ve outlined the harm that a squirrel infestation in your attic can cause, you may be wondering how you can tell whether you have one and need to start the squirrel removal process. The earliest indicator that most people have is sound. If squirrels are making their home in your attic, you’ll most likely hear them scratching and moving around. You may hear them walking across your ceiling, or moving in the walls of your home.

Pets like your dogs or cats will probably hear the sounds of a squirrel infestation before you do. If you notice your cat or dog paying close attention to your walls or ceilings, it’s a good indication that you have unwanted pests in the unfinished spaces of your home.

Once a squirrel colony has become established in your home, you may begin to notice strange and unpleasant smells. This is one of the later signs of a squirrel infestation in your attic. As squirrels live and nest they will produce urine and squirrel feces that will give off an unpleasant odor. At first, you may not notice this unless you are up in your attic, but as the nesting materials and surrounding surfaces become saturated in urine and feces, it will become more apparent.

Depending on the length of time that the infestation has been allowed to take root, you may also notice the smell of decay. Squirrels may die from natural causes or because they get stuck in hard-to-access areas like the walls of your home. Regardless of the cause, as those squirrels decay, a dead squirrel will give off a very unpleasant and unmistakable odor.

Sound and smell are two of the most common indicators of a squirrel infestation, but you may also tell simply by going into your attic. If you have a squirrel infestation you will most likely be able to see the damage caused as they nest. But, given the fact that attics are difficult to access and navigate if you are worried you might have a squirrel infestation it is usually better to have your attic inspected by a rodent proofing service specialist or even a wildlife control professional. Our professional staff at Attic Construction can quickly assess the state of your attic and provide you a detailed description of whether an infestation exists and what steps you need to take to both remove squirrels and prevent future squirrels from infesting your home.

How to Deal With Your Squirrel Problem

There is a wide range of recommendations out there for how to get rid of squirrels in attic. These range from laying out rodent bait to poison them to putting strobe lights in their nesting area to drive them out. Many of these suggestions are questionably effective at best. While sprinkling fox urine around your attic may discourage the squirrels from nesting in your attic, it may not while also leading to further contamination.

To deal with a squirrel infestation in your attic you’ll need to identify how to find rodent entry points to understand how they are coming into and out of your home. This will require a ladder to inspect the eaves, vents on your roof, and any chimneys you might have. Once you have identified where they are entering your home you can begin closing off access points. Some sources recommend closing off all entry points but the one the squirrels use most, then installing a one-way door that allows squirrels in your attic to exit but not re-enter.

If you don’t choose to install a one-way exclusion door, you will probably need to use live traps to get rid of the squirrels that are still in your attic. Squirrel traps are effective, but not easy an easy task. Depending on whether you use a kill-trap or a live-trap, you’ll also need to figure out what to do with those squirrels after you trap them. Simply dumping them in your backyard isn’t wise. You will also need to be very careful since trapped critters can become very agitated and pose a danger to themselves and to you.

If you’ve trapped and removed all of the squirrels from your attic and sealed off all of their entry points, you’ll then need to clean up the contamination left behind by their infestation.

Why You Should Use a Professional to Remove Your Squirrel Infestation

We strongly recommend using a professional service to remove a squirrel infestation you are dealing with. Here are the main reasons why it is a good idea to use professionals for this task:

 

  • Safety – Dealing with a rodent infestation can lead to exposure to harmful pathogens if you don’t use proper safety equipment and safe removal techniques. Our professional staff at Attic Construction have the equipment and expertise to safely remove a squirrel infestation without spreading pathogens or putting animals or humans in the area at risk.
  • Effectiveness – Professionals are trained to understand exactly what steps need to be taken to remediate a rodent infestation. Rodent-proofing an attic isn’t easy. Our staff at Attic Construction have years of experience rodent-proofing unfinished spaces in homes. We know what works, what doesn’t, and what the most effective methods are to ensure that your rodent problem goes away and stays away.
  • More Humane – While you may want the squirrels in your attic removed, you don’t want them to suffer. Relying on professionals to remove the infestation will ensure that the removal process is conducted in the most humane way possible. This is particularly important when dealing with nesting rodents in the attic who may have many generations of rodents living in the same space.

 

Closing Thoughts

If you have heard scratching or movement in your attic or walls, you may be dealing with a squirrel infestation. Squirrels and rodents love to make their homes in attics, but allowing them to do so can pose a real risk to the people and pets that live in the home. Squirrels can carry communicable diseases, and cause enormous amounts of damage to electrical wires, insulation, and any items stored in your attic.

Dealing with a squirrel infestation can be difficult if you don’t know what you are doing. Many recommended techniques for driving squirrels out of your attic simply aren’t effective.

If you suspect that you have squirrels in your attic, we recommend scheduling an inspection with Attic Construction to help with squirrel control. Our professional staff will be able to assess the scope of the problem and outline the steps that are necessary to return your attic to an uncontaminated state. 

To learn more about our rodent-proofing services or to schedule an inspection, please contact Attic Construction today.

Sources

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/24/magazine/how-to-get-squirrels-out-of-the-attic.html
  2. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/squirrels-attic
  3. https://www.thespruce.com/get-squirrels-out-of-the-attic-2656730

 

Signs You Need an Attic Cleanup

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Cleanup. No Comments on Signs You Need an Attic Cleanup

If you haven’t cleaned your attic out in the last year, you should probably consider getting a cleaning service. If you aren’t sure if you need an attic cleaning, here are some key signs that can help you determine whether now is the right time to clean out your attic space and call an attic professional.

Unpleasant Smells

If you notice some unpleasant smells in your house, it may be a problem in your attic. If you have a rodent infestation you may smell urine and feces from their nesting material, but more likely you will smell decay as rodents die and begin to decompose. Since decomposing animals have such a distinct smell, this is a really strong sign that you should have an inspection of your attic and crawl space done for rodent removal.

