crawl space insulation
By Ross Taylor Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Clean and Dry: Why You Should Consider Installing a Moisture Barrier in Your Crawl Space

Ever ventured into the dark recess under your home and found wet spots or creatures? If so, you know crawl space insulation is important.

Never had that experience? Let’s make sure you never meet a rodent or water leak when examining pipes, or storing boxes in the crawl space.

The crawl space is the area underneath the floor of your home. There isn’t much height, usually enough room to crawl. Most people consider it extra storage space, but it’s more than that.

The area is part of your house structure. It allows air to circulate through the home. It provides access to pipes, electrical systems, and ductwork for maintenance or repair.

A clean, insulated crawl space is essential for an efficient home. Let’s take a look at the benefits of proper crawl space insulation.

Improve Your Home’s Structural Integrity

It’s important to insulate the crawl space to keep the home structure sound. If moisture builds up inside the crawl space it could spread into the walls.

A lot of water could warp your floors. Mold and mildew grow in damp areas. Groundwater can damage a crawl space.

Vapor barriers and insulation maintain the structural integrity of your home. It protects it from air pollutants, rodents, and termites.

When a structure is sound you can use the area under it for storage. That’s another benefit.

Gain More Storage Space in Your Home

Why rent space at a local warehouse when you can keep possessions close at hand for free? If your crawl space is gross, wet or home to rodents you can’t use it as free storage space.

Invest in a professional crawl space clean up to remove debris and old insulation. If the area is clean and easy to access you can store seasonal items, tools, toys, and more. 

Crawl space storage eliminates clutter inside your home. You also save the cost and travel time spent on an off-site mini-warehouse unit. Clean and update your crawl space for convenient storage at home.

Crawl Space Insulation Removes Moisture

You don’t want to store anything in a dark, wet space. The main focus of an update to a crawl space is the elimination of water.

Water gathers under your home due to natural groundwater, rainwater, and condensation. All water threatens the home.

As mentioned earlier, a wet foundation is at risk. Moisture also causes rust on your duct work. Clean up and insulation takes care of most water issues.

There are two types of crawl spaces: ventilated and unventilated. Each situation requires a certain kind of insulation. Ventilated spaces help to eliminated moisture.

Unventilated spaces shouldn’t insulate the subfloor between floor joists. In both cases, a vapor barrier over the dirt floor adds protection from groundwater.

The main thing is to identify the source of the moisture problem. If it’s due to poor ventilation, add the plastic vapor barrier on the floor. When water leaks through the foundation get professional help to repair it.

After repairing the foundation cracks, take preventative measures. A French drain around the home’s perimeter can move water away from the foundation.

Crawl spaces are in the exact place water runoff is common: underneath the home. Dirt floors add to the problem. Moisture and mold favor the wet dirt.

Moisture buildup can attract termites. They love eating damp wood. Termites cause damage at an alarming rate.

That’s another reason a vapor barrier is vital to ending moisture build up in the basement.

Reduce Rodent Invasions

Do you know who likes dark humid places? Raccoons, squirrels, snakes, chipmunks, rabbits, and possums. Critters like living under your home.

Old boxes and piles of junk appeal to rodents. A crawl space is a place to have babies, store food, and shelter.

That cute chipmunk isn’t so cute when he gnaws through your electrical wires or ductwork. Do you want squirrels in your walls?

When rodents live in your crawl space they leave their scent. The smell attracts other creatures. If you don’t want generations of rats living under your home, insulate your crawl space.

Insulation removes the things rodents like. Don’t forget to block entrance areas. Cover ventilation openings with wire that keeps animals out, but lets air flow.

Proper insulation recognizes risks and eliminates situations that attract rodents and other pests.

Improve Energy Efficiency

In older homes, the crawl spaces aren’t heated unless a homeowner updated it. Most have a dirt or gravel floor. These conditions can make it harder to heat your house in an efficient manner.

If your crawl space doesn’t stop cold air from getting into your home, your heating system works harder.

Insulation keeps the cold air in the crawl space. You’ll need insulation under the floor. Insulate any ductwork or pipes that enter the house from the crawl space.  This prevents cold air leaks, plus the pipes won’t freeze in cold weather.

Think of crawl space insulation as an extension of your whole house insulation. If you ignore it, you’ll lose heat and cool air through the floor. Your HVAC system must then work harder to keep your home comfortable.

The right insulation reduces the amount of heat lost through the floor. It helps you control the temperature in your home. It also reduces your energy costs.

Call the Experts for Professional Insulation

Crawl space insulation protects your home from mold, mildew, termites, and rodents. It’s a smart way to make your home energy-efficient and comfortable. 

Call the experts at Attic Solutions. Let the pros remove and dispose of old insulation. We’ll clean your crawl space and protect it with proper insulation.

After installation, it’s important to maintain the area under your home. We offer a checkup service and routine maintenance.

Visit  Attic Solutions for a free estimate. Let us know if you have other concerns. We’re happy to answer any and all questions.

attic vents
By Ross Taylor Construction 0 Comments

Do You Need to Cover Your Attic Vents in the Winter?

Worried about those attic vents?

Did you know that approximately 2% of building fires happen in the attic? That’s about 200 residential fires that happen each year because of a problem in the attic. Other significant problems in your attic may include black mold, mildew, or pests.

The best way to stay away from these problems is to understand the purpose of your attic and how to maintain it. In the sections below, we’ll dispel the myths of when closing the attic vents is warranted along with other common attic misconceptions. Read on.

Attic Vents 101

Why does your attic have vents anyway? Most people know that attics help your house release excess heat during summer months. The attic acts as an intermediate layer. It bars the heat of your sun-drenched roof from the rest of your home.

