Author: Kevin

Whether you’re a new homeowner jumping into house projects or you’ve been chipping away at your to-do list for years, you probably know there’s room for improvement in your home’s energy efficiency. Figuring out where your house is losing cooled or experiencing heat loss from your furnace and what to do about it can benefit your comfort, your budget, and the resale value of your home. 

Sealing thermal leaks is an ideal place to begin. 

In this short guide, we’ll cover common sources of thermal leaks—including those you can find yourself and those that a professional energy audit can reveal.¹

#1 Old and Improperly Sealed Windows

No surprise here—windows are a common culprit of air loss. Older homes, in particular, may have windows that look lovely but perform very poorly. 

Is it possible your windows are the source of your steep energy bills? To find out, check for drafts and look for condensation on your window glass. 

Improvement options range from simple DIY to more comprehensive upgrades: 

• Use blinds or heavy drapes to block the sun when you’re looking to cool down, or use dark-colored curtains to absorb sunlight in cold temperatures.
• Add caulking and weatherstripping around windows for seasonal or long-term use.
• Apply sun-blocking window film.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient, low-emissivity windows.

Up to a third of your home’s energy leaks may come from windows and doors, so this is a great place to start.²

#2 Inefficient Doors

Wouldn’t it be nice if the only issue with doors was leaving them open or closed? As the largest intentional holes in your snug home, well-fit and well-constructed doors are critical to reducing unintentional airflow. Visually inspecting your doors and checking for drafts on a windy day is a good start to identifying a hidden leak. 

How can you improve the efficiency of your doors?

• Caulk any openings or cracks in the door frame
• Install door weatherstripping and gaskets
• Sew or buy “door snake” draft stoppers 
• Install new doors with higher energy efficiency
• Seal windows if your door has one

As always, buying new is your most expensive option, but if you decide to replace a door, it’s a great opportunity to consider what visual and security upgrades can be part of this investment.

#3 Un- or Under-Insulated Walls

Yes, you see a solid surface when you look at your wall, but walls themselves can be a common source of thermal energy leakage. These energy leaks will be a bit more challenging to detect without knowing the construction details of your house or scheduling a professional energy audit. 

Walls can be problematic based on: 

• The insulation level in your walls – Exterior walls should be fully insulated, but weak spots may connect walls to an attached home or garage. You can carefully investigate your insulation by way of electrical sockets—removing the cover and taking a look inside with a flashlight, or even pulling out some insulation to see what kind it is—but be sure to turn off your power first!³
• Thermal bridging – This refers to the fact that your walls are not made of pure insulation—they include wooden framing and studs, which conduct heat flow more easily than insulation. Without being skilled in construction and knowing the nitty-gritty of your home’s building specs, ordering a thermal imaging report as part of a home inspection or home energy audit is your best bet.

There are not as many DIY approaches to wall improvement as with other thermal leak offenders, but adding awnings over metal windows and doors can provide some help. 

#4 Electrical Outlets

They’re small but mighty—and they add up. Having even a ⅛ inch gap around six outlets is equivalent to chopping a four-inch hole in roof leaks, and the average American home today has up to 70 electrical outlets.⁴

The fix for air leakage around outlets is pretty straightforward—plug up any gaps with caulk or foam. (You can also use foam gaskets designed for outlets, but caulking and foam will provide a superior seal.)

If you take on the project yourself, there are some critical things to remember when conducting an air leak test: 

• Intumescent (fire-blocking) foam or caulk is best used around ceiling boxes.
• Although generally not required by code, intumescent materials are a good idea for wall outlets as well.
• You’re looking to seal up gaps outside of the box and where cables come into the box—never seal inside the electrical box. 

And, above all, turn off your power before working on any electrical project!

#5 Wide-Open Chimneys

Whether you like to enjoy the crackle of an occasional fire in your fireplace or you keep it full of decorative candles, your open chimney is more likely to be a full-time source of trouble in keeping the room at a comfortable temperature. 

