ATTIC MAINTENANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS
Attics are typically the best place where you can store unused items or a location where you can hide wires. Attic cleaning might not be for everyone.
However, if this is often forgotten, and is not cleaned on a regular basis, dust, mold, and allergens & pests will begin to nest. That is why hiring a skilled professional is the perfect way to clean an attic & take the dirty work off your hands.
A scheduled attic cleaning keeps the house in good shape and can also save you money in the long run. Start by calling attic cleaning specialists, and have them complete these attic maintenance steps.
REPLACE OLD ATTIC INSULATION, & INSTALL NEW INSULATION
First thing to do is to check the insulation. Check if there is any damage caused by water or signs of pest infestation. It is necessary to address and repair these issues as soon as possible. Damaged or old insulation can greatly affect your energy bills.
Water leaks are one of the most common causes of insulation damage. Mold can grow as a result of leaks, and if not treated, it can spread across the home.
If your discover mold or other mysterious organic compounds, consult a professional for further monitoring and mitigation measures. Mold can be harmful. It can cause health issues if not properly removed.
Attic insulation is very important during the winter season. Heat will rise straight through the floor of an uninsulated attic, forcing the heating system to work extra hard to maintain warmth in your house.
SEAL HOLES and GAPS
It is recommended to check your attic during the day. This will speed up the process. Look for streams of light through cracks or holes. Seal those holes/gaps right away.
A major contributing factor to why your attic has holes is the age of the house and the materials used. Strong wind is also a contributing factor.
Air leaks can create moisture condensation within the attic during hot weather, eventually running any exposed wood framing elements and the roof’s underlayment. Furthermore, rodents that travel through power lines or over tree branches will breach your home through tiny holes in the attic, so attic sealing is an important step in rodent proofing your home.
ATTIC VENTILATION
Attic vents are not the same as cracks or leaks. To keep rats out, vents are usually closed with wire mesh, and airflow is powered by an attic fan. At the very least, have your attic maintenance professional ensure that the air ducts from your HVAC system, as well as your bathroom and kitchen vent fans, are fully filtered outside. Do not simply ventilate all that moist air into the attic.
You should also ensure that all vents are clear and that air can circulate easily during the attic cleaning process. Condensation may form as a result of trapped air, providing another perfect environment for mold to grow.
Soffit vents may become blocked at the back by insulation. To remedy this you can install baffles to keep them clear. Furthermore, the sheeting under ridge vents can be cut back by at least three inches to allow for better airflow.
Check the roof vents for any bird or animal nests that may block them. Inspect and clean them if needed. Moist air can be trapped inside the attic if your bath fans are not vented to the outside.
Many homeowners’ to-do lists typically don’t include an annual attic cleaning and inspection. As neglected as it is, the attic is a vital aspect of the house and is often the first place to show signs of needing repairs and maintenance.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO DO THIS MYSELF, OR SHOULD I HIRE A PROFESSIONAL?
The first step is to determine what kind of cleaning your attic needs.
The attic, like the other areas of your home, must be regularly cleaned & maintained. Here are some of the reasons why attic cleaning is so important:
- Enhances Indoor Air Quality
- Keep Pests At Bay
- Maximize Storage Space
- Boost Energy Efficiency.
Nearly 9 out of 10 people are exposed to air pollution levels that put them at increased risk for diseases including heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and pneumonia.”
According to the World Health Organization,
That’s why it is important to keep your attic clean. Improve your health, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your house more comfortable to live in. It’s better to check your attic once a year to see if it needs cleaning, so make a note of it on your calendar so you don’t forget to add it to your to-do list!