Toledo Attic Insulation Solutions
Properly insulating an attic can be considered an investment. If you only wish to add insulation to your existing level (or "cap"), it's even simpler than installing new insulation. Luckily, an attic is one of the simplest places in a home to install insulation.
Before determining whether or not you'd like to add insulation, visit the Department of Energy's website to determine if your level is acceptable compared to the government recommendation. There's a good chance your insulation does not measure up to the recommended level.
Our attic insulation experts will take a look at your current insulation level during our Animal Entry inspection and make sure to let you know if you should consider adding insulation. Materials used during insulation can be difficult to deal with. Critter Control of Toledo's experts are certified to handle notoriously difficult materials, particularly those that contain asbestos. We will be sure to dispose of any soiled insulation.
Warning: If you think you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, there's a chance it could contain asbestos. Don't disturb it. Only attic insulation contractors certified to handle and remove asbestos should deal with vermiculite insulation.
Some things to consider before installing any sort of insulation in your attic include:
- Seal all attic-to-home air leaks. The majority of attic insulation doesn't stop airflow.
- Duct exhaust fans to the outside. Use a tightly constructed box to cover fan housing on the attic side. Make sure you seal around the duct where it exits the box. Seal the perimeter of the box to the drywall on the attic side.
- Cover openings—such as dropped ceilings, soffits, and bulkheads—into the attic area with plywood and seal to the attic side of the ceiling.
- Seal around chimney and framing with a high-temperature caulk or furnace cement.
- At the tops of interior walls, use long-life caulk to seal the smaller gaps and holes. Use expanding foam or strips of rigid foam board insulation for the larger gaps.
- Install blocking (metal flashing) to maintain fire-safety clearance requirements (usually 3 inches) for heat-producing equipment found in an attic, such as flues, chimneys, exhaust fans, and light housings/fixtures unless the light fixtures are IC (insulation contact) rated. IC-rated lights are airtight and can be covered with insulation.
- Make sure insulation doesn't block soffit vents to allow for attic ventilation.
- Check the attic ceiling for water stains or marks. They indicate roof leaks or lack of ventilation. Make repairs before you insulate. Wet insulation is ineffective and can damage your home.
- Also, insulate and air-seal your attic access if it's located in a conditioned part of the house.
- You'll want to properly insulate and air seal any knee walls—vertical walls with attic space directly behind them—in your home as well
- Finally, if you're constructing a new home or remodeling, make sure any attic decking, which provides additional storage space or a platform for an HVAC unit or hot water tank, is raised above the ceiling joists to ensure proper insulation depth. The decking then should be installed securely to the top of the raised lumber after the insulation has been installed.
Attic & Chimney Restoration in Toledo
The wildlife offender has been removed from your home, but your problem is not fully resolved yet. What about the damage they caused and the waste they left behind?
Most homeowners don't even consider the long-term problems the mere presence of wildlife animals can present for your home, and what it can mean for you. These animals carry ectoparasites (parasites that live outside their host). After their wildlife host is eliminated, the ectoparasites will move into homes to locate a new host (...you).
Mites, ticks, and fleas are just a few of the ectoparasites you should be concerned about. Mice in the attic, bats in the garage, raccoons in the yard, or various other visitors are notorious for bringing these pests in.
If you'd like, our Wildlife Management Specialists will inspect your attic and treat for these critters, after your problem species is removed.
Animal Waste Removal
Now, it's important to address the waste left behind in your attic and walls — do you really want these disease-riddled droppings above your head?
Raccoons are known for using a single spot in your home as a waste area while using another part of your attic as their living area. This can lead to soiled attic insulation and reduced “R” values, which means you continue to lose money as you continue to heat and cool your home. It can also lead to unsightly stains on ceilings and an incredibly unpleasant odor.
Our attic restoration professionals will get rid of soiled insulation and replace it with your choice of insulation products. Our specialists can prepare insurance bids with most major insurance companies and get your attic back in shape in no time. From gutter protection, attic fan vent guards, roof vent guards, gable vent closures and soffit vent repairs, our team can do it all with one single call.
Many of these pest animals also cause problems to your chimney and require professional chimney repair. For all your attic insulation tips, attic repair, attic restoration and chimney repair needs, contact Critter Control of Toledo.