Tips for Maintaining Your Attic

When you clean your home, there is one very important part you are most likely forgetting—the attic.

Even if your attic is not lived in like the other rooms in your home, it is still important to make sure you are regularly maintaining it. Problems in the attic can lead to other issues, so it is important to monitor it and make sure it stays clean.

Are there signs of moisture in your attic?

Did you know that moisture problems in your home can originate from your attic? A foggy window or damp spot on the ceiling can be caused by condensation from your attic, which can lead to insulation damage or even mold and mildew inside your home if not addressed.

Moisture can occur when warm, damp air enters your attic and can’t escape. If your house has poor ventilation, moisture created from showers, humidifiers, and dishwashers can become trapped and begin to cause a variety of issues. Here are some signs that may point to moisture in your attic:

• A musty smell
• Mold
• Foggy windows
• Water from bathroom vent or fans

So, how do you prevent it from happening in the first place? One of the easiest ways to prevent moisture in your attic is to keep moisture out of your home. You should also ensure that your house is well ventilated, especially your bathroom and dryer vents. Good insulation and ventilation throughout your home and your attic is your best defense against the formation of moisture.

Have you checked your insulation?

Not only does your attic insulation help prevent moisture, it is also a key factor in determining the temperature of your house. Insulation is what keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so it is vital to make sure there are no cracks or missing areas. The insulation should be flush with the floorboards and cover the entire floor.

Proper insulation in the attic ensures your heating and cooling system won’t have to do extra work to keep your house at the right temperature. Taking good care of your attic’s insulation will be reflected in your utility bill!

What about pests?

Attics are often overlooked when it comes to regular maintenance and cleaning. This out-of-sight, out-of-mind perspective can lead to big problems, including bugs or critters.

Rodents are especially known for causing chaos in attic spaces. Their feces and urine can ruin insulation, baseboards, and framing. They are also notorious for chewing and gnawing through electrical wires, which can lead to a fire. If you suspect electrical damage, be sure to contact your electrician immediately.

Preventing pests

Here are some ways to prevent unwelcome guests from finding their way into your attic.

• Make sure it is dry. Most pests coming to your attic are looking for water. By having proper ventilation and making sure your roof does not have any leaks, your attic will become a lot less appealing to those vandalizing vermin.
• Be cautious of carpet. Carpet can be is a perfect breeding ground for dirt, mold, and mildew. These conditions are likely to attract insects and other critters. Remove carpeting from your attic floors and store area rugs in a different place to ensure pests aren’t using them while you’re storing them.
• Put things in plastic. Cardboard boxes are a favorite food for pests, especially termites and roaches. Storing your things in plastic boxes keeps critters from finding a quick meal in your attic.

Removing pests

Rats, mice, squirrels, and bats are some of the most common critters to find in your attic. Here are some easy things you can do to make sure these pests know their stay is over.

• Buy traps for rats, mice, and even squirrels
• Remove a bat yourself or contact a professional
• Call a pest control specialist to take care of rats, mice, or squirrels

Now that you have a pest-free attic, don’t forget to clean, sanitize, and make sure all possible entry holes are sealed.

Attic inspection professionals recommend that you inspect and clean your attic twice a year, once just before winter and again in the spring.