The vents allow the super-heated air to flow out. Then, cooler air from outside sneaks in to replace it. In that way, it keeps your house cooler and your heating bills down.

It only seems logical that closing those same vents during the winter would help keep the warm air inside. That would, of course, reduce your heating bills and keep your home at a cozy temperature.

But there’s more to this puzzle, as you’ll discover in the sections below.

Is More Attic Ventilation Better?

Just as you would size a furnace or air conditioner for your home, you also size your attic. You want a precise amount of ventilation to keep your home properly heated and cooled. If you have too much or too little, you’ll end up with energy inefficiency and moisture problems.

The same can be said of roof ventilation. Just as with space, too much or too little space will cause major problems.

Roof vents create additional access points for moisture to seep in and leaks to occur. Some vents are necessary. But if you needlessly increase your roof penetrations, you run greater risks:

  • Moisture damage
  • Higher cooling bills
  • Blowouts during strong winds
  • Sparks entering and causing a fire

So, how do you know how much ventilation you need? Without exception, speak to a professional contractor or architect. In general, homes need a ratio of 1:300.

For every 300 square feet of ceiling, you want 1 square foot of ventilation in your attic. Other factors to include are resistance and interference from things like grates, which impede air flow. That means that your entire vent opening doesn’t count as ventilated space.

Are Vents Only for Warm Climates?

Your roof ventilation can increase your energy efficiency during the summer. We discussed that earlier. What we didn’t mention was insulation, sun exposure, and shingle type are exponentially more important factors.

If they determine the dollars you save, your vents determine the cents.

Even if you own an old home that doesn’t have roof vents, installing vents may not be your best option. There are other, lower-risk, cost-effective ways to decrease your homes cooling bills.

But are air vents necessary in cold climates? Yes, they’re paramount, even if they require you to occasionally get rid of attic pests.

You see, the colder your climate, the higher the chance your home will benefit from ventilation. The colder it gets, the more you’ll have to contend with condensation. And condensation can be a home destroyer.

If your attic already has ventilation, it doesn’t have the high-rated rigid insulation you need for a closed attic. This insulation prevents condensation from seeping into your roof sheathing. It can cause mold, mildew, and even roof seepage.

Take into consideration how dew forms on the grass in the morning when cool, moist air hits warm sunlight. The warm air from your ceiling causes the same effect.

Over time, this condensation can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Worse yet, black mold can have severe health consequences. That includes everything from allergies to pulmonary hemorrhages. It’s well worth it to keep those vents open and keep moisture out during the winter.

Doesn’t Warm Air Release Through Attic Vents in the Winter?

This is a common misconception. Because heat rises, people believe that ventilating your attic during the winter must mean you are letting hot air out. Which, in theory, would lead to higher energy bills, right?

But…

The loss of gain of heat in your attic is only marginally affected by your vents. We mentioned this earlier. Your insulation is hands down the determining factor in how well your attic retains heat. If you want to save money on your winter heating bills, replace your insulation with a newer, heavy duty option.

But be sure to check with an expert to make sure it’s the right kind. Getting the wrong kind on insulation can create as many problems as it fixes.

In general, your furnace should not be heating your attic. Whether you keep your vents open or closed will have a negligible effect on your power bill, but it’s sure to affect condensation.

Rooftop air vents are meant to be kept open year-round. They take little to no maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you should never check on them.

In order to keep your family safe, routinely check your entire home to make sure it’s in good running condition. Use a maintenance checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything. This winter, start in the attic and make sure your vents are open.

Then, check your furnace to make certain it’s functioning and/or your chimney to make sure it’s clear of debris. Then check the seals of all your doors and windows.

If you’ve done that and you’d still like to save money on your electricity bill, install heavy duty curtains. They can add an additional layer to the barrier keeping you warm.

What’s Next?

Now that you know what to look for with your attic vents, you know not to touch anything. That’s great news. It means less work for you and more time to enjoy your favorite show. So, snuggle up and stay warm.

If you found this material helpful, come peruse our library full of articles on attics and renovations.

So long and good luck!

attic renovation ideas
By Ross Taylor Renavation 0 Comments

5 Awesome Attic Renovation Ideas to Inspire You

Is your attic simply a space that’s collecting dust? Maybe you store some old exercise equipment up there, but only ever go up there once in a blue moon?

If your answer is yes, then you’re like many people who don’t make use of their attic space. 

Attics sort of get a bad rap- people think of them as creepy, dark spaces that are magnets for bugs and dust. While that’s certainly true for those who hardly ever go up to their attic, those who renovate and maintain their attic will probably tell you it’s one of their favorite rooms in the house. 

But, how exactly do you renovate an attic?

Believe it or not, there are actually a lot of creative ways you can renovate this space.

If you like the idea of converting your attic into a livable space but aren’t sure where to start, read on to learn about the top attic renovation ideas to inspire you. 

Turn It Into a Home Office 

If you’re someone who works from home often, then you know how difficult it can sometimes be to stay focused on your work.  

From noisy kids to noisy pets, to the temptation of the television and kitchen snacks, working without interruption can sometimes feel nearly impossible. 

Many people find that having a space in their home that is solely dedicated to working is the best way to go. Many people put their home offices on the main floor or in the basement. 

However, the main floor is usually where all the distractions are. And, working in the basement means you don’t have a window to peer out of and gather inspiration. 

This is why an office attic is the perfect solution. Plus, attics tend to have a lot of space. This means there’s enough room for you to add not just a desk, but other things like a big whiteboard, a comfy couch, a large table, painting easels- whatever it is you need to get your work done!

A Game Room 

Who doesn’t love spending a night in playing games? 

If you have kids, games are a great way for your whole family to bond by partaking in an activity together. 

But, the problem is that a lot of houses don’t have space for more than a couple board games. And, many people are afraid to put a big game table (such as an air hockey table or foosball table) in their basement due to the noise. 