You should also be mindful if you notice a musty smell in your house. That musty smell probably stems from mildew or mold growth. Mold can grow in an attic if there is the presence of moisture, which may occur if you have a leak in your roof. One of the benefits of attic cleanup and decontamination is being proactive in addressing any musty smells, as unmitigated mold growth can contribute to allergies and respiratory issues.

Scratching Sounds

One of the earliest signs of a rodent infestation is a scratching sound in your ceiling or walls. If you have a pet cat or dog, they will probably notice these sounds before you do. If your cat starts staring intently at the wall or ceiling, pay heed! Don’t brush off any sounds in your walls or ceiling you might hear, since rodent control is much easier to address early on before it gets established.

Respiratory Issues

There is a strong correlation between contaminants in your home and health issues. This is true with your attic as well. If you have had a recent bout with allergies or worsening respiratory issues it can be an indication of a problem in your attic.

There are three main categories of things that can cause respiratory problems in your attic. These are a rodent infestation, mold growth, and dust. Each of these will reduce the quality of the air in your home. If left unchecked, these problems will continue to grow until they are dealt with.

Rising Utility Costs

Your attic is a crucial component of your home’s energy efficiency. Specifically, the insulation in your attic serves as a barrier to the flow of heat. This means that the insulation keeps your home warmer during the winter by minimizing how much heat escapes through your attic and keeps your home cooler during the summer by reducing how much heat enters your living spaces from the outside. 

When your insulation is damaged its effectiveness at minimizing the flow of heat is reduced. In practical terms, your air conditioner will need to work harder to keep your home cool during the summer and your heating system will have to work harder to keep your home warm during the winter. Both of these situations will result in higher-than-normal energy costs until you repair your attic insulation or receive insulation replacement. 

Time

If it’s been a long time since you have been in your attic you should strongly consider utilizing attic cleanup services. If your attic is the space where you store belongings you rarely, if ever, use, it’s time to clean out that junk and any built-up debris. Attic cleaning isn’t only about removing junk, but also clearing out built-up dust, checking your insulation, and ensuring any ongoing issues with your roof or ducting are caught early. If you’ve been using your attic as an extra storage space, there’s a good chance that some rodents might have made their home in your belongings. Catching these issues early will give you the best chances for dealing with the problem without extensive and costly repairs.

Final Thoughts

If you aren’t sure whether it’s time for an attic cleanup project, we’ve outlined some clear signs that a thorough cleaning and decontamination might be in order. Foul smells, such as decay or mustiness, are a good indicator that something is going on in the unfinished spaces of your house.

If you notice sounds of scratching or movement in your walls, crawl space or ceiling, definitely get your attic checked before a rodent infestation can continue to grow.  It’s much easier to hire a rodent and crawl space cleaning service than tackling this by yourself.

You can also reference our other guide on Attic Cleaning: Why It’s Crucial for additional information. 

Pay attention to whether your allergies have been getting worse or whether anyone in your house is having respiratory issues. These can be key indicators that contaminants in your attic are in the air throughout your home. Similarly, if you have noticed your utility bills creeping up it may be a sign that the insulation in your attic has been damaged and needs to be repaired.

It’s difficult to know precisely when to have your attic cleaned, so it’s always a good idea to hire a professional and have an inspection done if you aren’t sure. For attic cleanup in san diego, the experts at Attic Construction have got you covered. Our friendly and professional staff will be able to perform an inspection and give you a breakdown of exactly what needs to be done to return your attic to a new condition.

To learn more about attic cleanup and decontamination services, or attic decontamination cost, please contact Attic Construction today! We are proud to also provide our attic cleaning services in Orange County & San Diego!

Sources

  1. https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/basement-attic/attic-cleaning/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44199/
  3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.6b02023
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935104002208?via%3Dihub

Benefits of Attic Cleanup and Decontamination

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Cleanup, Attic Decontaminating. No Comments on Benefits of Attic Cleanup and Decontamination

If you are like most homeowners you probably haven’t had your attic thoroughly cleaned or looked into attic services in a very long time. Many homeowners don’t clean their attic unless they experience problems such as rodent infestation or a leak in their roof prompts action.

While it is understandable that you may not be mindful of your attic, this oversight can result in big problems over time. Leaks can go unnoticed, rodent infestations can gain traction and spread, and damaged or insufficient insulation can lead to higher energy costs. All of these problems can result in a substantial attic decontamination cost that might otherwise be avoided with regular attic cleanup and decontamination.

In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of attic decontamination services. Some of these benefits may be surprising to you. Whether it is to address long-standing health issues stemming from a dirty attic, or to boost the energy efficiency of your home, utilizing attic cleanup and decontamination services are a necessary component of home maintenance that shouldn’t be overlooked. You may be unaware on signs you need an attic cleanup until it’s too late.  

What is Attic Cleanup and Decontamination?

If you aren’t familiar with what an attic cleanup and decontamination service is, it can be difficult to understand exactly how it is useful. This service is far more than simply removing old junk from an attic. While removing junk and debris is part of the service, other important components can also have a big impact on your home.

A professional attic cleanup service can include activities like:

  • Removing junk and debris that has built up.
  • Assessing the health and adequacy of your insulation.
  • Removing old or contaminated insulation.
  • Installing new insulation.
  • Identifying, removing and decontaminating a rodent infestation.
  • Addressing a rodent problem and proofing the attic space.
  • Identifying a leaky or damaged roof.
  • Identification and remediation of mold.
  • Dust and debris removal.

The wide range of activities that may be included in a professional attic cleaning and decontamination effort highlights the fact that the state of the attic itself will have a big impact on what needs to be done. For example, if you have a rodent infestation you’ll need to remove the animal waste and infestation, decontaminate, rodent-proof the attic, and install new insulation. If it has been many years since you have had your attic cleaned, the level of work  and removal services necessary to restore it will be higher than if you have your attic cleaned on an annual basis.

Core Benefits of Attic Cleaning

Attic cleaning should be a regular part of home maintenance. Regular attic cleaning can reduce the number of allergens and toxins in the air circulating in your home, reduce your monthly utility costs, and reduce maintenance costs over time. Let’s take a look at each of these benefits in greater detail. 

