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Other pests like mice and rats, as well as raccoons and bats are also commonly found nesting in attics. They also need to be gotten rid of permanently. You may want to call out a pest or animal control specialist, but there are several steps you can take to keep your attic free and clear of rodents and other animals.

Attic cleanup and rodent proofing

• Removing food sources like bird seed or nuts or even pet food.
• Upgrade cardboard storage boxes to heavy-duty storage bins
• Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed.
• Covering your gutters and downspouts with gutter guards and covers.
• Removing firewood that’s stacked against the building.
• Repairing damaged soffit and fascia boards.
• Sealing off other potential entrances. 

Once you get the squirrels or other rodents cleared from your attic, you’ll need to clean up their mess. When you need experts at attic decontamination in Fort Worth, TX, count on the team at ACT Home Energy Specialists. Give us a call at 817-781-8781.  

How do I disinfect my attic?

Whether you’ve had pests, water damage or other problems in your attic, once the problems are stemmed, it’s then time for attic cleanup and decontamination. While professionals like those at ACT Home Energy Specialists can get rid of droppings and remove mold, you can take some steps to clean the attic as well. Start by removing boxes, furniture and other items, or stack them in a corner until you finish dusting the area. You will also want to wash and dust any fabrics.

Begin your cleanup by dusting, using an electrostatically charged duster. Clean thoroughly over the walls, wooden beams, columns and baseboards, as well as windows and frames. Make sure to dust fans and fixtures. If the dust is thick, you might want to consider using  a vacuum. Follow up your dusting by sweeping the area.

Follow up the dusting and sweeping with an inspection of the insulation. Adequate insulation will be at the same level as the floor joists. If it’s below the joists, you should add insulation. Along inspecting the insulation, look for signs of mold. Mold will appear as dark spots on the wood, and you may notice a musty smell. Anytime you find mold, it may be best to call in a specialist to get rid of it. For all your cleaning efforts wear a mask that filters airborne particles and gloves. 

Attic mold cleanup

If you see dark spots in your attic, you probably have mold. While it’s a serious problem requiring attic cleanup and decontamination, you shouldn’t fret, because mold can be removed. Mold removal specialists are your best bet when it comes to removing the mold itself. But, to prevent the mold from returning, you can take some steps to prevent it from returning. 

Mold grows where there’s moisture, and moisture can get in through several ways. Check for roof leaks, and if there are any, get them repaired by a reputable roofer. You may also have wet insulation, which needs to be removed and replaced. Wet insulation not only creates the potential for mold, it will lose its effectiveness to improve ventilation and heat absorption. Also check your soffit vents and other vents to see if airflow is adequate. Your attic should be relatively cool. If it’s hot and stuffy the ventilation is poor, and poor ventilation can lead to mold growth.

How do I get rid of thick dust in my attic?

Anytime you go into the attic, you’ll probably see dust. If you haven’t dusted in a long time, the dust will be really thick. As part of your attic cleanup and decontamination, you want to dust regularly. For really thick dust, it’s probably best to use a vacuum to clean it. You can also use an electrostatically charged duster. Make sure you have bags to collect the dust and take it outside. You also want to wear a dust mask and gloves while cleaning. Attic decontamination services like ACT Home Energy Specialists can also be called to ensure your attic is cleaned thoroughly.

How much does attic decontamination cost?

Attic cleaning and decontamination costs will vary. On average, however, you can expect to spend anywhere between $110 and $160. Additional services like rodent removal and rodent proofing will incur additional costs. Rodent removal can cost anywhere between $95 and $235, while rodent proofing will cost anywhere between $125 to $200. Decontaminating your attic after having rodents or pests removed will cost on average about $1.50 per square foot. A full decontamination will cost anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000.

When you have to clean your attic because of pests, to manage the cost, you may wonder, “Does homeowners insurance cover attic restoration?” The answer is, “Sometimes.” If you have problems with bats, racoons and or some birds, homeowners insurance may cover the decontamination service. But common pests like squirrels mice or rats may not be covered, unless they have gotten into the attic because of damage caused by a storm or other covered peril. Even with animals that are covered, the payout may be minimal. Check with your insurance company to find out exactly what’s covered in your policy.

How thick should attic insulation be?