This is why turning your attic into a game room is such a good idea. 

If your attic is big enough, you can add one or two big game tables – air hockey tables, pool tables, ping pong tables, and foosball tables are all great ideas – and, you can add a sitting area for when you want to play board or card games. 

Best of all, while the noise may travel downstairs a bit, an attic game room won’t be nearly as loud as a basement game room. 

A Sunny Dining Room 

Many people love the idea of entertaining guests in their dining room. However, a lot of homes these days don’t even come with a dining room. 

Or, if they do, a lot of times they are small and cramped. 

if you love the idea of having a beautiful dining room in your home for small parties, consider turning your attic into one. 

All it takes to make a beautiful dining room is a big table, some chairs, and a few nice decorations. 

Attics with large windows make especially great dining rooms, as the windows help make the space feel larger. But, even if your attic doesn’t have large windows, building a dining room here is still a great idea. Gathering in a space that’s closed off from the rest of the home can make your parties feel more intimate and special. 

A Bedroom 

Maybe you have kids who are old enough to have their own room? Or, maybe you’d just like a spare room in case you have guests over?

If you answered yes to either of this, consider turning your attic into another bedroom. Even if your attic is looking dim right now, once you clean the space, add a nice coat of paint and do some flooring renovation, you can really turn the space around. 

And, even if you don’t anticipate family or friends using the space as a bedroom, it can still be a great idea if you’ve ever considered AirBnBing your space. 

Airbnb guests often like to find homes that offer a decent amount of privacy. With a bedroom attic, guests get all the feelings of staying in a real home with the added privacy benefit. 

A Library 

If you’re a bookworm, you’re probably constantly looking for places to store all of your books. And- if you live in a noisy household- you’re probably also looking for somewhere you can read in peace and quiet. 

By converting your attic into a library, you’ve solved both of these problems. 

With an attic, you have all kinds of space to build bookshelves. In fact, some people even make use of the A-frame shape of the attic by building unique looking bookshelves right into these structures. 

Add a couch, a couple chairs, and a nice rug, and you’ve created a library space that’s Pinterest-worthy. 

You could also designate this room the general “quiet room” and make it your space where you simply go to relax and recharge. 

For example, if you’re a yogi, you could convert the space into a small yoga studio. Or, if you meditate, you could turn the space into a peaceful meditation room. 

Attic Renovation Ideas: Are You Ready to Start Your Renovation Project? 

After reading all of these attic renovation ideas, you’re probably more than ready to get started on your project. 

But, before you dive in, you have to make sure your attic is ready. That’s where we come in. 

We can help make sure your attic is sanitary, clean, and free of rodents and pests. Get in contact with us today to learn more about our services. 

noises in the attic
By Ross Taylor Do It Yourself 0 Comments

Noises in the Attic: The Most Common Attic Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

Are you hearing noises in the attic?

Whether it’s scratching, scurrying, or just the sound of movement above your head, hearing any kind of noises from your attic could indicate a larger problem — pests.

Attics can be the ideal environment for squirrels, rodents, and even bats–they can damage stored items by gnawing and could even chew through your electric cabling.

They also leave droppings and other animal matter, which make your attic the ideal breeding ground for insects and diseases.

Here’s a list of some of the most common animals that could find their way into your attic–and how you can get rid of them.

Rats

Rats are some of the animals you’re most likely to find in your attic. Common roof rats love warm spaces and may seek refuge in your attic during cold or wet winter months.

Hear gnawing in the attic but you’re not sure if it’s rats?

The best way to identify them is through their droppings, which will be brown, sausage-shaped, and curved. If you happen to catch sight of them, they are usually larger than mice with a longer and thicker tail.

Rats are experts at gaining access to indoor spaces. They can squeeze through small holes and chew their way through almost any wall cavity.

They’re active day and night, but you’re more likely to hear them scurrying during the night.

You can use rat poison or traps to try and remove the rats that have already entered your house. Your best bet to keep them from coming back is to locate their entry point and seal it up.

Mice

Mice are very similar to rats, but with a few key differences. You’re more likely to find mice in your house–many of them have adapted to associate with humans rather than live in the wild.

Mice are much smaller than rats, with thinner tails. You can identify them by their feces, which will look like very small grains of brown rice.

Because of their small size, they’re likely to gain access to your attic by climbing up the wall and squeezing through small spaces.

You can use mice traps or poison, but the most effective way to get rid of mice is to find the entry holes and seal them permanently.

Squirrels

While squirrels might be cute, they’re one of the most common types of animals you’ll find gnawing through your attic.

They might be similar to mice and rats, but squirrels can be even more damaging.

They’re experts at chewing and can chew through your walls for better access to your house and attic. They can also chew through wood and electrical wires–which could become a fire hazard.

These critters are most active during the daytime. You’re likely to hear them around early morning and evening.

You can use poison, but many prefer to capture and relocate squirrels instead. Either way, be sure to remove the rodents and seal up any access holes.

Bats

If the noises in the attic don’t sound like the typical scratching and gnawing, you might be dealing with a different animal altogether.

Bats can be a serious problem to deal with in your attic. They can gain access by squeezing through small holes or flying into your roof through gaps along the roof line.

While they won’t gnaw through anything, they produce large amounts of droppings, which have a pungent odor. Their droppings look like small dark pellets, and they can accumulate quickly.

These droppings are a serious health problem. Not only does it smell bad, but contamination can lead to diseases like histoplasmosis.

Bats are nocturnal creatures. They’re most active during the night, but it can be hard to find them due to the fact that they make very little sound.

While there are items on that market that claim to be able to repel bats, none of these are scientifically proven to work. It’s best to physically remove them yourself or call somebody to help you do it.