Reduced Toxins and Irritants

You may not realize just how much of an impact your home can have on your health. On the surface, the link between the state of your home and your overall health makes sense when you consider how much time you spend in your home. A 2009 study by the United States Office of the Surgeon General highlights the clear link between the condition of a home and the health of its occupants. Indoor air quality, in particular, can cause asthma-related conditions to become worse and contribute to other respiratory issues.

The Surgeon General’s report indicates that, aside from obvious contaminants like secondhand smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon gas, the two most common irritants in a home are dust mite allergens and allergens from rodents. The report found that 82% of homes in the United States have detectable levels of mouse allergens, 84% have a bedroom with detectable levels of dust mite allergens, and 63% of homes have detectable levels of cockroach allergens.

These startling statistics reinforce the concept that both the dust in your home and exposure to a rodent infestation can impact the health of your home. 

Rodent infestations lead to a buildup of feces and urine in nesting materials in your attic. This rodent waste can pose serious health problems. Here is a brief list of some of the most common diseases that rodent feces and urine can contain:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

Even after a rodent infestation has been removed, contamination in the nesting materials and area around the infestation must be dealt with before the danger posed by these diseases are eliminated. This makes decontamination an essential component of dealing with any rodent infestation and highlights one of the strongest reasons for utilizing a professional service for this task.

You may also be surprised to learn that the dust in your attic can pose a serious health risk. When attics aren’t cleaned regularly dust can build up. While dust may seem benign, it can contain chemicals from household cleaners, environmental contaminants, and even heavy metals that can impact the health of residents in a home. Both settled and airborne dust can irritate the respiratory system, exacerbate asthma, and contribute to other health conditions. 

Increased Energy Efficiency

The layer of insulation that is in your attic functions as a crucial barrier to the transfer of heat. On hot days that insulation keeps the living area of your home cooler, while on cold days the insulation keeps your living area warmer. The insulation limits the amount of temperature fluctuation that occurs in your home. 

If you aren’t regularly cleaning your attic, you probably won’t notice when there is damage to your insulation. Additionally, if you aren’t a professional you may not be able to tell when there is an insufficient or inadequate level of insulation.

What does this mean for you as a homeowner? Damaged or inadequate insulation won’t provide an effective barrier to the transfer of heat. In the end, this causes your home to be less energy efficient. Your HVAC system will have to work harder to keep your house cool during the summer and warm your house during the winter. 

The simplest method to ensure your insulation is sufficient and in good condition is to schedule an attic cleaning with Attic Construction.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

A professional attic cleaning will identify problems early on before they become larger expensive issues. A leaky roof will be caught earlier before it can cause extensive damage to your insulation and drywall. Issues with your ducting or HVAC system can be highlighted and fixed before they cause issues down the road. A rodent infestation can be caught and dealt with before you have extensive contamination that you have to deal with.

Why Get Your Attic Professionally Cleaned?

Many homeowners wonder whether they can clean their attic themselves. While they may know that attic cleaning services exist, it may not be clear exactly what value these attic decontamination services provide.

Here are a few of the core reasons why you should consider having a professional decontaminate your attic.

Safety

There are some very serious safety considerations that highlight why attic cleaning is better left to the professionals. Among these are:

  • Risk of falling.
  • Contact with contaminated material.
  • Potential exposure to exposed wires.

Most attics are tight spaces that are difficult to navigate through. With low ceilings and precarious footpaths, moving around in an attic is risky in itself. Once you compound this with removing debris and junk and operating equipment, the risks of having a fall or mishap grow.

Professionals also use the appropriate protective equipment to help avoid contact with contaminants. Removing rodent droppings, urine, and nesting materials can expose you to diseases. Even settled dust can irritate the airways and expose you to traces of chemicals and heavy metals. 

Not only does protective equipment need to be used to protect the health of the workers, but also to help avoid the spread of contaminants. Contaminated material must be vacuumed up with specialized equipment and then disposed of properly. Minimizing the risk of spreading contaminants is an essential component of what professionals do.

Thoroughness

When cleaning and decontaminating an attic it is essential to be as thorough as possible. This isn’t always easy given the tight spaces that one must work in to clean an attic. Despite the difficulty, if you aren’t thorough when cleaning your attic many of the benefits associated with it won’t be realized. Damaged or insufficient insulation may be missed, or contaminants may be left in place that will continue to circulate through your home’s air.

Expertise

Most people simply don’t have the knowledge base to recognize the early signs of big problems. Nor do they have the expertise to understand what steps need to be taken to ensure those issues don’t grow down the road

Professional attic cleaners like our staff at Attic Construction have that expertise, and it is one of the top reasons why you should have professionals clean your attic. Not only will they be able to recognize early signs of a rodent infestation or a leaky roof, but they’ll also be able to outline exactly what steps you should take now to deal with the problem. This can save you both time and money down the road.

Final Thoughts

The top benefits of having your attic cleaned and decontaminated are that it improves the air quality in your home, improves energy efficiency, and helps identify small problems early on before they become big issues.

The importance of cleaning and decontaminating your attic can’t be understated. Rather than viewing this as a project for when you first buy or sell a home, attic cleaning should be done regularly to maximize the benefit it provides. Regular attic cleaning will ensure settled dust levels remain low, rodent infestations are kept at bay, and your insulation is functioning properly. Without it, you end up needing a full attic insulation removal and replacement.

If you are looking for attic cleanout and decontamination near me, our professional staff at Attic Construction can help. Our staff can assess the current state of your attic and outline what cleanup services you will need and determine the cleaning costs. With years of experience cleaning and decontaminating attics, our professionals have the depth of knowledge to deal with any attic problem they might encounter.

