Attic cleaning identifies a comprehensive set of services which taken together renew and rejuvenate your attic to an ideal clean condition. Many such services may be incorporated within the broader umbrella of attic cleaning, which includes:
Cleaning the interior walls and insulation. This is usually referred to as attic dehumidification. There are three ways of doing this: manual or mechanical, chemical or electrical (electric attic cleaning). The mechanical method involves pumping the air out of the building using high pressure equipment. For the chemical method, you need to use a low-pressure pump to remove the moisture from the inside walls, then dump them in a container for decontamination services. For the electrical (asbestos abatement) service, you need to have trained personnel dismantling the insulation, cleaning it and reassembling it again.
Regular attic cleaning helps to prevent allergies. It also prevents indoor pollution created by dust mites, mold and mildew. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dust, mold, smoke particles and allergens pose a serious health risk. The EPA recognizes at least 10 major causes of upper respiratory tract infections and asthma attic cleaning. These include: tobacco smoke, mold, food (poranthanum, peanuts, eggs and dairy products) allergic reactions, remodeling, wood moisture, construction materials, pesticides, roofing, auto exhaust, pet dander and dust mites.
The EPA warns that if any room in your house has a moisture problem, it’s important to take immediate action. Indoor humidity is a major cause of heating and cooling problems in the home, contributing to allergies, poor indoor air quality, decaying structure and mold growth. The agency claims that it is important to conduct regularly scheduled attic cleaning to prevent damage and mold build-up. It’s recommended that you schedule a professional service about twice a year for complete mold and moisture inspection. They will identify areas with high moisture and check for leaks and mold growth.
When it comes to the attic cleaning, professional services will generally not delve into insulation, ductwork or attic floors. However, they can often identify areas with possible leak stains or signs of mold growth. Some home owners make the mistake of ignoring visible signs of damage. In many cases, a service will be able to identify the source of the moisture and repair the issue before extensive damage and repairs are required. A qualified service will be able to perform a thorough inspection and identify the problem, providing you with a cost-effective solution.
Many home owners are surprised to find out that attic cleaning isn’t just for ridging allergens and contamination. Since contaminated insulation is a common problem, it can also be difficult to maintain. Homeowners need to understand that it’s necessary to regularly check for moisture to keep a healthy home. If the attic is not kept properly maintained, mold and mildew can grow. A certified service can easily identify sources of moisture and help you determine whether cleaning is necessary and affordable.
Professional services are also valuable in removing old debris and salvaging materials that would otherwise be lost. For example, if wooden beams have reached the end of their lifespan, an attic cleaning service may be able to salvage them for reuse or new construction. Attic cleanouts also help prevent further contamination of attics by removing old lumber and replacing it with new materials, such as asphalt shingles. This helps keep your home safer and reduces risks of structural decay.
With so many problems related to the attic cleaning, it’s important to find a company that’s certified, skilled and experienced. Make sure they use a dust collection system to collect all dust and debris, as well as wear a dust mask to protect their lungs. A quality service will perform a visual inspection and use a flashlight to inspect all crevices, but will return and re-clean any areas where needed. The right service will maintain an inventory of their supplies and offer any suggestions to make the attic a safer place to live.