In addition, you need to ensure that the droppings are cleaned, the area is sanitized, and all entrance holes are sealed.

Snakes

Even if you don’t live in a hot climate, snakes can get into your home without you knowing it.

Snakes are ectothermic, which means that they don’t produce much body heat and must rely on external factors to keep them warm. This means they might seek out your attic or other areas of the home in order to stay warm.

Most snakes are harmless. But some snakes have venom that could be harmful or even lethal to humans. To avoid any chance of injury, it’s best to remove any snake infestation from the home.

It can be hard to identify snakes in your attic due to the fact that they are great at hiding inside the walls and make little noise. If you notice nests, eggs, or shed skin, you may have a snake problem.

If you suspect there may be snakes in your home, you can try the flour trick. Sprinkle a small layer of flour over a hardwood floor in an area of your home.

Check the next day or after a few days to see if there are tracks in the flour.

Never attempt a snake removal yourself. You should always call a professional to help you with a snake infestation.

Noises in the Attic? Get Rid of Attic Critters For Good

If you’re hearing noises in the attic and find signs of habitation like droppings, nesting, or damage caused by gnawing, you might just be dealing with attic pests.

Don’t run the risk of bad odors, disease, or electrical hazards. If you think any of these pests may have infested your attic, reach out to a professional immediately to have them removed. 

Looking for a pest removal service? Check out our attic pest control services to see what we have to offer. 

crawl space cleaning
By Pamela Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

7 Tips on When and How to Budget for Crawl Space Cleaning

Is your home dirty and you don’t even know it?

Your kitchen is spotless, the bathroom is immaculate. Your floors? You could eat off them!

If that’s all been taken care of, what could you be missing?

It’s often said that the things we neglect the most are those we don’t see every day. Ask yourself: when is the last time you looked in your crawl space?

The area under your floors or roof could be the dirtiest place in your house. It’s dark and damp, which is a breeding ground for molds and bacteria. This is a danger to your home and family.

Cleaning up mold isn’t a DIY project. You need to hire someone who knows what they’re doing. Unfortunately, that’s going to cost you.

Issues with mold, odors, and water need a professional crawl space cleaning. Read on to learn when to do it and how to budget for it.

1. Your Insulation Is Insufficient

The insulation in your crawl space maybe worn down over time or was never adequately installed in the first place. Visually, you can determine any problems with your insulation by seeing if there are any cracks or defects in it.

Another way to check on this? Go over your electric bill! One clue is if there’s a spike in your heating and cooling utilities that doesn’t make sense.

Faulty insulation in your crawl space can be driving up your electrical bill. That’s because the heating system has to work harder to keep your home warm.

With sufficient insulation, your crawl space will be sealed tightly, just like your wallet.

2. The Ventilation System Is Faulty

The air you let out of your crawl space is just as important as the air you let in. Poor ventilation in the wintertime can result in frozen pipes. In the summer, the trapped humidity can make those pipes rusty.

Make sure to look for pools of moisture or possible blockages around all external vents. The last thing you want to invest in is new pipes!

3. Pest Infestations

Bats, rodents, and pests love to settle down in a dark, undisturbed area. That’s why crawl spaces are ideal homes for them. But, you don’t want uninvited guests in your home, do you?

Signs of rodents, bats, or insects can include noises in the walls, foul odors, and excrement piles. While none of those things are pleasant, the damage these pests can do to your insulation and walls is what you want to avoid the most.

Call a professional to evict these unwanted guests ASAP.

4. Mold Is Taking Over

Mold is the biggest threat that a dirty crawl space poses to your home. Some molds can lead to dangerous health issues in people and pets. To determine if you have any mold, look for visible patches and smell for musty odors.

If mold is spotted, it’s better to be safe than sorry and assume that it can cause you harm. You must get professionals to remove these hazards.

Though it may be a large financial cost, it pales in comparison to the value of you or your family’s health.

5. It’s Time for a Cleaning if It’s Been Awhile

Maybe you haven’t noticed any problems with rodents or an unusually high heating bill. But, just because a dirty crawl space hasn’t caused problems yet, doesn’t mean you have to wait until something happens.

If you’ve never gotten your crawl space cleaned or it’s been years, it’s time to schedule one!

It’s always easier to prevent a mold or rodent problem than to fix it later. Catching it early is also helpful. With homeowner problems like those, it’s likely that it’s been going on for a while before you noticed.

Keeping up with annual cleanings will allow you to find issues before they do real damage.

6. What Price Do You Need to Budget For?

For just a cleaning, professionals will charge you based on the size of your space. The condition it’s in will also be a factor.

A straightforward job won’t cost too much. But, if the pros find a lot of problems that need to be fixed, that’s when it starts adding up.

If it’s a rodent problem, that’s one of the easier issues to deal with. That will be on the low end price-wise.

When it comes to mold, that will charge you a little extra. It’s hard to deal with mold and it’s more dangerous. If that’s your problem, you’ll get another estimate for that cost depending on how much there is.

Water damage can be the most expensive issue to fix. That can run you in the thousands. Additionally, if there’s water damage, there’s probably mold and ruined insulation as well.

7. Spend Money Now to Save Later

Budget for a cleaning as you would any other home costs like the electric bill and seasonal landscaping. Commit to it as being a necessary annual expense that you plan ahead for.

It’s a lot easier to find the money for maintenance cleaning. You can be in control over when to do it. For example, if you know you’re getting a bonus at work in a month, you can wait until then to schedule.

When you let it go until there’s a big problem, that’s when you get in trouble.

Find extreme mold in December? It won’t matter that money is tight from buying holiday gifts. It has to get fixed right away.

Keep up with maintenance now, and your future self will thank you.

