The attic is an important part of the home structure and is responsible for helping maintain temperature levels within the home. Most homeowners find it as a valuable extra storage space. Neglecting this space, however, can lead to many problems. Without routine inspection and attic cleaning, it is possible to have a contaminated attic without even knowing it, shares the top Walnut Creek attic sanitation company, Attic Efficiency.
Do Attics Need to Be Cleaned?
Like any other part of the home, attics need regular professional care. Every attic should be inspected and cleaned annually by a professional attic sanitation company. Without proper cleaning, unsanitary or unhealthful conditions in the attic can pose a health hazard to occupants of the structure.
What Are the Top Attic Contaminates?
While useful for storing seasonal items or keepsakes, the attic can also harbor dangerous contaminants that can infiltrate the entire home. Because of this, it is important to know the top pollutants and their dangers.
Mold and Mildew
If the attic does not have proper ventilation, condensation can build up in the space. Likewise, a roof leak can also allow water to enter the attic. Both of these conditions can lead to the development of mold and mildew in the insulation, on the structure, or in the stored items. Mold and mildew can lead to breathing problems, asthma, chest pains, dizziness, and fatigue. Molds are also suspected to be connected to autoimmune disease.
Dust
No matter how much time a person spends cleaning a house, if the attic is dusty, the home will be dusty. Dust is more than a nuisance, however. Dust contains dust mites, spores, bacteria, and other tiny particles that easily become airborne with human activity or when the HVAC system is running. Once airborne, these particles can enter the lungs.
Animal Pollutants
It is not uncommon for animals and pests to find refuge from the outdoor elements inside attics. Rodents, raccoons, bats, roaches, and more all like to take up residence in this space. Once there, they leave behind hair, urine, feces, and harmful bacteria. Rodent and pest infestation is known to pose risks, including:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
- Leptospirosis
- Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
- Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever
- Plague
- Rat-Bite Fever
- Salmonellosis
- Tularemia
Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers and has been used to reinforce insulation (and many other building materials) for decades. While it has long been recognized to pose a serious health hazard, its common use did not cease until 2019. Long-term exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other cancers.
How Do I Know If I Have Asbestos in My Attic?
Identifying the presence of asbestos can be difficult, and since exposure to it can be dangerous, it is best done by professionals. However, if a home was built before 1990, the attic likely has some form of asbestos product used as insulation. Even homes built after 1990 are not excluded from its use. This is another reason why it is vital to contact an attic sanitation company to identify and resolve these critical issues.
Top Attic Sanitation Company in Walnut Creek
The condition of the attic is critical to a healthy indoor environment. Because many pollutants are dangerous to human health, it is important to entrust cleaning and sanitation to a professional attic sanitation company equipped to handle the job.
Whether for attic insulation repair or replacement, it is essential to find a qualified professional.
Attic Efficiency is the local expert in attic cleaning, insulation replacement, and rodent-proofing. The company is recognized for superior customer service and competitive pricing. Attic Efficiency proudly serves Walnut Creek, CA, and the San Francisco Bay Area and is licensed, insured, and fully bonded.
For more information about Attic Efficiency or its services, call (209) 752-6089.
ATTIC EFFICIENCY
161 N CIVIC DR APT 135
WALNUT CREEK CA 94596-3902