To learn more about attic cleanup and decontamination services, please contact Attic Construction today. You can also read, Attic Cleaning: Why It’s Crucial for additional information and important facts. If you need an attic cleaning in Orange County, an insulation installation in San Diego…or need attic services in the greater Phoenix area, give Attic Construction a call. We provide a wide range of attic & home cleaning and insulation services. Schedule an appointment today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/basement-attic/attic-cleaning/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44199/
  3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.6b02023
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935104002208?via%3Dihub

 

Attic Cleaning: Why It’s Crucial

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Cleanup. No Comments on Attic Cleaning: Why It’s Crucial

Have you ever utilized a professional attic cleaning service? If not, you may want to consider calling an attic specialist. Most people don’t realize the health risks that their attic may pose. Attics are often considered a place to store extra stuff, or maybe the place you need to go when you run wires or cable throughout your house.

Though you may not think of or go in your attic very often, the reality is that it can be home to hidden dangers that affect your health and the health of your family. Left unattended, the health impact of an uncleaned attic can compound over time. 

Gaining a better understanding of what attic cleaning is and the benefits of attic cleanup and decontamination, can help provide important context for making attic cleaning a regular part of maintaining your house. Alongside decreased risk of health problems associated with contaminated attic spaces, attic cleaning and decontamination services can also help ensure that your insulation is functioning properly and that any leaks or damage to your roof are caught before they cause big problems down the road for insulation services.

What is Attic Cleaning?

Attic cleaning refers to a collection of services that taken together refresh and renew your attic to a clean state.

Many services can be included under the umbrella of attic cleaning, including:

  • Identifying and removing a rodent infestation.
  • Removal of junk, debris, or stored items in attic and crawl space.
  • Insulation health checkup and possible removal of contaminated insulation. 
  • Insulation replacement if necessary.
  • Identification of any leaks in the roof or accompanying mold growth.
  • Removal of accumulated dust, dirt, and odors.

What you may not realize is that attic cleaning is a professional service. This is surprising to many people who immediately categorize attic cleaning as a DIY project. 

Why Should I Use a Professional Attic Cleaning Service?

There are some very good reasons why using a professional attic cleaning service is highly recommended. These include:

  • Ease
  • Equipment
  • Experience
  • Safety

Let’s dive into each of these in a bit more detail. The first is ease. Professional attic cleaning services undoubtedly make a difficult job much easier. Attics are usually difficult to access, and precarious to maneuver in once you gain access to them. This makes moving stored belongings or removing accumulated junk a much more difficult and time-consuming project.

Professional attic cleaning providers also have equipment that makes the job faster and more effective. Take one of the most common issues with a contaminated attic space; rodent infestation. To clean up a rodent infestation you have to identify it, isolate it, remove contaminated insulation, dispose of that insulation properly, and sanitize the area before reinstalling new insulation. All of those steps require special equipment, including masks and other personal protective equipment to avoid inhaling or coming into contact with contaminated particulates, powerful vacuums with special bags to reduce the spread of contaminants, knowledge of and access to resources that assist in disposal, as well as much more. If you plan on doing an attic cleaning project yourself, you’ll have to invest in a lot of equipment to do so safely and effectively.

Experience is a difficult aspect of attic cleaning to quantify, but it is very important. When you clean your attic you need to be thorough and meticulous, but it is also crucial to have the awareness of what you are seeing so that you can properly address the issue. For example, early signs of a rodent infestation may be missed by the casual observer but a professional will recognize it almost instantly. The same can be said for the development of mold from a leaky roof. Pinpointing the root cause of the mold may escape most people, but for a professional, it may be relatively straightforward. Simply put, professionals have the experience and knowledge base to ensure that any problems are quickly identified and proper solutions are put in place before they become bigger issues.

Lastly, safety is a major concern when cleaning your attic. As we’ll explore in the next section, there are many health issues that can be tied to a dirty attic space. Understanding what these health issues are is important. If you plan on doing your attic cleaning yourself you’ll also need to understand the best ways to minimize the spread of contaminants and your exposure to them. There are also very real risks associated with gaining access to an attic and physically moving around in it, especially the risks of serious injuries relating to falls. 

Why Attic Cleaning is Important

It’s easy to underestimate the important role that a clean attic plays in a healthy home environment. There are significant health concerns that can stem from a rodent infestation that isn’t dealt with. Even more benign substances, like the dust that accumulates in your attic over the years, can have health consequences that you may not realize, so it’s important to pinpoint signs you need an attic cleanup earlier than later.

There are also other practical reasons you should prioritize a clean attic. Identifying problems with your insulation, attic space, or roof early on can help avoid costly repairs down the road as well as higher utility bills in the meantime.

Rodent Infestation

One of the most common reasons for attic cleaning San Diego is a rodent infestation. Many people don’t catch these infestations early, but rather begin to worry once they see rodent droppings around their common living areas. Rather than waiting too long to address a rodent infestation, it is better to be proactive and identify and cleanup one early.

Rodents love to make their homes in attics. Attics are relatively warm and dry, difficult to access by predators, offer shelter from the elements, and insulation and stored belongings make ideal nesting materials. Rodent infestations also tend to grow in attics precisely because they are unattended. You are much more likely to notice and address a rodent problem in your common living area than you are in an attic.

The health risks associated with a rodent infestation include:

  • Lassa Fever
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Plague
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Bite Fever from rats
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Tularemia

The risks associated with a rodent infestation don’t just stem from the pests themselves, but also their feces and urine in their nesting materials and the surrounding area. Because of this, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) outlines specific guidelines that should be followed by an attic cleaning company when cleaning up an existing rodent infestation. Particular care must be taken to avoid spreading contaminants during the removal and sanitation process.

Poorly Functioning or Damaged Insulation

You may not realize how much of an impact damaged or inadequate insulation can have on your monthly utility bills. The insulation in a home’s attic provides an important barrier for the transfer of heat. What this means is that inadequate or damaged insulation will result in a colder home when it is cold outside and a hotter home with it is hot outside. This will result in higher energy costs to keep your home the temperature you want.

It often isn’t immediately apparent to the inexperienced observer that there is a problem with their attic insulation. This can be further compounded by items stored in an attic, which may obscure the extent of the problem. A thorough attic cleaning can quickly expose inadequate or damaged insulation. 

One final thing to note about the insulation in your attic is that damaged insulation has an external source. For example, if your insulation has mold damage it most likely stems from a leaky roof. Identifying these sources early can allow you to make small repairs now rather than large, costly repairs down the road.

