Watch Out for These 4 Attic Issues

Your attic can be a very easy part of your home to overlook, especially if you only visit it every so often for storage purposes. However, even if you don’t use your attic on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to go and inspect it every so often to make sure it’s free of common attic issues.

While most homeowners wouldn’t consider themselves to be home inspection experts, these are some common attic problems that you can spot without any special training.

1. Pest Infestations

Insects and small creatures (including rats, raccoons, and squirrels) can make a comfortable home for themselves in your attic if left undisturbed. When you inspect your attic, be on the lookout for animal droppings or anything that looks like it may have been chewed or clawed, including your attic’s insulation. Rats, in particular, are notorious chewers.

Checking for termite damage is also important. Inspect your attic for weak or hollow wood. If you hear clicking noises, that’s probably the sound of termites chewing.

2. Exposed Electrical Wires

It isn’t unusual or dangerous for your attic to contain electrical wires. However, if those wires have not been properly secured or if their copper has become exposed due to corrosion or pests, those wires can become a safety hazard. If you find exposed or damaged wires in your attic, for your safety, it’s best to contact an electrician to repair and secure the wires.

3. Insulation Problems

Attics are prone to a number of insulation problems. The most common problem is inadequate insulation that ends up causing higher heating and cooling bills. Another problem is damage to insulation from rodents and raccoons that tear it apart to build their homes. In addition, some older homes still contain asbestos, which brings with it a number of health risks. To learn more about the condition of your attic’s insulation and how best to improve it, it’s wisest to consult a professional.

4. Roof Leaks

What starts as a leak in the roof of your attic can eventually become a problem for the rooms below. Water damage from leaks can also contribute to mold and mildew growth, as well as pest infestations.

Bring a good source of light if your attic doesn’t have one already, and inspect the ceiling, beams, and walls. Look for telltale signs such as stains and warped or bubbling spots on the ceiling.

If you suspect that your attic has water damage or if your attic needs to be deep-cleaned, GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration is ready to provide you with an effective, bio-safe solution.

4 Common Problems to Find in Your Attic

For most homeowners, the attic is just a dark, creepy place to keep the stuff that you will probably never use again. It is nothing more than an afterthought... until there is a problem that is. For something that receives so little attention, attics have the potential to open the door to a lot of issues in the home.

Here are four of the most common problems you might run into in your attic:

1. Mold Growth

If you think back to your middle school science class, you will remember that warm air rises. You will also recall that warm air holds more moisture than cold air does. The warm, moist air in your home generated from cooking, showering, and even breathing rises to your attic, where it invites mold to grow. Mold can cause structural damage to your home and even affect the health of your family.

2. Animal Infestation

The question often isn't “are there pests in my attic?”, it's “what kind of pests are in my attic?”. It is not uncommon for a variety of critters to infest your living space and make it their own. Some animals commonly found in residential attics include squirrels, raccoons, mice, rats, bats, birds, and bugs.

3. Poor Insulation

The attic is one of the primary sources of heat loss during the winter months. Warm air rises to the top of your home, and if it isn't properly insulated, all that money you spend on heating is going right out the window – err, roof.

4. Insufficient Ventilation

If you don't have a source of ventilation in your attic, you are doing a disservice to your home and family. A well-ventilated attic can eliminate excess moisture to prevent mold, keep your cooling costs down during the summer by removing hot air, and improve your indoor air quality.

Are you experiencing any of these problems in your Long Island home? Call the attic cleaning experts at GreenPro Cleaning &Restoration! Whether you have mold, pests, extra junk, or anything else you need to get rid of, we can do it in a quick, safe, environmentally-friendly manner. We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, give us a call today at (631) 940-8100.