The solution? A chimney balloon. Sounds like something from a children’s book, right? But a chimney balloon is pretty much what it sounds like: a filled bag placed in the chimney to block air from coming in or escaping. You can have one professionally installed or try a DIY version.⁵

Without taking measures to prevent air leakage, an open chimney can cause a heat leak or drain cooled air by up to 70%.⁶

#6 Air Ducts

Air ducts are the highways carrying heat or cool air to every room in your house. You want them to be secure, sealed, and insulated correctly to make sure they aren’t losing that heated or cooled air before it reaches its destination. 

The how-to principle of duct sealing isn’t complicated—what can make this a big job is the location of ducts and how difficult it may be to access them throughout your house. 

You may want to tackle part of the project on your own. Then, call in professionals for hard-to-reach surfaces inside of walls and ceilings and to perform a duck air leak test to confirm the leak detection is completed successfully.

To get started:

• Check your visible ducts to ensure they are connected and free of holes or gaps.
• Straighten or untangle any flexible parts that have become crushed or torn.
• Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to patch any holes or leaks where the air is escaping.
• Make sure connections where ducts vent into rooms are sealed well.
• Add duct insulation to any ducts that go through unheated/uncooled areas of the building to prevent them from affecting the air traveling through them.

One (ironic) thing to remember is that you should not use duct tape for this project! Although strong, duct tape cannot withstand the temperature difference needed for this purpose.

Up to 30% of the heated or cooled air moving through ducts can be lost in a typical house due to leaks and improper connections.⁷ But at their most efficient, your air ducts will keep your home at the temperature you desire without wasting energy and driving up your utility bill in the delivery process. 

#7 Poor Attic Ventilation

Okay, “ventilation” seems like the opposite of what we’re trying to accomplish by sealing up leaks throughout your home, but some types of air exchange are necessary to keep your home properly heated or cooled. 

Heat rises, and attic spaces without proper ventilation can trap that hot air—which is not a good outcome, whether you’re fighting the summer temperatures or worried about ice dams in the northern cold. 

Your attic needs insulation baffles (or “rafter vents”) in addition to a layer of insulation covering the attic floor to establish the right mix of outdoor airflow without losing your perfect indoor temperature in the stories below.⁶ For more helpful tips like preparing an attic for cold weather, visit Attic Construction for more information. 

#8 Insufficient Insulation

We’ve already covered the insulation behind your walls, but insulation also plays an important role in your basement and attic. Let’s go over some common attic insulation mistakes.

Insulation is the partner that goes hand-in-hand with air sealing to reduce thermal leaks in your home. 

Determining whether your home could use new or additional insulation—and, if so, what kind—requires some help and research. There are different life expectancies and price points to consider, plus issues like moisture resistance and maintenance. (You can find out more about how insulation is rated (the “R value”) in our blog “What is Insulation R Value? Why is it Important?”)

But first, how do you determine your home’s current insulation status and needs?

An energy audit with thermal imaging, or infrared thermography (IRT), is an ideal thermal leak detector. You can purchase a thermal imaging camera or device, but an expert audit will include professional knowledge of what to scan and how to interpret the thermal image results from the thermal camera, often at a low cost. 

Reap the Benefits of Tackling Thermal Leaks With Attic Construction

Addressing thermal leaks with air sealing and proper insulation is a high priority for the health of your home and your family. Like any great investment, it will yield benefits based on what you put into it. These include:

• Lower utility bills 
• Better indoor air quality
• Limited access for insects and other pests
• Prevention of construction damage related to moisture problems
• Improvement of your home’s resale value
• Restoration of unpleasant drafts and overly hot or cold rooms and floors
• Protection of your roof from winter ice dams 
• Environment sustainability with a lower carbon footprint 

Ready to get started? Attic Construction is a well-trusted company that has been providing high-quality service since 2011. Whether you need San Diego, Orange County or Phoenix insulation installation, we can help. We offer a number of different insulation installation services that not only protect your home but also save you money in the long run. Questions regarding how an attic fan works? We’ve got you covered. 