Dust

Dust is so common that many of us never think about the health problems it can cause. Household dust can contain many contaminants that may irritate your respiratory system or exacerbate conditions like asthma. Both airborne and settled dust can contain dust mite allergens, chemicals from consumer products, and even contaminants from the air around your house. 

One study conducted in Australia in 2005 found that the dust in a home’s attic often contained contaminants that were found in the area more broadly, including heavy metals that could pose a health risk if disturbed. Although most of us don’t think of the dust in our attic as a potential health risk, as it collects and settles the dust can contain many years of environmental contaminants. This also highlights the importance of using a professional attic cleaning service like Attic Construction to do a thorough attic cleaning, since the disturbance of settled dust can put many contaminants into the air.

Final Thoughts

Although most people don’t spend much time thinking about their attics, let alone go in them, it is an area of our homes that can have a big impact on you and your loved one’s health. Attics make an attractive home for rodents and pests and a rodent infestation left unattended will damage insulation and may potentially spread harmful diseases.

Cleaning up a rodent infestation is a difficult task that requires appropriate personal protective equipment as well as specialized equipment for the removal and disposal of contaminated nesting materials.      

Addressing a rodent infestation isn’t the only reason to receive an inspection and have your attic cleaned. Damaged or dated insulation can perform poorly, resulting in higher utility bills over time. Settled dust from over the years can contain any number of chemicals and heavy metals, and once disturbed can contribute to respiratory issues.

While the reasons for cleaning your attic are compelling, it is important to keep in mind that this task is best left to professionals. There are serious safety considerations that must be kept in mind when working in an attic. Additionally, our crews at Attic Construction have the tools, knowledge, and experience necessary to ensure that any contaminants are contained and cleaned, and any larger issues are identified and communicated to you.

At Attic Construction, we offer services with professionals including rodent clean up, crawl space cleaning, insulation removal, and attic cleaning in Orange County, as well as San Diego and Pheonix. We also provide attic services to the greater Phoenix, AZ area as well! To learn more about our professional attic cleaning service or attic decontamination cost, please contact Attic Construction today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/basement-attic/attic-cleaning/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44199/
  3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.6b02023
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935104002208?via%3Dihub

 

Attic Decontamination Cost

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Attic Decontaminating. No Comments on Attic Decontamination Cost

If you are dealing with a contaminated attic, and are on the fence about using professional attic cleaning services or calling an attic professional, you probably want to have a better idea of the attic cleanup and decontamination cost. 

Determining attic decontamination costs isn’t as straightforward as many people might wish. There are multiple factors that can affect the cost to have your attic cleaned and decontaminated. Because of this, it is better to go into any attic inspection with an open mind about how much a cleaning service might cost. At the end of the day, the benefits of attic cleanup and decontamination will always outweigh the cost. 

At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that professional attic decontamination is essential if you are dealing with a rodent infestation. Not only is rodent control crucial for the health of everyone in your home, but it is also important for ongoing safety. With this in mind, let’s take a look at how attic decontamination services are calculated.

Factors Influencing Decontamination Costs

Although we can’t provide you with a definitive cost for attic cleanup services, we can outline the factors that can influence the ultimate cost of the attic decontamination service.

There are two factors that influence the cost of an attic decontamination job: the size of the attic and the extent of the damage.

The size of the attic will obviously influence the cost because larger attics will have a bigger surface area that needs to be contaminated. This means that the project will take more time and resources to complete as compared to a smaller attic.

The extent of the damage done to the attic is crucial to the cost as well. If you have a rodent infestation that has just been established, chances are the damage will be less extensive than if the infestation has been established for some time. As rodents occupy an attic they begin to build nests from the things around them. In an attic space, this typically means insulation or junk stored in the attic. Rodents will live, breed, and die in the attic space, spreading animal feces and urine throughout their habitat until the infestation is dealt with. The longer this goes on, the more likely that contamination will affect a larger surface area within the attic. Ultimately, this will result in more work to remove the infestation and decontaminate the attic.

Why is Decontamination Essential?

If you have a rodent infestation in your attic you must have it professionally decontaminated. Simply cleaning up the rodent infestation isn’t sufficient. Not only will you be left with foul odors and smells from feces and urine that may have soaked into surfaces within your attic, but bacteria and germs may still pose a threat and create health risks to those living in your home.

Some of the infectious diseases that can be contracted directly from rodents are immediate signs you need an attic cleanup:

  • Rat-Bite Fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • Plague
  • Tularemia
  • South American Arenaviruses
  • Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-meningitis (LCM)
  • Leptospirosis
  • Lassa Fever
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

The problem with dealing with a rodent infestation is that you can contract many of these diseases from contact with the urine, feces, and nesting materials left behind after a rodent infestation has been removed. Proper disinfection and sanitizing of rodent droppings and urine must occur before you even attempt to remove the remnants of an infestation. Also, due to the infectious nature of rodent waste and nesting materials, care must be taken during disposal so that contaminants are not spread throughout the home.

One final reason why you should strongly consider having professionals decontaminate your attic is that they have the equipment and expertise necessary to do the job correctly. Special equipment must be used not only to protect the person doing the cleanup and disinfection work but also to ensure that contaminants aren’t spread during cleanup and removal. Proper disinfection also requires thoroughness and attention to detail that the professionals at Attic Construction are known for. Combined with their expertise in attic decontamination, you’ll be sure that every inch of your attic has been decontaminated following a rodent infestation.

Final Thoughts

If you are concerned about attic decontamination costs, you should know that the two biggest factors affecting it are the size of your attic and the extent of the damage. The only sure way to understand how much attic decontamination will cost you is to schedule an inspection. It’s important to understand why it’s critical to clean your attic. You can reference our guide, Attic Cleaning: Why it’s Crucial for further information. 

If you suspect you have an infestation of rodents in your attic, you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Catching an infestation early can help reduce the total costs of decontamination services. Ignore the issue, and you may need a full attic insulation removal and replacement.At Attic Construction our professional staff will provide you with clear pictures of any damage found in the attic and clearly outline the potential costs of an attic cleanout and decontamination.