Don’t Put Off a Crawl Space Cleaning

Nobody wants to spend money on something they hardly ever even see. But, putting off a crawl space cleaning isn’t the answer. When it gets out of hand, you’ll just end up spending more money later.

Is it time for your crawl space to get some attention? Then contact us to get a free service cleaning estimate.

attic insulation cost
By Pamela General Information 0 Comments

Why an Attic Insulation Cost Is an Investment in Energy Savings

Ready to start saving up to 50% of your home’s power bill? It could be as easy as outfitting your attic with insulation.

To get started, you need to look at the attic insulation cost and how it compares to your potential savings. Those in warm climates will save when keeping their home cool while those in colder climates will save when keeping their home warm.

Insulation stops the flow of heat and air through your attic. Ready to learn more about how you can save by investing in insulation today? Then keep reading!

Get an Energy Audit

Before you decide whether or not you need insulation, get an audit. This will give you a good idea as to where your home stands when it comes to energy efficiency.

Signs You Need Insulation

Even before your audit, if you see these signs then you most likely need insulation in your attic. The first of these signs would be ice dams.

Ice Dams

Ice dams happen to homes that are in colder climates. You’ll see ice building up on your home’s eaves in winter. This ice will damage your shingles and roof.

These ice dams happen because you are heating your home and that hot air escapes through the roof. The hot air melts the snow, and the melted snow runs down the roof. This water then refreezes into those ice dams.

Temperature Changes

You have the air or heat running, yet you notice the temperature changing as you walk from room to room, this is a sign that your attic is not properly insulated.

You are spending too much money trying to evenly heat or cool your home. If you insulated your attic, then your whole system will get a break.

Drafts

If there are drafts in your home, that’s likely cold air from your attic. You need insulation to stop this movement of air.

High Energy Bills

Talk to your neighbors and ask them what their average energy bill is. If you find that yours is significantly higher, you may have an insulation problem.

R-value

When buying insulation, you’ll see that it is rated with an R-value. This is the material’s ability to prevent the flow of heat.

The higher the rating, the better the material is at preventing the flow of heat. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a double layer of insulation means double the R-value.

It doesn’t work this way. The insulation needs to be a single layer for it to effectively work as intended.

You need to use the climate zone map to know what R-value level you should aim for when you buy insulation. For example, if you’re in the warm climate of zone 1 then you can use insulated rated as low as R30 for your attic.

While if you are in a cold climate in zone 7, for example, then you’ll want insulation rated as high as R60 for your attic.

Types of Insulation

There are three main types of insulation for you to choose from that will be effective in insulating your attic.

Batt or Blanket Insulation

This is the insulation that people typically think of when they talk about insulation. It consists of large rolls of fibers that are held together with a paper backing.

These are best used when your attic is large. It doesn’t work so well in tight spaces. If your joists and studs are a standard distance apart, then you’ll be able to unroll these into the spaces with no problems

R-Value

Insulation batts come in four main types of materials: fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, and cotton. You’ll find that the R-values range from 2.9 to 4.3 per inch.

Loose Fill or Blown-in Insulation

This type of insulation either comes in large bags of loose fill to be spread around or a professional installer “blows” it in by a machine. This is perfect for filling small or unusual spaces.

You’ll find it in the same variety of materials of batts including fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool fiber. This should be your first choice if your attic is older and already has insulation or is an awkward space.

R-Value

The R-value varies depending on which type of material you choose. It will generally range from 2.2 to 3.8 per inch.

Spray Foam Insulation

There are two types of spray foam to choose from: open and closed cell. The open type is the cheaper option but doesn’t provide a barrier to vapor. The closed cell option is more expensive and denser.

The great thing about spray foam is that when your installer sprays it, it sticks to whatever surface it is aimed at. This is a perfect solution for the ceiling of the attic.

R-Value

This type of insulation has the highest R-value ranging from 5 to 6 per inch. This is an important consideration if you live in a more extreme climate.

Attic Insulation Cost

The cost of your insulation installation entirely depends on the size of your attic, the amount of material needed, and the type of insulation you choose. As a general guideline, pricing can range from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.

If you decide to have a professional install the insulation, you’ll also need to factor in the cost for their services.

Start Saving Money on Your Home Heating and Cooling

If you are looking to save money on your energy costs you need to give your attic a check. If you see that you either have no insulation or it’s old, then it’s time give your attic an insulation update.

Don’t let yourself be deterred thinking that attic insulation cost is too high. Investing in the insulation now will translate to a more comfortable home and big savings on your bill.

Contact us today to get a quote for insulation removal and replacement in your attic today.

By Pamela Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Insulating an Attic? Read this First

Fall and winter are the times when your home will need to work overtime. This means that it’s about time to check on your attic insulation and make sure it’s up to par.

After all, a poor insulation leads to energy loss, which then leads to higher bills.

The insulation in your attic will degrade over time. If you’ve been noticing your energy consumption going up, it may be time to replace the insulation.

But first, there are important pointers you need to know before insulating an attic. Read on to make sure your attic is ready for insulation and how you can prepare it.

Clear Out Your Attic First

An attic serves an important purpose in the insulation and ventilation of the whole house, but for homeowners, it has another purpose in storage terms. It’s spacious, making it perfect as a room for storing old items.

If you’re planning to add an insulation for attic rooms, though, you must clean your attic first. Not only will it make working in the attic easier but it will also allow you to add an insulation to the floor.

You may have to add some insulating material to the floor. This is one of the cheapest ways of insulating the attic, so you also have to consider doing this.

To do this, you’ll have to remove the plywood to do a proper job. With this in mind, look for another spot in your house that can store your items in the meantime.

Assess the Condition of Your Attic

Next on your to-do list is to evaluate your attic to spot if there are any problems you need to address first. For example, the size of your rafters may not be up to the current building codes, or there are some compromised structures within your attic.