Request an appointment to have one of our professional insulation installers come to your residence and do a complete attic inspection, with absolutely no strings attached. Get your free consultation today. Call today to get your hidden leak under control! 

Sources: 

1. Energy Star Blog. Professional Home Energy Audits. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-audits/professional-home-energy-audits
2. Greener Ideal Blog. 5 Sources of Energy Leaks in Your Home. https://greenerideal.com/guides/home-improvement/5-sources-of-energy-leaks-in-your-home/
3. Energy Star Blog. What to Look For: DIY Checks and Inspections. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/identify_problems_you_want_fix/diy_checks_inspections
4. Family Handyman Magazine. Foam Outlet Insulation Stops Cold Air Coming Through Electrical Outlets. https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/outlet-insulation-stops-cold-air-coming-through-electrical-outlets/
5. EcoThrifty Living Blog. How to make a DIY chimney balloon. https://ecothriftyliving.com/2013/11/diy-chimney-balloon.html
6. Architect Magazine. Where’s the Leak? 5 Common Ways Homes Lose Energy in Winter. https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/wheres-the-leak-5-common-ways-homes-lose-energy-in-winter_o
7. Energy Star Blog. Duct Sealing. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/heating_cooling/duct_sealing

Energy costs make up a huge percentage of most household budgets—and those costs only rise when temperatures plunge and furnaces start kicking on. 

But you don’t have to sit back and watch your energy bill skyrocket. Preparing your attic space for cold air now is a great way to keep your heating costs down during those crisp winter months.

Keep reading for handy tips and tricks for preparing your attic for whatever weather winter has in store, from the cold climate to polar plunges and everything in between.

#1 Check Your Roof 

Your roof can get cluttered with all kinds of natural debris, but you shouldn’t let it sit there for too long. 

When leaves, twigs, branches, or pine needles pile up, they can trap water or other moisture on your roof that can cause thermal leaks in your attic. 

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can clear this debris away on your own. Otherwise, enlist the help of a professional.

#2 Fill Cracks 

Cracks and holes in your attic can be a big problem, no matter their size. Warm air escapes through them and your furnace has to work overtime to compensate, sending your energy bill through the roof (pun intended). 

Wondering how to find and seal cracks?

• Wait until a bright, sunny day. Then, look for places where sunlight is shining in from outside.
• If there’s sunlight coming in, it’s a pretty safe bet that air leakage is prevalent . 
• In most cases, you can fix this issue yourself by filling any cracks, holes, or gaps you find with caulk or sealant. 

#3 Investigate For Signs Of Infestation 

If you discovered holes and cracks in your attic, there’s a good chance that rodents and other critters are sneaking into your attic space. Signs of rodent infestation include:

• Droppings
• Urine
• Gnawed or chewed wood

Sealing holes and cracks will keep other critters from getting into your attic, but can also trap any that have already chosen your attic as a warm place to pass the winter. This can cause even bigger problems down the road, so you’ll want to get a pest control expert on-site ASAP. 

#4 Check Your Ventilation

The importance of proper attic ventilation cannot be overstated. 

In winter, moist air tends to travel to the upper reaches of your home. If your attic is plagued by shoddy attic ventilation, the accumulation of all that damp air can lead to serious problems like wood rot or even dangerous molds.¹ 

To be sure that your attic is properly ventilated, check for: 

• Signs of moisture – If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, you might notice signs of dampness or moisture that has collected there, such as damp or rotted rafters or ceiling joists, mold growth, or damage to existing insulation.
• Attic vents – Attic vents are typically required by most building codes, but it’s a good idea to check that these vents haven’t gotten clogged with leaves, twigs, loose fill insulation, or other refuse and that they are in good working condition.²

If you discover that your attic isn’t properly ventilated, you might look into installing additional vents or using an attic fan. For more information on how an attic fan works, visit Attic Construction today. 