To learn more about professional attic cleanup and decontamination services in the San Diego area, please contact Attic Construction today. Our staff can guide you through the services we offer, schedule an inspection, and walk you through the cleanup and decontamination process.

We are proud to announce our newest Southern California location in the OC. If you need insulation services or an attic cleaning in Orange County or want to get an estimate of your insulation installation cost, give us a call!

Sources:

  1. https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/basement-attic/attic-cleaning/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44199/
  3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.6b02023
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935104002208?via%3Dihub

Why Hire a Professional for Insulation Removal

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Insulation removal. No Comments on Why Hire a Professional for Insulation Removal

If you have some old or damaged insulation that you’d like to remove and replace, it might be tempting to do that job on your own. However, there are some very good reasons why you should consider using a professional for insulation removal and replacement.

Removing old insulation can be a big problem without the right tools and understanding of potential risks. By using professional insulation companies like Attic Construction, you’ll be sure to protect the health of yourself and your family and avoid any costly problems down the road. Let’s take a look at why professional insulation removal is so important for homeowners.

Ease

Simply put, hiring a professional to remove your existing insulation will make your life easier. A professional insulation removal service will have the right tools for the job, which makes the removal of all types of installed insulation easier. This includes batting or roll insulation, blown-in insulation, and spray foam insulation, all of which present unique challenges.

Removing insulation without the right equipment can result in a big mess throughout the rest of your house. While batting or rolled insulation can be rolled up, it does pose a problem if it is inhaled or gets on your skin. Blown-in insulation is removed with the use of a large industrial vacuum, so you’ll definitely want a professional to remove it.

Safety

The fact is, removing the insulation materials in your attic is a challenge that not everyone is equipped to handle. Navigating your attic can be challenging, as you’ll need to crawl or stand on joists to avoid damaging the ceiling. Attics are often tight, dimly lit, and fairly difficult to access with limited crawl space. They can also get very hot, which can lead to heat-related conditions if you aren’t careful. Add all of this up and you get a recipe for a difficult job that is better left to professionals who are equipped to deal with it.

Contamination

Over time insulation serves as an ideal home for rodents. Dealing with a rodent infestation in your attic requires special considerations that the professionals at Attic Construction are equipped to handle. Rodent waste and feces can carry harmful viruses, such as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, salmonellosis, tularemia, and even the plague. 

The Center for Disease Control outlines specific recommendations for cleaning up after a rodent infestation due to the risk that droppings, mold and mildew, urine, and nests can pose to humans. One must be especially careful about removing contaminated insulation to avoid spreading contaminants, and doing so will require the use of protective equipment. 

As a best practice, if you are dealing with a rodent infestation you should use the services of a professional insulation removal provider. Not only can they safely remove contaminated insulation, but they can also rodent-proof your attic to ensure that no subsequent infestations occur.

Proper Disposal

An overlooked aspect of old insulation removal is the disposal process. Professional insulation removal companies take precautions to ensure that all insulation removed from a home is disposed of properly and the right solutions are taken into account. Fiberglass insulation can’t be thrown away in your garbage can. 

To remove the insulation yourself, you’ll need to contact your local waste management company and get some guidance on their building-materials disposal policy. If disposed of improperly, fiberglass insulation can leech into the ground and pose a long-term problem.

Proper Preparation

At Attic Construction, we take the approach that ample preparation makes the insulation removal process go smoothly. One risk that comes with old insulation removal is the spreading of contaminants throughout a home. To minimize this risk we cover all surfaces leading to the entrance of your attic with thick, durable plastic sheeting to protect surfaces. Things that can be moved to a safe location are moved, and anything that can’t be moved is covered.

Taking these precautions before insulation is removed is a best practice that should always be followed. There are significant risks associated with moving old, contaminated insulation. Eliminating those risks requires the use of appropriate equipment and proper preparation of the work area. 

Final Thoughts

While the removal of old insulation may seem like a straightforward process, there are potential pitfalls that can have big consequences if they aren’t addressed. Professional insulation removal services like Attic Construction have the expertise and equipment that is necessary to avoid any problems with insulation removal.

The risk of contamination from a rodent infestation is particularly acute when removing old or contaminated insulation. Every precaution must be taken to ensure that any viruses or mold contained in contaminated insulation aren’t breathed in or spread to other surfaces. 

Disposal is also a key consideration for insulation removal. Old insulation can’t simply be thrown away. Professional insulation removal services ensure that all old insulation is properly removed, transported, and disposed of.

If you are looking for the best attic insulation removal in Orange County or Phoenix insulation installation or replacement for existing insulation in San Diego, look no further than the professionals at Attic Construction. look no further than the professionals at Attic Construction. With industry-leading knowledge, our staff can quickly and safely remove old insulation and prepare your attic for new insulation. To learn more about attic insulation removal services or to schedule an inspection, please contact Attic Construction today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html
  2. https://www.hunker.com/13401157/how-to-dispose-of-fiberglass-insulation
  3. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-attic-insulation-38074.html

 

The Importance of Attic Insulation Removal

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Insulation removal. No Comments on The Importance of Attic Insulation Removal

The insulation in your attic provides a critical barrier to the transfer of heat. While many people recognize the important role that insulation plays in their home, especially during the hottest and coldest months of the year, what they may not realize is that the insulation in your attic may become less effective over time.

Rodents, in particular, pose a serious risk to the effectiveness of your attic insulation. If a rodent infestation occurs, it can become important to contact insulation companies to remove your current insulation that is in your attic floor and replace it with new insulation. The process of attic insulation removal is not known to many people. Gaining a better understanding of attic insulation removal and replacement is also important for most homeowners so that they can budget appropriately for this project.

The benefits of removing your attic insulation and replacing it with new insulation, particularly if the effectiveness of that insulation has been degraded by a rodent infestation, can be surprising. Not only can old and damaged insulation result in increased energy costs, but a rodent infestation that isn’t addressed can harm the health of yourself and your family members.