Having the right amount of insulation in the attic of your home is the number one way to reduce your energy cost. Attic insulation is rated in a measurement called R-Value which tells you how well it will work with a range of 2.0/inches to 8.0/inch. Cellulose and fiberglass R-Value ratings are 2.9/inch to 3.8/inch, while sprayed foam insulation can measure up to 8.0/inch. A higher R-value will do a better job of preventing heat to transfer. In simple terms, the average amount of attic insulation is about six inches. Don’t forget to insulate the attic door either!

How do I know if my attic needs more insulation?

A quick and simple way to know that your attic needs more insulation is to look at the floor for the attic. If you can see more than the top of the floor joists, you need attic insulation. If your home was built before 1970, you probably need attic insulation, but here are some indications that will confirm the need for you:

1. Attic Troubles: While you’re up in the attic checking the attic insulation, do you feel or smell moisture?  Do you see where water has come through the ceiling, notice wet spots on the ceiling or the floor of the attic?
2. Energy Bills Blasting: You do all the things you can think of to make your home cool or heat more efficiently and cut the AC and heat down. Sadly, nothing is working, and your energy bills keep increasing. Cooling and heating in your home are how you keep everyone comfortable, so you keep lowering or raising the thermostat to make it comfortable. Or do you notice the AC/Heat system is constantly running? These are both indications that your home needs attic insulation.
3. Winter Wonderland: During the winter, does your roof have giant icicles hanging off the roof? While this may look pretty, it isn’t. They can damage the gutters and roof each time the heat rises and heats the attic. If the attic insulation is adequate, the heat will escape through the vents. If the attic insulation is insufficient, the heat will rise to the roof and melt the ice and snow and create ice dams and icicles.
4. Cold and Hot Rooms: If one room in your home is a sauna, and another is like you’re in an igloo, that is a big red flag that your attic insulation is uneven. A home should not have any drafts if it is properly insulated. 
5. The Current Insulation: If you find crumbly insulation while in the attic, it is expired and is not doing your home any good. Do not try to remove the attic insulation yourself, it always best to have a professional insulation contractor remove the attic insulation. They will have the equipment and gear to remove the old insulation.
6. Cracks: If there are small cracks around the doors and windows, applying some caulk over those cracks to seal them is a simple fix. Sometimes a few small cracks are leaking enough cool air or heat to contribute to high energy bills.
7. Pests: Lastly, mice droppings or like indications of pest infiltration can compromise your home’s structural integrity as the pest eat away at the attic insulation and structure. 

How long does insulation last in the attic?

The typical lifespan of attic insulation according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors says that spray foam insulation, house wrap insulation, and wrap tape can last up to 80 years or longer. Cellulose, foamboard, loose-fill, and rock wool insulation can last 100 years.

However, when the basic homeowner maintenance is ignored, the lifespan can be shortened. Attic insulation is durable, and the attic insulation made today is humidity and weather resistant.  to weather and humidity. Still, all insulation can be weakened by several factors, such as water damage that is left unattended, as mildew and mold can still form and corrode the exterior and interior attic insulation.

Additionally, puncture to the surface of attic insulation can render it ineffective. When cellulose, fiberglass, or other batt attic insulation falls, it creates “blank spots” where mold growth can harbor, it gets dirty and becomes less effective.

Can you put new insulation over old?

Unless the old attic insulation is wet, new insulation can be installed over old insulation. Any wetness will get trapped between the old and new it will mildew, mold and rot the attic floor and rafters.

How long does HVAC ductwork last? You may wonder, “Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?” While it’s common to say ductwork lasts 10 to 15 years, some types of ductwork may last longer. Metal ductwork, for instance, can last much longer than 15 or even 20 years, while flexible ductwork has a varied lifespan.

While ductwork can last a long time under ideal conditions, even metal ductwork is subject to wear as it ages. Metal ductwork expands and contracts with temperature changes, which over time can create gaps and leaks. The same is true for flexible ductwork. Over time it can develop leaks. These gaps and leaks will reduce airflow and energy efficiency. The older the ductwork, the more likely you’ll have problems with airflow, which will begin to affect your HVAC system overall, causing it to work harder to heat or cool your home. This may lead to costly repairs and you’ll probably see your energy bills slowly creep up.