#5 Inspect Your Insulation

Making sure that your attic is outfitted with adequate insulation can keep your energy costs low, keep your HVAC from overworking and wearing out prematurely, and even improve the air quality of your home, among other benefits.³

A good place to start is by checking your existing insulation’s R-Value, which indicates an insulation’s effectiveness—the more effective an insulation, the higher its R-Value. The R-Value that’s right for you can depend on many factors, like where you live and your HVAC system.⁴ 

But R-Value isn’t the only thing to consider. Here are other signs that your insulation might not be up to snuff:

• Draftiness or inconsistent temperatures throughout your house
• Air leaks  or water damage
• Overworking HVAC or higher than expected energy bills 
• Rodent or other animal infestations 

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to get a professional out to assess your attic insulation mistakes and remove and replace it as needed. 

Schedule Your Attic Inspection Now with Attic Construction

Winter will be here before you know it, so the time to start prepping your attic for cold air is now. 

Still, preparing an attic for cold can be a daunting and even stressful task, especially if your concerns are bigger than a few cracks or crevices. So why not let Attic Construction do it for you?

Questions about the R-Value of your current insulation or what R-Value is right for your home? We can tell you. Think your old insulation might be damaged or need to be replaced? Let us take a look. Our highly trained technicians are ready to answer all of your questions, and insulation is our specialty. 

Don’t wait until it’s the dead of winter and you’re shivering under a pile of every blanket you own due to heat loss. Request your inspection for proper insulation with Attic Construction today.

Sources:

1. Findlay Roofing. Tips For Preparing Your Attic For Winter. https://www.findlayroofing.com/news/tips-for-preparing-your-attic-for-winter
2. SFGate. How to Check Attic Ventilation. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/check-attic-ventilation-39941.html
3. ARS Rescue Rooter. The Benefits of Insulating Your Attic. https://www.ars.com/blog/the-benefits-of-insulating-your-attic
4. Energy.gov. Insulation. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/insulation

Imagine this: dollar bills are floating out of the top of your house as you read this. That’s basically what’s happening if you live in a home with an uninsulated attic space. You might as well flush a twenty down the toilet every time you use your heating or cooling system.

If you’re tired of losing money, all it takes is a layer of proper attic insulation. Just like that, your energy bills will be lower, and your everyday temperatures will be more comfortable.

We’ll walk through just how much money you can save by using the proper attic insulation for your home. Keep reading to learn more and start saving the next time you turn on the heat or air conditioning.

How Much Money Will Insulating Your Attic Save You?

Lining your old attic insulation with energy efficiency insulation is not only good for the environment but also your wallet. 

The EPA estimates that the typical American home can save about 15% in yearly heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their attic space.¹ The same report estimates that 90% of American homes are under-insulated. This means there’s a pretty good chance that your home could benefit from a proper insulation overhaul—don’t worry, it’s not just you. 

Let’s look at an example to see how much money you can save:

• The average monthly energy bill in the US is $115.²
• That means the average yearly cost is $1380.
• The average savings from insulating your attic is estimated at 15%.
• That means the average household would pocket just over $200 each year.

While $200 may not seem like a ton of money, it adds up over time. It’s also important to remember that a properly insulated attic is more resistant to environmental damage. Not only will you save on your energy bill but also on maintenance and repair costs to your home.

Why The Attic?

Your attic is vented to the outside, which allows hot and cold air into the space. This air travels down to the rest of your house and makes your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures.

By insulating your attic, you’re cutting off the problem at its source: the initial entry point.

When you insulate your attic, you prevent unconditioned air from seeping into the rest of your home. This prevents fluctuations in temperature, meaning your thermostat won’t constantly register every slight change and kickstart your heating or air conditioning.

