Our new tips section is full of useful information about keeping the attic in your home sparkling clean, rodent proofed and decontaminated. For more information, just scroll down below to learn more about these and many of our other services.
Keep trees and bushes trim and tidy
Rodents can easily jump from the branch of a tree that is close to the house and sneak into any space that they can find. Make sure that there is at least a 6-foot gap between the foliage and the house to reduce this risk. In addition, clear the fallen leaves and branches from around the yard, as rodents will sometimes nest in piles of garden waste.
Test your attic's insulation
First and foremost, only do this if you are properly protected with full coverage of your skin including gloves, a face mask, and eye protection. You can see for yourself if your attic's insulation is too old and is deteriorating by testing it for crumbling. If, while wearing the protective gear, you press slightly on it and it crumbles and falls apart, this indicates it's time to get it replaced. Otherwise, you're going to be wasting energy and money too from air escaping through faulty insulation.
Reduce risk of water leaks
Water leaks can cause a lot of damage to your home, from ruined insulation to causing mold to spread. It's best to take steps to try to prevent these things before they start. If a shingle blows off your roof, have it replaced as quickly as possible to avoid water being able to get in through the exposed spot. Also, have your pipes checked regularly for signs of rust or moisture indicating leaks, as well as discoloration to whatever is around or under the pipe.
Pay attention to the temperature of your home
A good sign that your insulation isn't properly doing its job is if the temperature of your home fluctuates frequently with the changing weather, rather than remaining fairly stable. If you notice that your heater or air conditioning seems to be running more than either is turned off, it may be time to get your insulation checked for slouching or damage causing cold spots. Otherwise, you're going to be spending much more on energy to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.