So, as a rule of thumb, if your air ducts are over 15 years old, you may want to have a professional check them out. A professional will be able to tell the condition of your ducts and better recommend whether or not they need to be replaced.

For HVAC duct replacement in Fort Worth, TX, rely on the professionals at ACT Home Energy Specialists. Find out how we can help you by calling 817-781-8781.

How long does flex duct last?

While many homes have metal ductwork, others have flexible ductwork or flex duct, and because it is less expensive than metal ductwork, it may be a cheaper alternative when it comes to HVAC duct replacement. Flex duct’s lifespan can vary. Much of its longevity will depend on the installation, but poor installation will affect your ductwork’s dependability no matter what type it is. As with other types of ductwork, have your flex duct checked by a professional after about 10 to 15 years or if you’re experiencing problems like poor indoor air quality or decreased airflow. 

HVAC duct replacement diy

Although it’s not recommended that you try to replace your whole home’s ductwork, with the right tools and skills, you may find it more convenient to replace a section. Here are some basic steps for diy HVAC duct replacement.

Steps to replace HVAC ducts

• Remove old ductwork: The old ductwork needs to be removed to make room for the new duct. The new ductwork is attached to the vent box or plenum.
• Secure and seal the duct: Attach the duct to the bottom of floor joists using plastic ties placed every few feet. Plastic ties are also used to seal the duct to the new box. Once in place, everything is sealed with aluminum tape.
• Create a wooden frame to hold the vent in place: This frame may be necessary to hold the vent in place.
• Fill in gaps between the floor and frame using insulated duct board: The duct board is cut to size and fit snugly onto both sides of the frame. The vent is further sealed with mastic adhesive cement.

Before you have your ductwork replaced in your attic, if you have any problems with roof leaks or moisture build up, roof inspections are a good way to check for problems with your roof that could affect your attic and your ductwork.

Is cleaning air ducts worth it?

While there isn’t much evidence that cleaning air ducts can help improve indoor air quality, there are some instances in which you might want to have them cleaned. If you’ve recently remodeled your home, you may want to clean the ductwork, especially if the ducts weren’t sealed during the renovation or if lead paint removal or asbestos abatement was involved.

Other reasons to have your ducts cleaned if you have evidence of animal infestation in the ductwork, if mold is present, or if contaminants are being released through the ducts after the registers have been cleaned. If someone in your household is suffering from an allergy-related illness and all options have been exhausted, you may want to look into getting the ducts cleaned.   

How much does it cost to replace HVAC ductwork?

HVAC ductwork replacement costs will vary. On average it will cost about $285 per duct run. The cost is based on the number of runs replaced, along with the length of each run, as well as the type and size of the ductwork. Costs can increase to as much as $550 per run if ducts in walls and ceilings have to be replaced.

Does Attic Insulation Really Help?

If you think about the location of the attic, you will realize that due to its location, it can get very hot. The attic is right below the roof, which is in constant contact with the sun and other outside elements, so that can really affect the temperature of your home. Something that people always ask about insulation for an attic is, “Will adding insulation attic make difference?” and the answer is yes. Attic insulation acts as a barrier that will keep cool and warm air from both leaving and entering your home. This is helpful as it can reduce the temperatures in your home (or keep them the same) and also help you save money in the long run. Knowing if this type of insulation is right for you helps if you know about the attic insulation benefits.

• Lower Bills: When an attic isn’t insulated, then it can waste a lot of energy and in turn cost a lot of money. Insulation can reduce utility bills.
• Greater Indoor Air Quality: Air leaks in the attic can cause mold, dirt, and dust to make there way through your home, which compromises our air. With insulation, you can have better indoor air quality.
• Better Protection: Moisture and heat can do a number on your home’s structure, but by investing in attic insulation, you can protect your home’s structure.
• More Comfortable: Without insulation the temperature inside of our homes can become uncomfortable, which is why insulation is so important.
• Prevent HVAC Wear and Tear: Your HVAC system has to work harder when cool or warm air enters or leaves your home. By getting insulation you can extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce HVAC maintenance.

Can You Over Insulate an Attic?

What is radiant barrier made of?