You may need the help of an architect or a builder to make sure. They’ll be able to see if there are things that need fixing and provide a solution for you.

This step is crucial; you don’t want your roof to fall on you when winter comes. The insulation will prevent the roof from warming, which then makes the snow above melt at a slower rate. For this reason, the snow load increases faster, putting your roof at risk of collapsing.

This will cost you money, but it’s still cheaper than when your roof collapses. It’s much less dangerous and inconvenient, too.

Check Your Current Attic Insulation

While evaluating the condition of your attic, you’ll also come across your current insulation. Check if it’s wet or damp; these are signs that you’re dealing with moisture issues, such as a roof leak.

This is also the time to throw away any bad insulation material – those that are moldy, stained, or compressed. If you see a loose grainy insulation with shiny flecks, this could be vermiculite, which might contain asbestos. You don’t want to remove this yourself as it poses a risk to your family and neighbors; it’s best to call a professional instead.

Seal Before Insulating an Attic

When you add insulation, you don’t want the heated or cooled air escape outside, do you? This renders the insulation useless, which is why you should make sure to seal all holes, gaps, and cracks.

Check around the attic windows, ducts, wires, exhaust fans, and chimneys. Use a spray foam, but for gaps 1/4″ or less, use caulk.

Still, remember that your attic needs some sort of ventilation. You may talk to a professional to assess your ventilation system.

Determine Your Target Insulation Level

The R-value specifies the insulation level, which measures the insulation’s thermal performance. The R-value differs per material and thickness, which is also something you should check when evaluating your current insulation.

The recommended R-value for your home depends on where you live and the climate. On hot climates, the minimum is R-30, whereas it’s R-38 for temperate climates and R-49 for cold climates. To know the recommended value for your state, check the U.S. Department of Energy website.

Choose the Right Insulation Type

After doing these steps, your attic should be ready for insulation. The only thing left to do is to choose what material you’re going to use. You’ll have to take into account the attic insulation cost and the R-values here.

Let’s discuss the 2 most common types used in insulating attics.

Batts and Rolls

Batts and rolls are great materials for a DIY insulation of the attic, and it’s somewhat inexpensive as well. As for installation, you fit these into studs, beams, and joists.

You have different material options for this type of insulation with varying R-value per inch:

  • Fiberglass: 2.9 – 4.3
  • Mineral Wool: 3.0 – 3.3
  • Cellulose: 3.7 – 3.8
  • Cotton: 3.7 – 3.8

Each material offers different advantages; for instance, fiberglass is cheaper, but cellulose won’t irritate the lungs or skin. Mineral wool is fire-resistant, and cotton is good for blocking sounds.

Loose-Fill and Blown-In

If you have spaces with irregular shapes, loose or blown-in insulation materials may be better for this job. They’re also great for filling around obstructions. The installation methods for this type is blowing it using a special equipment or pouring it in.

As with the batts and rolls, you have different material options as well:

  • Fiberglass: 2.2 – 2.7
  • Mineral Wool: 3.0 – 3.3
  • Cellulose: 3.2 – 3.8

The fiberglass option is cheaper here as well, and it’s lighter than the other 2. Loose mineral wool is also still fire-resistant, but as you would expect, it costs more.

The most common out of the 3 is cellulose, but you have to make sure to not expose it to moisture. It’s susceptible to growing mold and rotting.

Insulate Your Attic Now

These are pretty much all you need to know before insulating an attic. The next step is to learn how to insulate attic spaces, which is useful information if you plan to do it yourself.

You can also visit us and discover some of our other blogs and guides for additional help. If you need expert help, don’t hesitate to contact us now. We’ll provide you with the best attic solutions.

bats in the attic
By Pamela Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Bats in Your Attic? How to Get Rid of Them (And Other Pests)

Do you suspect that you have bats living in your home’s attic? Or do you think you might have birds, squirrels, mice, or other pests causing problems in the space?

If so, you shouldn’t ignore bats in the attic or anything else for that matter for a single second. That could cause even more issues for you and wreak havoc on your entire home before long.

Instead, you should take steps to get rid of whatever is living up in your attic and prevent the pests from coming back. You should also assess any damage that was done and get it fixed right away.

Here are the specific steps you should take to rid your home of bats, birds, squirrels, mice, and more.

Figure Out Exactly What You Have in Your Attic

Before you can rid your home of whatever pests have found their way up into your attic space, you’ll need to identify the specific types of pests that are plaguing your home.

In some cases, you might be able to do this simply by keeping an eye and ear out for signs. For example, you might see squirrels scurry into your attic through a hole in your roof or birds making their way in and out through a broken vent.

In other instances, you might need to hire someone to climb up in your attic to take a look at what’s going on. It can be dangerous to try and evaluate a pest problem on your own.

Use your best judgment to find out what kind of pests you’re dealing with. It’ll allow you to move on to the next steps.

Determine How the Pests Are Accessing the Attic Space

Once you know what kind of pests are in your attic, determine how they’re getting there.

As we just mentioned, they could be getting into your attic through a hole in your roof or a broken vent. But they could also be entering your home from a much lower point and climbing in between your walls to access your attic.

If you aren’t able to find the pests’ entry point, it’s going to be tough to get rid of them once and for all. Search high and low until you find where the pests are coming from.

Hire Professionals to Remove the Pests Safely

While you’re in the process of trying to see where pests are coming into your home, you should get in touch with a company capable of providing you with top-notch rodent solutions.

Ideally, the company should have years of experience in the pest control space. It’ll allow them to come into your home and remove pests in no time.

Removing pests from a home can be a quick job if you have just two or three birds in your attic. But it could also be a more advanced project if there is a large rodent infestation in your attic.

