The problems homeowners are facing that come from the attic or crawlspace of their homes have been increasing. This is probably due to the larger home sizes, longer working days for the family, and that home maintenance tasks are just never in proper style. Whatever the cause problems for these homeowners to be overlooked, we set you up with some simple tips to prevent these attic health problems.
What is in the Attic?
Many times when we think of the attic we instantly think of insulation and HVAC efficiency, but there is a lot more to the attic than just that. Many problems can come from the attic due to the complex space we have created over our heads. Just the fact that no humans want to go up there has made the attic an attractive space for pests. Out of sight, out of mind, which included all your HVAC system, ventilation ducts, recessed can lighting, large pipes, and electrical wiring. Are you connected throughout your home? Even your wifi and cable could be routed through your attic or crawl space.
DIY Attic Project or Call an Attic Professional?
It can easily become a mess up in the attic! This is why we say that modern attics need professional attention. Most attic problems today should not be addressed with a DIY mentality. So, especially if you have not been in your attic in a long time, call a professional attic company to assess your problems with an inspection.
What does an Attic & Crawl Space Inspector Do?
An inspection covers many issues, and the inspector can help you make the decision on the project’s needs. Also after a professional assessment, you’ll know if you can still DIY the workload or not. After an inspection, you make the decisions! If the inspector says the problem is not serious or that the area is safe, then you can venture up there without fear of a pest attack or serious health risks from mold.
When Should I Call for an Attic Inspection?
Whenever you feel you have an issue coming from the attic that makes you feel worried, we suggest you call a professional first. Beyond that, many value maintenance and prevention. So we suggest being a diligent homeowner and recommend doing a self-inspection of your home and attic regularly. Here are some things you can do to self-inspect your home before the call to an attic inspection company.
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Walk Around the Home Visually Inspecting Around Pipes and Vents:
If you regularly inspect your pipes and ventilation points just from the visual inspection. You can prevent problems before they get worse as they go unnoticed. A visual inspection would include looking at all exposed pipes and vents in the home, making sure there are no water leaks, cracks, or signs of pest damage. Also, check to make sure vents are properly keeping moisture out with the slats pointing down, not up! In this inspection, also check for cracks or damage around the home, especially looking for any signs of pests or mold.
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Check for Pest Droppings or Damages from Pest Infestation:
In your visual inspection, please look for any signs of pests. Look for gnawing marks on vent covers, walls, framework, wires, or around pipes. Make sure to look for any pest waste; pest excrement often looks like uniform little pellets. Often in pest infestations, they will make nests or bite through materials, such as ventilation or insulation, to repurpose as living space. If you see any of these signs, call an attic professional before going into the attic or crawlspace.
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Mold Odor or Other Musty Smells:
Yes, this is the smell inspection test. Different from the visual inspection as you don’t need to do much but determine if areas in the home smell like mold or give off an unpleasant smell. The mold smell is an immediate sign you will not want to do this project without a professional inspection first. If the smell is not mold, it could be a smell from pests’ waste or remains. Again, if there is pest waste in your attic and it smells bad, you are also going to want to
Weather Stripping Windows and Doors
When you do the visual inspection, check the status of your weather stripping on both windows and doors. While this may seem like a small air leak issue, many homes waste a good portion of their HVAC efficiency on common air leaks. All weatherstrips properly installed are an investment in savings. When looking at doors, also consider doggy doors as an air leak possibility; if it needs to be replaced, do it, as this can be a massive air leak.
Considering the Age of Your Home
If your home is over 25 years old, chances are your home could have more dangers. If you have asbestos, for example, you definitely do not want to go into the attic and stir it up. Call a professional if you are unsure if you have a home with asbestos. Other issues can be that electrical needs updating due to frayed wires or gauge of the wires used. In addition, older homes often do not have proper insulation, so getting an inspection from a reputable company could lead to getting a quote to resolve this, making your home more efficient. Often attic professionals will offer FREE attic inspections, so be sure to employ their services even if you plan to DIY.