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!