Why Remove Your Current Insulation?

As a homeowner, you probably don’t spend much time in your attic. Attics are notoriously difficult to get into and have small crawl space, so unless you are looking for those Christmas decorations you stored up there the previous year you probably don’t have a reason to go into your attic very often. 

Even if you do go into your attic fairly regularly, you probably don’t take the time to explore around your attic and examine the health of your current insulation. Checking your insulation will require you to bring a light source and walk carefully on the joists that make up your rafters. Without doing so, you may fall through the drywall of your ceiling.

Despite the difficulty of checking your current attic insulation, it is useful to do so occasionally. Insulation that is contaminated due to a rodent infestation or mold and mildew can pose a serious health risk to the people living in your home.

A rodent infestation isn’t the only reason to remove your existing insulation, but it is one of the most common and important. Here are some reasons why you might want to remove your current attic insulation:

  • Better Air Quality  – Removing your current insulation may improve the indoor air quality of your home. Old insulation can contain a variety of contaminants that can affect your home’s air quality, including urine and feces from rodents and other pests.
  • Better Energy Efficiency – How many products do you still use today that were manufactured 20 or 30 years ago? Probably not many. The products we use every day have improved over time, due to technological innovations and the introduction of new materials. The same is true for the insulation in your attic. If your home wasn’t recently manufactured, installing new attic insulation may result in greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs.
  • Rodent Proofing – Insulation provides a great home for rodents and pests that are looking for a warm, comfortable place to nest. Unfortunately for many homeowners, the insulation in their attic is an attractive option for the local rodent population. If you are currently dealing with a rodent infestation, you’ll need to remove your existing attic insulation before you can take the steps to rodent-proof your attic against future incursions.
  • Moldy or Wet Insulation – If you have wet or moldy insulation in your attic it is a good indication that you have a leaky roof. While addressing the root cause of the damaged insulation by fixing the leak is an important first step, you’ll also need to remove the affected insulation and replace it. This will return your attic insulation to peak health and reduce your energy costs.

The Health Risks of a Rodent Infestation

One of the most common reasons for attic insulation removal is rodent damage or infestation. Rodents, usually rats and mice, will view the insulation in your attic as their ideal home. Attics are warm, dry, removed from predators and the elements, and insulation makes an irresistible material for nesting in. 

Unfortunately, when rodents nest in attic insulation many problems arise. Here are some of the most common health impacts that can arise from rodents that make your attic insulation their home:

  • Rat-bite fever
  • Omsk hemorrhagic fever
  • Parasites
  • Leptospirosis
  • Salmonellosis
  • Eosinophilic Meningitis
  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Tularemia
  • Murine Typhus
  • Plague
  • Lymphocytic Chorio-Meningitis
  • Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
  • Lassa Fever

One important thing to note about the items in this list is that many can be contracted by coming into contact with urine or feces left behind by infected rodents. This includes breathing in the dust that enters the air when dried urine and feces are disturbed. This is why the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that individuals who are cleaning up after a rodent infestation allow up to 5 days after an infestation has been cleared to begin cleaning a contaminated space. The CDC also recommends soaking urine, feces, or nesting materials with a disinfectant before you begin cleaning.

What the CDC’s recommendations underscore is that the urine and feces left behind by rodents in your insulation can pose a serious health risk to your family. This health risk persists even after the infestation has been eliminated and you are working to clean up the urine and droppings that the rodents left behind. 

The health risks posed by urine, feces, and nesting materials after a rodent infestation is one of the central reasons why it is highly recommended to have professionals remove your attic insulation. Professional removal of contaminated insulation is the most effective way to limit the exposure of you and your family to harmful rodent-borne viruses that remain following an infestation.

Attic Insulation Removal Process

Now that it’s clear why you should consider removing your attic insulation in certain circumstances, let’s explore what the process for removing your insulation typically looks like. We highly recommend having your old insulation removed and replaced by our professionals at Attic Construction. Our knowledgeable staff are adept at removing all different types of existing insulation and can help remove contaminated insulation and properly rodent-proof and decontaminate your attic before installing new insulation services.

Arguably the most important part of any attic insulation removal project is the preparation process. Adequate preparation ensures that the removal of contaminated insulation won’t spread harmful rodent-borne viruses to other areas of your house. Typically, the surfaces leading to your attic entry are covered in thick plastic sheeting. Any furniture or valuables are removed to a location where they won’t come into contact with contaminated insulation.

Once the area is prepared, the removal process can begin. Blown-in insulation is removed through the use of a powerful vacuum that transports contaminated insulation into a secured container outside of your home. Batting insulation, or rather Batt insulation that comes in a roll, is rolled up and placed into an insulation removal bag. This bag is then transported off-site and disposed of.

After the insulation in the attic has been removed, the entire attic space is vacuumed to ensure any remaining traces of debris or rodent waste is removed. Once this process has been completed, your attic is ready to be decontaminated, rodent proofed, and have new insulation installed.

How Much Does the Removal Process Cost?

It is impossible to say exactly how much the removal process will cost without an understanding of the specific details of your situation. As such, it is recommended that you schedule a free estimate for a full insulation replacement with our professional staff. It is difficult to pinpoint the attic insulation removal cost because there are a variety of factors that can influence how much the service costs. 

Additionally, the type of new insulation that is installed, whether rodent proofing is done, or if extensive decontamination services are required can all have an impact on the total cost of the project. If you have questions about attic insulation San Diego, our staff at Attic Construction can help break down the services we offer and provide you with a comprehensive estimate.

Final Thoughts

Attic insulation removal may be necessary because of rodent damage, the presence of old insulation, or water and mold damage. Rodent infestation is a common precursor to insulation removal because rodents find an ideal habitat in an attic. Insulation can be used as nesting material, and attics themselves are sheltered from the elements and other predators. 

While you can attempt to make this a DIY project, we heavily recommend a professional insulation removal service. Why? Do you know the pros and cons of cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation, or spray foam insulation? Or have you figured out what tools you’ll need to remove the old attic insulation…and do you have them handy?

