When we think about cleaning our home, we usually pay special attention to wiping down counters and vacuuming floors, but there’s a big, often-forgotten space that plays a huge role in the air that we breathe. This is the attic. Since hot air naturally rises, the attic acts like a giant, invisible engine for the air in your home. It pulls air from downstairs and cycles it back in. Anything unhealthy floating around there, such as mold spores, dust, or particles from insulation, can easily find its way into your living quarters. Therefore, you must put some habits in place to make sure your attic is clean and in top shape so that it is not contaminating the rest of your house.
Stopping Mold and Mildew in Its Tracks
One of the biggest threats to air quality in your attic is excess moisture. This leads to the growth of mold and mildew. If your attic does not have good ventilation, hot, moist air can get trapped. This trapped moisture often comes from sources, such as bathroom vents improperly dumping steam into the attic space, or from a small leak in the roof. When mold grows, it releases tiny, microscopic spores into the air. These spores are easily carried down into the rest of the house. This can trigger respiratory problems, such as sneezing and coughing. For example, if you see black or green fuzzy patches on the wood in your attic, you have found a major air quality problem that needs immediate attention because those spores are traveling.
Keep Dust and Insulation Particles Under Control
Besides moisture issues, the attic is a major source of dust and fine particles that can irritate your lungs. Many attics have fiberglass insulation. While this material is excellent for keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, it can break down over time. If the air barrier between your attic and your living space is not sealed well, such as having a gap around your attic door, these tiny fiberglass particles can filter down. Moreover, any regular dust that collects in the attic will also be pulled into your air conditioning and heating system if the ductwork is leaky. Consequently, sealing up those little cracks and holes, a process called air-sealing, makes a big difference in the cleanliness of your indoor air.
Keeping Pests Out
Keeping pests like mice, squirrels, and bats out of your attic is also a matter of air quality. If these animals decide to make your attic their home, their droppings, hair, and nesting materials will build up over time. This introduces harmful bacteria and allergens into the air. When you check your attic a few times a year, you can spot small openings where these animals might be getting in. Having a professional seal those gaps will prevent a much larger contamination issue down the road.
If you notice anything is amiss, it is important to seek professional help. Contact Complete Detail Cleaning & Restoration to perform an attic inspection in your Troy, OH home.