A pest control company can break the situation down and let you know exactly how bad it is. They can then get to work and continue working until all the pests are out of your attic.

Seal Your Attic

After all the bats or other pests are out of your attic, you’ll want to be sure to have your attic space completely sealed.

That means patching up any holes that could allow pests to get right back in and cause problems. It also means closing off the original entry point securely and ensuring the pests can’t get back in through it.

This is arguably the most important step you’ll take. If you don’t seal your attic the right way, you could have another pest problem on your hands in just a few days.

Clean Up Any Droppings and Repair Any Damage

In addition to sealing your attic, you’re also going to need to clean your attic completely. Pick up any droppings left behind by the pests and repair any damage that they managed to do to your roof, insulation, plumbing pipes, electrical wires, and more.

Even if you only have bats and other pests in your attic for a couple days, they can really do a lot of damage to it. Cleaning it up is important since droppings, urine, and more can pose a serious health threat.

A reliable rodent proofing company should be able to sanitize your attic. They should also be able to disinfect and deodorize it before leaving your home. Take a look at it to see that it’s completely clean before paying the professionals for their services.

Consider Replacing Your Attic Insulation

The insulation in your attic plays a very important role in it. It prevents warm air from escaping from your home and keeps your energy bills lower than they would be otherwise.

Pests can do damage to insulation by building nests in it and displacing it from where it should be. They can also leave droppings all over the insulation and make it filthy.

If you find that your attic insulation isn’t in good condition at all following a pest infestation, think about replacing the insulation. Pests like mice, squirrels, possums, and more are known to rip apart insulation and stop it from doing its job.

Just make sure you choose a reputable company to do your insulation replacement. You want a business that will use top-of-the-line insulation to bring your attic back to life.

Get Rid of Bats in the Attic as Quickly as You Can

Bats in the attic can make a mess and ruin your insulation. They can also create a huge health hazard if they leave too many droppings behind.

At the first sign of bats, mice, squirrels, birds, or any other living thing, reach out to a rodent control company for help. They’ll be able to come out to your home, inspect your attic, and come up with a solution for getting rid of them.

Contact us today to get a free estimate for rodent solutions, insulation replacement, and all of the other services we offer. We can get things back to normal in your attic as soon as possible.

Air Duct Repair
By Pamela Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

7 Signs You Need Air Duct Repair

We all glance at our ducts once a year when pulling out holiday stuff from the attic. The quick eyeball doesn’t tell us much, though. “Yep, there are my ducts,” you think.

But, those sheet metal pipes can hide some horrific secrets. In some cases, clear issues make enough noise to alert you to problems. Or, a rank smell becomes intolerable so you’re begging your ducts for mercy.

But, some critical issues can be invisible. They will get your attention soon enough. Skyrocketing energy costs or a constant dusty home are a few. Worse, undetected mold can cause your family to become ill.

If you see signs of trouble, you can mitigate some troubling effects. And, save money in the process.

Read on for seven signs you need air duct repair.

Visible Dust and Dirt Around Vents

Your heating and cooling system works the same way we breathe. Air circulates throughout the duct system, exiting through vents. The same air then intakes through the system to either cool or heat your rooms.

This happens several times a day. The dirt and debris from the system or your home filters out with the help of the removable filters you (hopefully) replace. It’s vital that soil does not reach the HVAC machinery.

It can break down inner workings, rendering it useless. If you see dust and dirt gathering around vents, this is a sure sign filtration is not working right. If after cleaning vents, the build-up occurs within a day or two, it’s time to get a duct checkup.

Sudden Increase of Energy Bills

Every energy bill spikes at certain times of the year. But, sudden increases for outside of those seasons are a sign of trouble. This tells you that your HVAC system is working harder than it should.

You can check filters, refrigerant levels, and make sure fans are spinning free. You can also check for clear tears or holes in the ducts. But not all gaps will be visible. Connections in the grid can wear down.

Simple moving of attic storage items can damage or move ductwork that’s unnoticeable. Without realizing it, you are cooling or heating your attic or basement along with your home.

This will double your costs. Important tip: never repair a duct with duct tape. That’s not what it’s for, and it doesn’t work. Call a professional.

Scary Sounds Mean You Need Air Duct Repair

The sound of crashing or bending metal in a car accident, for example, can haunt us forever. The noise is unmistakable, unsettling, and scary as hell. HVAC systems are heavy machinery, and duct systems are heavy metal.

When connections break, or holes occur, the resulting sounds can keep you up at night. Try turning your system on without the interior air handler (the big silver box inside the home).

If no sounds are coming from the outdoor unit, chances are good you have a duct repair in your future.

Frequent Filter Changes

Filters for AC units or furnaces should last a month or two. During peak usage, every 30 days is best. If you have pets, dust and dander can clog them up quicker.

But, if you change them in a regular pattern and notice they clog up faster than usual, your ducts may be at fault.

Excess dust and dirt are getting into the duct work. The worst thing to do at this point is nothing. It will get worse.

Excess Debris in HVAC Components

You have to open a few panels but check coils and the interior spaces of your units. If there are dust and dirt accumulations, it’s getting into your ducts.

And, here’s the thing about dust. It’s annoying and clogging up your system. But, it’s also a home for the most finicky of mold spores.

Once they move in, it takes a team of pro cleaners to evict them.

Signs of Infestations

HVAC professionals can fill volumes of books on what they find in duct systems. We hope they don’t choose pop-up books because the sights are as disgusting as you imagine.

The reason older homes have check-ups for radon gas is due to dead rats in duct systems. Small holes and tears in systems are an open door for insects, too.

Since we can’t see to every turn and twist in ductwork, critters can hide and multiply in the dark. But, they also have to emerge for food and water.