How to Insulate Your Attic to Reduce Your Energy Bill

To maximize energy savings, there are several areas in your attic that you’ll need to focus on. Let’s take a look at each of them and discuss how to properly insulate these important areas:³

• Roof – Most attics have a slanted roof that either ends at floor level or in a short knee wall. As you can imagine, the roof is where your home loses the most energy. The amount of insulation you need for your roof will depend on where you live. Your home’s insulation R-value, or thermal resistance, should be somewhere between R-30 and R-60 based on the average temperature of the climate.

One important note about pitched attic storage ceilings is that you’ll need to install a baffle to allow for ventilation before putting in the proper insulation. Baffles may look like comically large egg cartons, but they have an important job. They ensure that air can still flow between the roof and the insulation you’ve installed. If you don’t install baffles, your roof can get too hot and will deteriorate more quickly, counteracting the value of a new sufficient attic insulation.

• Walls – You’ll want to add fiberglass insulation between the studs of your attic walls. This prevents cold or hot air from sneaking in where the roof meets the walls.
• Windows – If you have any windows in your attic, it’s important to ensure that all crevices around the windows are properly sealed. Caulking around windows only takes a few minutes, but this quick precaution yields major benefits. This simple task prevents both air and pests from getting into your attic.
• Floor – If you’re ever noticed temperature shifts in your house in the summer or winter, these are likely the result of hot or cold air sinking through your ceiling from the uninsulated attic above you. Maybe there’s one area in your living room that’s always freezing or a hot spot in the bedroom. If your attic has typically spaced floor joists, you can insulate by laying fiberglass insulation rolls between the joists. This will block the transfer of air from the attic to your living space and eliminate those hot and cold spots.

Get Help from the Professionals at Attic Construction

There’s really no downside to reducing your energy usage. It’s better for the environment, your energy costs, and your peace of mind—who doesn’t want that? 

If you want to reduce your energy and cooling bills by a sufficient attic insulation, the professionals at Attic Construction are always available to help. Our expert technicians know how to insulate against the tricky Arizona and California climates without breaking the bank. We’re ready to get started whenever you are!

Sources: 

1. Energy Star. Why Seal and Insulate? https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/why_seal_and_insulate
2. U.S. Energy Information Association. Today in Energy. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46276
3. Energy.gov. Where to Insulate in a Home. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/where-insulate-home

As a successful real estate agent, you do more than find homes for your clients. You provide insight into the intricacies of the housing market, a reliable voice of reason when it comes to cost and budget, and a helping hand when it’s time to ensure a house is primed for selling. 

As such, you must equip yourself with the right information to keep your clients ready for everything, from head to toe (or from roof to basement). That’s why it’s important to keep a running checklist of the processes and actions you must complete when helping a future homeowner search for their dream house, particularly when it comes to the house’s inspection.  

Follow along as we cast some light on a few of the must-haves on your real estate agent checklist, including meeting the client, arranging home tours, and securing a thorough home inspection.  

#1 Set Up a First Meeting

If you and your client aren’t aligned, you may be missing some serious items on your real estate agent buyer checklist. Before beginning the home search, request a meeting at a cozy coffee shop or neighborhood-favorite brunch spot to go over the buyer’s own checklist.

Some buyers may have more needs or desires than others. A meeting is a friendly way to get a sense of where the buyer is in the home buying process. It’s also a perfect opportunity to educate the buyer on need-to-know action points, including:

• Assessing their finances, homeowners insurance, and determining a budget
• Filing for mortgage pre-approval
• Saving for a down payment
• Saving for a home inspection

Remember, the client is hoping to find the best real estate buyer to fit their needs. Put your best foot forward by bringing along your buyer’s presentation. A buyer’s presentation should include:

• Information about your background and experience as a real estate professional
• Information about your company or brokerage
• Additional fun facts or material that shares what you bring to the table

By the end of the meeting, your new real estate agent checklist should be up-to-date with everything your client is looking for (along with a few other key details). 

#2 Hunt for Houses

Once you’re equipped with valuable information regarding your client’s real estate desires, it’s time to start house-hunting. 