It is important to use the services of a professional attic removal company like Attic Construction to ensure it is properly done and of course…to save you the frustration of learning how. Moreover, we are equipped to handle hazardous materials like asbestos and mold spores in very old buildings. In situations where a rodent infestation has occurred, proper removal of the dirty insulation and decontamination of the attic space are essential before your attic insulation installation. Proper rodent proofing of the attic space can also help you avoid any future instances of rodent infestation. The risk of dangerous communicable diseases that may occur when you disturb rodent nests that contain rodent droppings and urine makes using the proper protective equipment necessary when removing the contaminated insulation. 

If you aren’t sure whether you need to have the insulation in your attic removed, consider scheduling a free estimate. Even if you don’t have a rodent infestation, replacing outdated insulation with new insulation can substantially reduce your energy costs and result in more stable temperatures throughout your home.

Live in OC or SD? We are proud to provide attic cleanout services and attic insulation removal in Orange County and San Diego! To schedule a free estimate, please contact Attic Construction today.

We are proud to extend our services to the greater Phoenix, AZ area as well. Check us out today!

Sources:

  1. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/attic_insulation_project
  2. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/insulation
  3. https://www.energy.gov/articles/askenergysaver-insulation
  4. https://atticconstruction.com/services/attic-insulation-removal/
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/cleaning/index.html

 

Prevent Escrow Holdback: Top Repairs to Consider

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Uncategorized. 15 Comments on Prevent Escrow Holdback: Top Repairs to Consider

If you are selling your home, preventing an escrow holdback for repairs is a key component of a smooth and successful transaction agreement. An escrow holdback can occur for many reasons, but a holdback for repair costs found during a home inspection is one of the most common seen by real estate agents. 

Gaining a better understanding of what the most common repairs needed during escrow and the estimated cost can help you avoid a messy escrow process. You can also schedule repairs with insulation companies or contractors ahead of time to prevent delays. Addressing these key obligations beforehand can ensure the escrow process proceeds without a hitch for the buyer and seller, as well as the real estate agent.

Termites, Pests, and Rodents

The presence of termites, pests, or rodents can prove a decisive factor in the success or failure of your home sale. Obvious damage stemming from a pest or rodent infestation should be identified and dealt with before you enter the escrow process to avoid any surprises or additional cost. 

The most common areas for rodent infestation are within the unfinished areas of the house, such as your attic or basement. If a rodent infestation is found in any portion of your attic, you should strongly consider using professional services like those offered by Attic Construction, which include attic cleaning and decontamination, rodent-proofing, and and attic insulation installation.

Asbestos or Other Toxic Substances

Old building materials that are toxic such as asbestos or lead paint must be removed or disclosed before the sale of a home. The failure to do so will result in an escrow holdback. Because of these liabilities, it’s a good idea to get a preliminary inspection done. If any toxic substances are identified, you’ll want to have them professionally removed.

Roof Problems

Any problems with your roofing are likely to be identified during the home inspection process. While you might find a buyer willing to overlook a few minor leaks in order to make the purchase, more than likely you’ll be paying for those repairs out of pocket or reducing your selling price to compensate. 

Also keep in mind that if you have a roofing leak, you will most likely have some damaged insulation in your attic that will need to be replaced. If you aren’t sure if your insulation has been damaged, schedule an inspection to confirm if you need insulation removal.

Plumbing Problems

Significant problems with your plumbing are likely to become an issue if they are identified during the escrow process. Issues involving your water heater and physical plumbing components like pipes and valves will most likely need to be repaired. Similarly, any issues with your sewer or septic system should be fixed before selling to avoid escrow funds.

Windows and Doors

Old seals, cracked windows, window frames that have expanded due to age, and windows and doors that don’t open and close correctly should all be identified and repaired. These are key areas that a home inspector is surely going to check. 

At the same time, this is one area of your house where you may be able to make the necessary repairs yourself if you are handy. It is also a good idea to have your windows cleaned before an inspection, as this can help the inspector make an accurate assessment of the health of the window pane and seals.

Electrical Problems

Home inspectors check core mechanical systems in the house, and your electrical system will be part of that effort. If an inspector finds any issues with your electrical systems, such as out-of-code wiring or questionable wiring at your circuit breaker it is sure to find its way into their report. Repairing electrical problems can be time-consuming and costly, so identifying these problems early is essential to avoiding an escrow holdback.

HVAC and Ductwork

Your heating and cooling system, including any ductwork that distributes air throughout your home, should be in good repair. Be sure to change any filters in your system and that there is no rust in your cooling system. Your ductwork should be free of any debris and in good working condition. Any rodents or pests found in ducting may require additional professional cleaning services.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding an escrow holdback for repairs may require some preparation before the escrow process. It’s a good idea to have key areas in your home inspected before you put up your house for sale. This will allow you to identify and fix some of the most common repairs that pop up during the inspection process.

Although there is no definitive guide to what you should do to prepare for escrow, there are some escrow holdback guidelines that are helpful. Ensure that your home is structurally sound and that all of the core systems of the home, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are in good working order. 

Any evidence of rodent or pest problems should be dealt with before escrow. Since rodents often take up residence in unfinished spaces like your attic, you’ll also need to inspect the health of your home’s insulation. Insulation can also be damaged from a leaky roof, which happens to be one of the most common sources of escrow holdback.

Any issues identified by your escrow agent in your preliminary inspection that are likely to cause a problem during escrow should be fixed beforehand to avoid any escrow holdback. If you have a rodent problem, damaged insulation, or a messy attic, contact Attic Construction today. Our professional staff can help get your attic, insulation, and ductwork in good working order so that your escrow process progresses smoothly.

Sources:

  1. https://www.zillow.com/sellers-guide/bad-home-inspection-for-sellers/
  2. https://www.homeinspector.org/homeinspectionnews/home-inspectors-checklist-for-2018.2-8-2018.2025/details/story
  3. https://themortgagereports.com/37715/home-inspection-checklist-what-to-expect-on-inspection-day

 

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