If you see fresh droppings or dead insects around ductwork, assume they have their way in there. Worse, if you notice a rancid smell emitting from your vents, it’s never good news.

It’s not only disgusting, but it’s also a health danger. Make an immediate call for a pro.

Visible Mold

If there’s mold in your home, the causes may vary. Water can find it’s way from rooftops or exterior doors into the wood of your home. This dampness is like a jacuzzi party for mold.

As long as there’s a place to stay, it will grow anywhere, including in your dirty ducts. It can hide in places we can’t see. But, if it is visible near your HVAC system, chances are the spores are blowing around your house. In summer, check outdoor units often for signs.

Make sure water from condensation has a clear exit. Standing water is one of mold’s favorite playgrounds. Don’t give it the chance to settle in. If you see signs of mold, air duct cleaning is vital.

Then, repairs will ensure the problem doesn’t happen again.

No one should have to face their attic alone. We’ve got help with cleaning, air duct repair, and pests. Contact us for a free estimate.

 

attic cleaning
By Pamela Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Top 10 Attic Cleanup Tips You Can’t Live Without

Have you been looking up at your attic hatch thinking it was time to shake the dust?

Has it been years since you’ve been inside that subtle space longer than the few seconds it takes to toss a box into its darkened depths?

If so, it might be time for an attic cleaning. With this 10-step guide, we’ll help you turn the monumental task into a chore you can manage.

Top 10 Tips for Easy Attic Cleaning

Make sure you follow our checklist in order! We have listed our steps chronologically in order to help you make the process as efficient as possible.

Step One: Remove Everything

An empty room is the easiest to clean. Before you start pulling out brooms, dusters, and other pieces of your cleaning arsenal, remove the contents of your attic.

This will allow you to clean and inspect every inch of the room, as well as help you sort through items you don’t need anymore.

2. Wipe Away Every Inch of Dust

Whether it’s been months or years since you’ve cleaned your attic space, you’re likely to find an admirable collection of dust. You’ll want to dust every inch, from your windows and frames to any wooden beams, baseboards, walls, and other surfaces.

If the area is really dusty, wear a mask to prevent inhalation. An electrostatically charged duster works best for jobs like this. If it gets too dirty, clean it off before continuing.

Make sure you cover everything, including light fixtures, fans, and hard to reach areas.

3. Vacuum, Then Sweep

When you have a layer of dust and debris on the floor, a broom will stir up more than it cleans. Instead, start with a vacuum. Pick up any large debris that it can’t tackle, then suck up what you can from one end of the room to the other.

Keep in mind the type of vacuum you use matters. If you have a high-efficiency bag or canister with a filter, these will work best. Vacuums can capture the dust mites, dead insects, and allergens that settle in quiet attics.

For tight corners and awkwardly shaped areas, use hoses and other vacuum extensions. Be thorough, then follow up with a broom to sweep up any remaining dust and debris.

4. Inspect Your Insulation

Once the attic is clean, you’ll want to inspect your insulation. If your insulation has fallen below the floor joists, you need to add more. If you can’t see the floor joists above the insulation, they are likely below them which is a sign of healthy insulation.

Insulation should be evenly distributed. No gaps or shallows areas should show.

If your insulation shows signs of dampness, mold, or mildew, then you will want to replace it. A good portion of the air in your home circulates through this area. You don’t want these substances getting into the air within your home.

5. Look for Moisture and Mold

Your insulation isn’t the only place your attic may be harboring unhealthy mold. Give your empty attic a close and careful inspection.

Mold can come in a variety of colors, from gray and black to brown, orange, green, or white. If your attic smells musty, it’s likely growing there.

If you have mold in your home, the best thing to do is call an attic cleaning service. You don’t want to risk it lingering or growing out of control, especially if you have any form of asthma or allergies. Left to thrive, mold can cause respiratory problems.

6. Take a Few Preventative Measures

While you’re checking every nook and cranny, make a point to identify any sealant issues. If you have a draft coming through a window or open space, it can increase your heating and air bill while making it harder for your unit to do its job.

Pests are also a problem that will need addressing. If you notice signs of rodents, such as excrement or chewed boxes, call in the expert to get rid of the problem.

7. Sort Your Belongings

While you still have everything outside of your attic, now is a good time to sort through it. Get rid of the things you haven’t used in years and sort through the items you still intend to store.

Keep these items organized in plastic storage boxes to prevent exposure to the elements. It will also make it easier to store, allowing you to optimize on space.

8. Donate What You Don’t Need

Do you have a pile of things left over that you realize you don’t need? Perfect! Take the time to donate them to your local charity’s drop-off location. These good deeds are tax deductible.

Plus, it feels good to recycle your old items and give them a new purpose for someone else.

9. Replace Things in an Orderly Fashion

As you go to put your newly organized items back into your attic for storage, be mindful of where you put them. Place your more frequently used items in easy-to-access areas.

By keeping your attic space organized, you make it easier to sort, retrieve, and clean.

10. Make Cleaning the Attic Part of Your Routine

Cleaning the attic shouldn’t be a massive undertaking dared every few years. Instead, make it a point to clean it twice a year. This will help you keep the dust and debris under control.

It also helps you keep your home in good shape. When you clean and inspect your attic bi-annually, you maintain its integrity. This will help prevent major repairs in the future, such as damages caused by pests, mold, and mildew.

Need Help Repairing Your Attic?

One of the most challenging aspects of attic cleaning is when we uncover bigger projects lying beneath the dust and knickknacks. If you are cleaning your attic only to realize your insulation needs repairing or you have rodents scurrying around upstairs, pass the task on to the professionals.

Here at Attic Solutions, we deliver exceptional home improvement services to help you create a properly sealed, clean, and insulated attic space. If you live in the San Francisco Bay area and want a free estimate, contact us today.