As the homebuyer’s guide, it’s your job to bring unique expertise and local insight into the home search. While your client may be in the market for high ceilings or a finished basement, it’s important to always keep the homebuyer’s budget at the forefront of the search. Though it’s usually acceptable to go over or under by a few thousand dollars, be sure to keep your client informed of any pricing changes. 

Ensure your clients are up to date with local listings by checking the market daily, then usher them into a home visit or open house. You’ve got to snag those dream homes quickly!

When compiling a list of potential dream homes, do your research. Consider this real estate agent checklist for listings:

• Location – Try to find a few listings within close proximity to the buyer’s workplace or school to reduce the buyer’s potential commute times
• Livability – Note the listings’ proximity to outdoor recreation, shopping malls, and schools
• Home features – Are cabinets and appliances up-to-date or will they need an upgrade? Has your client factored remodels into their budget? Always be aware of your client’s top-list needs, too.

Be warned: Many homebuyers also fall under the spell of “shiny object syndrome.” That is, falling for a beautiful home far outside their budget. Sift through potential listings with a critical eye to avoid any disappointment or regret from the buyer.

#3 Arrange a Home Tour or Visit an Open House

You’ve compiled a list of beautiful homes and your client has loved the look of each one—fantastic! Now it’s time to arrange a home visit. 

Home visits allow your client the opportunity to walk through the space, see what the house has to offer, and take note of any details that may have gone unnoticed in listing photos. In particular, it’s important to look out for signs of potential underlying issues, including rodent infestations, inefficient HVAC systems, and improper insulation. 

With a rodent infestation, you may notice:

• Droppings under sinks or within drawers and cupboards
• Chewed holes along baseboards or behind cabinets 

While a professional inspection, such as the inspections offered by Attic Construction, will be necessary to help you accurately determine the quality of a home’s HVAC system and insulation, signs of inefficiencies can include: 

• Aggravated allergies or asthma 
• Headache
• Dust 
• Varying temperatures in the home

Real Estate Buyer To Do: After viewing each home, encourage your client to keep a written record of what they loved, what they didn’t love, and any potential issues. Doing this offers a smart way for your client to keep track of their home-buying journey. A written record of your client’s evolving tastes will also provide a helpful guide for you when scheduling future home visits. 

#4 Navigate Contracts and Transactions

Once the client finds their dream home and commits to a purchase, it’s the real estate professional’s job to guide them through contract negotiations and transactions.

In general, a real estate agent must:<sup<1

• Open an escrow account – The best way to ensure the buyer and seller both feel as though they’re being treated fairly during the closing process is to open a third-party escrow account to hold all money and documents related to the real estate transaction.
• Acquire title search – To provide some legal safety, it’s vital to acquire a title search This document ensures that the home purchase cannot be usurped by another party.
• Negotiate closing costs – Throughout the closing process, additional fees may build depending on appraisal review fees, home inspection costs, and processing fees. It’s the responsibility of the real estate agent to work out and manage these closing costs.

#5 Schedule a Home Inspection

Perhaps the most important item on the real estate closing checklist is scheduling and completing a home inspection. While home inspections aren’t mandatory, both real estate buyers and homeowners can significantly benefit from them. 

The purpose of a home inspection is to assess the house for major structural, mechanical, or safety issues. During the inspection, a professional will navigate through the home, visually identifying potential problems to report to the buyer.  

In particular, an inspector will look for seven key defects:

• Water damage
• Electrical damage
• Plumbing issues
• Structural damage, including damage to the foundation of the home
• Roof damage, including damage to attic insulation (or improper insulation) 
• Rodent infestation
• HVAC system damage or issues 

Unless it’s a safety issue, an inspector will not take cosmetic blemishes into consideration. 

Why is a Home Inspection Important?

