Given the general nature of an attic, it’s easy for most homeowners to pretend or forget that it’s there. Unfortunately, that dank, dusty space above our heads needs regular attention.
Unless you use the attic as storage or condition the attic as extra living space, you may not realize that a healthy attic is an important part of your home.
Not only does a well-maintained attic create a more comfortable living space, but neglecting problems in it can lead to expensive repair bills.
If you’ve been ignoring your attic for the last decade or so, here are 5 reasons why you should consider hiring a local attic cleaning service near you to give your attic the deep clean it deserves.
1. You May Need to Install New Insulation
A house that is properly insulated maintains a steady temperature that’s a lot more comfortable than outside, regardless of the season.
Old insulation can degrade over time, but it’s a gradual process that happens over decades. Still, it’s a good idea to have your attic insulation checked by a professional insulation installation service. Older homes with insulation that is approaching its second decade could benefit from a refresh.
Many attic cleaning services will remove the old insulation for you and replace it with new, as well as check out your attic for other improvements you can make to improve the insulation’s efficiency.
Some older homes don’t have insulation. In this case, you should ask the attic cleaning service near you about their insulation installation services.
2. An Increase in Energy Bills
When insulation is compromised, it can reflect on your energy bill. If you’ve started noticing that your house is warmer or cooler during the summer and winter than it usually is while the thermostat remains unchanged, it could be a problem with your insulation.
While it takes a while, old insulation can compress. Fiberglass batts get a lot of their insulating power from their thickness. They are not as effective at preventing heat transfer into the home when they are compressed (or the reverse in winter).
You may not need to have the old insulation removed, as attic insulation services will often lay new stuff over the top to boost your attic’s insulating powers.
3. Developing Respiratory Problems
Your home’s roof is exposed to the elements 24/7. Contraction and expansion from temperature extremes, hail, and wind can all cause your roof to develop gaps and cracks that let moisture through.
Sometimes the cracks are small enough that it can take months or years before you notice a problem. A small leak that lets moisture into the attic can soak into the insulation and wood in the attic and lead to a mold outbreak.
If mold is allowed to build up to sufficient levels, the spores can get into the home through the air conditioning ducts. People with allergies who are sensitive to spores can develop respiratory problems. Spores that reach significant enough levels can even cause health problems in those that are not normally sensitive to such things.
If you suddenly notice unexplained respiratory issues, runny noses, or watery, itchy eyes, and it’s not the season for such things, it could mean there is a mold outbreak hidden away in your attic.
Structural problems are another issue caused by too much moisture in the attic. If enough water gets into the timber joists and rafters, it can lead to wood rot that will weaken your home’s structural integrity. At best, you’ll have to pay for an expensive repair. At worst, you will be dealing with a collapsing roof.
4. Strange Stains on Your Walls
Moisture in your attic usually leads to a mold outbreak that manifests as health issues. However, the moisture can also seep into your walls, where mold will quickly take advantage and use it to spread.
If you notice strange stains on your ceiling or walls, it’s likely you have a leak in your roof that is causing problems in your attic. You should never ignore these signs as they won’t go away on their own and will need an attic cleaning service that also specializes in mold remediation.
5. Foul Odors
You can have a spotless home with clean gutters and good plumbing, but there’s still a strange, pervasive odor that you can’t get rid of. The issue could be coming from your attic.
Buildup of dust, debris, rodent droppings, urine, dead animals, and mold can all contribute to the funny smell that’s leaking into the living space from the attic above.
A thorough cleaning of the attic will reveal what’s causing the smell and, most importantly, will get rid of it. If the odor is from pests or mold, a clean-up and decontamination will remove the odors and do some rodent proofing so there is no more risk of them creating a potential contamination hazard.
6. There are Signs of Pests
A rodent infestation in the attic that’s left unchecked will quickly spill into your living area as the vermin venture out to hunt for food around your home. You may not notice an odor, but you might see signs of rodent droppings and chewed packets of food in your pantry. Mice and rats are not the only pests that will hole up in your attic.
You may also get snakes, squirrels, and raccoons visiting as well. Getting every inch of your attic cleaned and decontaminated is the first step. You will then need to take steps to ensure your attic is protected against repeat infestations.
7. Too Much Junk
A lot of homeowners will use the attic as their storage space of last resort. When you have unwanted items you don’t know what to do with, the attic is often the place where it ends up because it’s out of the way and you don’t have to think about it again.
Unfortunately, a lot of junk in your attic can lead to other problems. Leather and fabrics can go moldy and create odors. Rodents will have many more nooks and crannies to hide and build nests. Pests will also chew on your stored items to create an even bigger mess.
Looking at a decade’s worth of stored storage that’s most likely not worth keeping can seem overwhelming. A professional attic clean is an excellent option for getting it cleaned out in a fraction of the time you can do it yourself.
Don’t let your attic issues go unnoticed because of neglect. Call a local attic cleaning service to get the job done quickly and without fuss. And don’t forget to take advantage of our no-obligation free estimate to find out how affordable it can be.
