Your attic is typically not a place you spend much of your time. You probably go up there once or twice a year to take out your holiday decorations or reminisce over old photographs. So, beyond dusting off the storage bins during those special occasions, our guess is you aren’t thinking much about cleaning out this space! Who could blame you when you have a kitchen to clean and laundry to fold. But, neglecting your attic could cause serious health issues for you and your family. In this article, we review the problems that can affect the indoor air quality of your home and how you can prevent your attic from becoming …problemattic. 

MOLD AND MILDEW

When we test homes built before 2001, we typically find that the attic space leaks up to 60 to 70 percent! When the old air leaves, new air is coming in. Unfortunately, that new air coming in is from the crawl spaces in your attic. A small roof leak, cracked caulking, and a moisture buildup on the ducts become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you’ve been having unexplained headaches, dizziness, eye problems, and coughing – this may be the cause!

ANIMAL WASTE & DANDER

Certain types of insulation are a perfect nesting ground (and snack!) for critters like mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, bats, and insects. They are causing way more damage than the sleep you lose listening to them scurry around at night. Food from the outdoors, feces, and contamination is full of airborne bacteria and pathogens that you are breathing in! 

INSULATION DANGERS 

Every type of insulation has its pros and cons, but some can be of serious risk to your health. Your old attic insulation could even have harmful chemicals like asbestos in it! Here are four common insulation materials and their threats to your health.

• Fiberglass insulation is deceptively “fluffy” due to tiny glass fibers in its material. These microscopic fibers can find their way into your eyes, skin, and lungs! 
• Cellulose Insulation is made using recycled paper, which sounds eco-friendly. Unfortunately, the paper can accumulate a lot of dust that can activate your allergy symptoms! 
• Rigid Foam Insulation may sound appealing due to its flame resistance. However, the chemicals that are used to resist the flames are carcinogenic. As they break down over time, those toxins go into your home!
• Spray Foam Insulation uses polyurethane polymer to fill small cracks, gaps, and holes. Once the spray foam fully sets, it is safe to be around. But be sure to wear proper equipment during installation! Before it sets, it can cause severe lung and eye damage.

With all of these potential hazards in your home, your indoor air could be 100 times more toxic than the outdoors! As the colder months approach, that means more time spent indoors. Now is the time to get proactive about your inspections to prevent potentially serious health issues! Let us help make the right choice for you and your family with our Free Whole-Home Testing Offer.