A home inspection is a vital to-do when purchasing a home. If the house has damage or suffers from an issue such as a rodent infestation, it may be difficult for a buyer to find a lender willing to finance the home. This is because most mortgage lenders want to make sure the house is worth the amount of money they’re lending to the buyer. If there are major issues within the home, the lender’s appraisal value may decrease. 

A home inspection is also a wise asset for the home buyer as it provides them with an in-depth look of the house and a guide for necessary improvements. Not only can underlying issues cost the homeowner money in the long run, but they can also negatively impact the homeowner’s health and well-being. This is particularly true in the case of rodent infestations, improper attic insulation, and polluted or damaged ductwork. 

Rodent Infestations

Even if the typical signs of a rodent infestation aren’t visible during a home tour, rats, mice, and other pests may have nevertheless invaded the home. A thorough attic inspection by the professionals at Attic Construction can determine the level of infestation and the amount of decontamination required. 

With a rodent infestation, cleaning the home does little to address the underlying issue. For effective rodent removal and home decontamination, specialty equipment must be used. This equipment also eliminates lingering, unseen dangers, such as fungi, germs, bacteria, and parasites, which can lead to: 

• Bacterial disease
• Respiratory disease
• Viral disease

Improper Attic Insulation 

If a home doesn’t have proper attic insulation, air from inside the home can escape, costing the homeowner thousands of dollars a year in energy bills. Plus, without proper insulation, a home becomes harder to cool in the hot summer months, and more difficult to warm during frigid winters, creating an uncomfortable living experience for the homeowner. 

Polluted Air Ducts

When air ducts and HVAC systems aren’t regularly cleaned, they fill with dust and debris. Over time, this can lead to:

• Poor air quality – Unclean HVAC systems circulate dust, debris, and other particulates throughout the home. This not only aggravates allergies and asthma, but it can also lead to headaches, stuffy noses, and other cold symptoms. 
• Inefficient air circulation – When air ducts are blocked with dust and debris, HVAC systems have to work that much harder to operate effectively. This leads to higher energy bills for the homeowner, and a shorter HVAC system lifespan. 

Fortunately, when a home inspection can identify these issues, the buyer can then renegotiate their offering price or request that a trusted company make improvements to the home. 

Add Attic Construction To Your Checklist

In addition to shiny new kitchen appliances, spacious closets, and decorative crown moldings, a dream home must also boast a strong, effective foundation free of rodents, dust, and other dangerous contaminants. Plus, with proper attic insulation and a clean HVAC system, a dream home can keep the homeowner cool in the summers, warm in the winters, and breathing easily all year round. 

Before committing to a home, trust the professionals at Attic Construction to provide a thorough inspection and resolve underlying issues that can cost buyers their money, as well as their health. Whether it’s rodent removal and decontamination, insulation installation, or HVAC cleaning and repair, Attic Construction delivers quality work you can rely on for years to come. Save time, hassle, and money with Attic Construction. 

Sources: 

1. Investopedia. How to Get Pre-Approval for a Mortgage. https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage-preapproval-4776405
2. Investopedia. 12 Steps of a Real Estate Closing. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/10/closing-home-process.asp 

Insulating your attic can lower your energy bills and keep you comfortable year-round. But for many homeowners, tackling the issues with attic insulation can be a daunting task full of unknowns. Factors involved in ensuring proper insulation include product choice, installation methods, and hazard prevention. 

Without expert help, it’s easy to make potentially dangerous or costly mistakes on existing insulation.

These five attic insulation installation tips will help you to better understand the installation process, make smart choices for your home, and ensure effective insulation installation. 

#1 Select the Right Product

The two most common insulation materials are fiberglass and cellulose, which feature different benefits and drawbacks.

• Fiberglass insulation is a smart energy-saver and very long-lasting, but attempting to install it yourself can be dangerous
• Cellulose is inexpensive and a very messy and difficult insulation to install which can also be prone to infestation and mold when installed incorrectly. 

