Most homeowners often overlook the attic and crawlspace since they don’t spend much time in those areas. Sadly, problems that arise in the attic can cause issues in the rest of the home, such as the spread of allergens, skyrocketing energy bills, and fluctuating temperatures.

The best way to prevent issues in the attic and crawlspace is to conduct an inspection or hire a professional to check the space at least once or twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. But if you’re already dealing with one or several problems, it’s advisable to request cleaning and repair services from professionals. You can do so by checking out the websites of reliable providers such as www.atticprojectscompany.com.

Here are some of the issues you might just encounter in your attic and crawlspace:

  • Insulation Problems

When your home has poor insulation, this would result in unequal distribution of temperature or poor airflow. Over time, you’ll notice a change in your utility bill. Various factors can lead to insulation deterioration, such as aging of the insulation material, ice formation, and pest infestation.

  • Drafts

Among the most common problems in the attic and crawlspace are drafts. With this in mind, it’s crucial to inspect those areas for any temperature irregularities. If you overlook this issue, your utility bill is likely to increase. Additionally, a draft in your home is a sign that there’s an opening somewhere that’ll allow pests to enter, further aggravating the problem in your attic.

  • Poor Ventilation 

In some houses, attic fans, roof vents, or natural air ventilation keeps the attic well aerated. Proper ventilation ensures that your home is energy-efficient, especially during the winter, by keeping the property cool and preventing the formation of ice dams. During the summer, proper ventilation aids in moving warm air out of the attic and prevents moisture buildup.

Poor ventilation in the attic can occur if there’s a blockage in the vents due to objects or insulation. If this happens, air can’t flow freely through the space, resulting in mold and mildew. Remember that poor ventilation can also cause the attic to heat up significantly during the summer and become excessively cold in the winter, resulting in high humidity levels and general discomfort in the space.

  • Moisture 

When there’s excess moisture lingering in the attic and crawlspace, mold and mildew might eventually develop. The standard type of mold that’s likely to form in the attic is black mold. 

Condensation builds up during the winter season when the cold air in the attic meets the rising warm air, often due to heating or cooking. The condensation produces water droplets that allow mold to form. The continuous condensation and moisture in the attic can lead to the deterioration of wooden components, including your home’s roofing structure, in the long run.

The best way to prevent moisture and the development of mold is to ensure that the attic is well ventilated. During a routine inspection of the attic, you should check the vents for any blockage. The vents are essential in maintaining ventilation so that warm air can move out.

  • Pests

Attics and crawlspaces are likely to have pests due to the absence of human presence. Although pests are common in most homes, regular attic maintenance can prevent an infestation from getting out of hand.

Pests can leave droppings that can contaminate the attic floor and release detrimental microorganisms into the air. A good example is a rodent that might burrow into the vents and leave behind droppings that can trigger respiratory issues and allergies among sensitive family members.

You have a pest problem if you hear sounds such as scratching, scurrying, or squeaking. You might even find droppings or urine spots on the floor during a routine inspection of the attic and crawlspace. In some instances, birds’ nests might be present in poorly maintained attics, especially those with openings or gaps leading outside. Additionally, bite marks on the walls or wiring indicate pests like squirrels and rodents.

Conclusion 

The attic and crawlspace in your home require routine inspection. If you’re not ready to deal with the task, you can hire a professional to tackle the job. Avoid the mistake of overlooking the need to check the attic and crawlspace since you never know what might be living there or if there are potentially growing problems that require immediate attention. Once you spot any of these common issues in your attic and crawlspace, you should take the right action to keep the structural integrity of your home intact and your loved ones safe.

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