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Here Are 3 Ways Your Attic Could be Contaminated

St Louis - St Charles Insulation Company.

Routine Attic Inspection Can Save Thousands of Dollars

You probably don’t give much thought to your attic, much less the insulation up there, but you should. That’s because there’s a good chance it could be contaminated. There are many ways your insulation could be compromised, from pest infestation to water and smoke damage.

Routine attic inspections are a must for any homeowner. Be sure to occasionally visit this area of your home to check out its current state. Clean the area, check the walls, and look out for signs of contamination. You may need an attic insulation contractor in St. Louis to replace your contaminated insulation with fresh insulation.

Here are the common ways in which your attic insulation could be contaminated and how to fix it. Ignoring the problem could lead to serious health threats to your family.

1. Asbestos

While you may have ample insulation in your attic, it may contain asbestos if it was installed before the 1980s. Its use was banned in 1977. On its own, it doesn’t do too much damage. However, when it’s disturbed, it can break down and release microscopic fibers into the air. Occupants can inhale those fibers, which can land in the lungs and lead to respiratory issues and even cancer.

Lung cancer and mesothelioma are the top two potentially fatal diseases associated with asbestos poisoning. If you think your attic insulation contains asbestos, call an insulation contractor in St. Charles right away. Do not attempt to move or remove it on your own.

2. Rodents

Mice love attics. After all, it’s warm up there when they nestle into the insulation. They can get the peace and quiet they need to breed out of the way of the elements. While they are certainly pests and can leave droppings all over the place, they’re not the only rodents that will take up residence in your attic. Rats and squirrels like to make themselves comfortable up there as well.

The destruction rodents cause to attic spaces can be staggering. Not only do they nest in insulation and clothing, they chew your electrical wiring, which can lead to a fire. Plus, mice can leave up to 100 droppings a day in your insulation, not to mention urine.

Rodents also transmit disease. The CDC says there are more than 30 types of diseases that can be transmitted by rodents such as the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and Salmonellosis. A clean attic will go a long way towards preserving your family’s health.

3. Mold

Mold grows in moist environments, and your attic is a great place for that. Water can accumulate from leaks, poor attic ventilation, ice dams, and improperly-installed insulation. Mold poses significant health issues if you inhale the spores, leading to conditions such as respiratory infections, allergic reactions, and weakened immune systems.

Once mold sets in upstairs, it can quickly spread through the whole house through your air ducts. Getting a professional inspection regularly can determine if your attic is at risk of growing mold or already does harbor mold spores.

So how do you prevent these dangers from impacting your home and health? Your best bet is to call an insulation contractor in St. Louis skilled in decontaminating insulation. They will:

Bag and remove all contaminated insulation
Remove droppings
Disinfect the area
Rodent-proof the area
Re-insulate the attic

Contact Addict Insulation St Charles, MO

Not sure if your attic insulation is contaminated? To book an inspection and free quote, contact us at 636-233-7314 today.

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