A radiant barrier is made of highly reflective materials such as aluminum foil. The material is then applied to one or both sides of a substrate that can be plastic film, kraft paper, oriented strand board, cardboard or air infiltration barrier materials. Some of these options may even go further and be fiber-reinforced to increase durability and ease handling. As of such, a radiant barrier could be applied with numerous different insulation materials as a facing material.

Is spray foam a radiant barrier?

With radiant barrier vs spray foam insulation of the spray foam variety doesn’t protect from radiant heat but it will have the effects of conduction and convection. They won’t be as effective in keeping cool in the summer however when radiant heat is more powerful.

Can Radiant Barrier cause mold?

A radiant barrier can risk causing mold and other damages if not properly installed. Grime and dust buildup can come in the way of a radiant barrier’s ability to reflect heat and allow it pass on. If a property has leaking problems or too much condensation from improper air seals or poor vents than moisture is being collected in the house. If it’s the attic you have a confined space that will trap moisture on drywall and the radiant barrier. In the winter months, this condensation can be worse and form mold. These issues can be resolved as long as your vents and seals are in place as they should be. Problems of the mold with a radiant barrier are not caused directly by the barrier but by home systems that are having issues instead and affecting moisture levels in the air.

When To Use Radiant Barrier Insulation

A radiant barrier is a great way to improve on the comfort of your building’s temperatures in any season as essentially it works as any proper insulation should in being adaptable in any climate or season. Particularly harsh seasons like summer or winter however it will prove especially useful. The heat will move from hot areas to cold areas thereby reducing energy costs in the summer and the sheathing will prevent heat transference away from the interior during winter months.

Is radiant barrier worth it in Texas?

Essentially a radiant barrier can be useful in any climate, it’s essentially insulation and insulation is great in stabilizing temperatures inside of a building. As radiant heat is perhaps the highest in summer it can be great for warmer climates.

Contact A Professional 

Add radiant barrier benefits to your property with a roll-on foil barrier or other such material to improve your home or business’s insulation. Remember, it’s important that a professional install your radiant barrier with precision and care or you may run into problems down the road. When you require assistance, be sure to contact a professional as they will be able to conduct a roof inspection to determine the specifications and characteristics of your property. Look into your local residential or commercial roof installation services for professional care. Benefit from a radiant barrier today!

If you’d like to learn more about a radiant barrier in Fort Worth, TX call 817-781-8781 with ACT Home Energy Specialists!

Are energy audits free?

There are many energy service companies that offer free energy audits yet they will typically provide you with generalizations about energy use in your home. If you wish for more details there are other types of energy audit services that you can choose to assist with your home.

How can I make an old house more energy efficient?

There are a few things that can assist you in making your home more energy efficient. Once such way is to incorporate energy efficient light bulbs which pull on less energy while still producing bright lights. You could even use a lighting system that can adjust brightness and be dimmed by command as well, there are also options that light up only when an occupant is present in the room or given space. As far as the overall home, your HVAC system can be an indicator of higher bills. Believe it or not but your roofing ties a large hand into how hard your HVAC system performs. When your roofing’s insulation is not up to par in both cooling down or keeping a building warm your HVAC system will work harder in order to maintain stable temperatures. In order to conserve energy consider a roof inspection to make sure insulation is good or consider roofing materials with reflective properties as that can save you a large percentage of heating and cooling costs.

How can I improve the heat efficiency of my home?

A good way to improve the heat efficiency of your home is to check on the insulation of your roof as this can affect how your home retains heat. You may also choose to insulate your loft as this is another area that will affect heat distribution. Upgrading your boiler to a more energy efficient model can also be a good idea for better heat distribution and heat conservation. As far as interior design, thick curtains or thermal ones over windows or doors can prevent cooler temperatures from infiltrating your home and prevent heat from leaving your property.

Contact A Professional

When you are in need of an energy audit for home, energy audit for industry or an energy audit is required for your business consider relying on the services of home performance testing. Energy audit and conservation efforts are essential in maintaining proper system functions and proper energy consumption. With an energy audit, you can make beneficial strides to more energy efficient use that can be a great benefit to both the environment and your pocket! If you’d like to know more get in touch with a professional today!

If you’d like an energy audit in Fort Worth, TX call 817-781-8781 with ACT Home Energy Specialists!