With so many pros and cons to weigh, it can be helpful to get the opinion of a professional insulation contractor who can cater their advice to your specific needs. An insulation contractor could help you to decide between cellulose insulation, fiberglass batt insulation, fiberglass roll insulation, and other options like spray foam insulation.

#2 Be Mindful of Health Concerns

Your attic’s insulation could be full of disease-causing materials without you even knowing.

What are the risks? Let’s take a look.

Rodent Infestations

Rat infestations are common in insulated attics. Rats are exceptionally skilled at nesting and leaving droppings in hard-to-reach places. Rat feces and urine contain allergens and pathogens that are harmful to humans if inhaled. In addition, the following viral and bacterial diseases can be transmitted by common rodents:¹

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
• Leptospirosis
• The Plague
• Rat-Bite Fever
• Salmonellosis
• Colorado Tick Fever
• Lyme Disease
• Rickettsialpox

The presence of rats also encourages excess moisture, which can lead to mold growth.

Mold, Mildew, and Fungi

Mold can develop on nearly any surface, including insulation, drywall, paint, dust, and even your attic space! If there is excess moisture anywhere, mold spores are sure to follow.

Presence of Asbestos 

Asbestos can go relatively unnoticed for quite some time until it’s too late. Having a professional check for asbestos and properly remove any trace of it will saving you thousands of dollars in the long run. 

The Need for Decontamination and Cleanup

In any and all cases where attic decontamination is needed, the process should be handled by a professional wearing the proper protective gear. Even entering the contaminated attic space poses serious risk to people unfamiliar with adequate insulation cleanup.

Many homeowners who attempt to remove old insulation will carry the bacteria, virus, and mold-filled material out of their attic and through their house to get rid of it. This could potentially expose your entire family to the disease-causing agents lingering in the insulation material.

#3 Prevent Under- and Over- Insulating

It takes a practiced hand to strike the perfect balance between insulation that’s thick enough to properly retain heat and insulation that’s too thick, restricting ventilation.

Some people, particularly those attempting to DIY their attic cleanup, may assume that too much insulation material is better than too little. However, an excess of home insulation can negatively impact the productivity of your home’s HVAC system. Restricted ventilation in attic areas can result in reduced airflow, and heat loss throughout the entire household. This reduction in active airflow can lead to further problems, such as moisture buildup and mold growth.

Further, the extra efforts exerted by the HVAC system to circulate air can unnecessarily increase energy consumption and bill costs.

#4 Ensure Lower Energy Costs

Proper home insulation can be key to lowering electricity and heating costs. Attics and crawl spaces are frequently neglected areas of the home, but they are crucial to maintaining a tight thermal envelope. Proper air sealing and insulation in attics make it easier for temperature and air quality regulation systems to maintain a steady and comfortable, adequate insulation  environment. 

When heating and cooling systems do not have to fight against the outside temperature and air leaks, they use less energy. When they use less energy, you pay less for energy. Cost-effective insulation, made simple. 

#5 Get the Job Done Right

Without the proper knowledge and tools, handling a blown insulation project by yourself can be extremely difficult and hazardous. 

However, attempting to contract out to multiple different services for the same job can be costly, bothersome, and time-consuming.

So, what’s the solution?

Hire a professional who can tackle all aspects of the job, from appraisal to insulation removal, extermination to decontamination, and finally to insulation installation. 

Don’t Go It Alone—Trust Attic Construction!

Now that you’ve read the insulation tips Attic Construction has to offer, we bet you’re eager to tackle the job with professional help.

Whether you are unsure what material would be the best replacement for old insulation, are worried about a potential rodent infestation, or are just confused about where to start, Attic Construction has the insulation installation expertise for you.

Let Attic Construction take care of the attic cleaning and insulating process from start to finish. That way, your attic’s new insulation will make your home as comfortable and efficient as possible.

We also provide Orange County, San Diego or Phoenix insulation removal, installation & rodent proofing, we are always here to help.

Sources: 

1. CDC. Diseases from rodents. www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/index.html/