If there is one thing most homeowners dread, it is attic cleaning. This is why most people would rather put it off as long as possible. As a result, it is usually the dustiest room in the whole house.
However, there are times when attic and crawl space cleaning can no longer be avoided. When preparing for the installation of new insulation for your HVAC system, for example, you will have no choice but to clean up the entire attic.
The good news is that, if the job is too difficult for you to handle alone, you can hire local attic clean-up and insulation specialists to do it for you. With professionals taking care of your attic insulation removal and upgrade, you can rest assured that the job will be done in the best way possible.
Why Attic Cleaning Is Important?
While most people think of their attic primarily in terms of storage, it plays a much more important role than that. The space above your ceiling has a huge impact on air quality. It also houses the bulk of the insulation material that keeps your home at the right temperature and relieves the pressure on your HVAC system.
As such, an attic clean-up whenever you remove old insulation is important for the health of your family and for keeping your home feeling comfortable. Also, if neglected, attics can quickly become breeding grounds for pests, such as rats and other small rodents.
Essential Equipment and Supplies for an Attic Clean-up
If you forgo hiring an attic insulation removal professional, you will need some special equipment and supplies to get the job done yourself. Effective attic cleaning requires the following items:
- Broom
- Trash bags
- Vacuum cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Step ladder (optional)
- Glass cleaner
- A powerful light source
- Protective gloves
- Disposable dusters
- Respiratory masks
- Safety goggles
Attic Clean-up and Insulation Removal and Replacement
The following are 10 easy steps to help you tackle your DIY attic cleaning and insulation replacement:
- Initial Clearing
One of the problems with cleaning out the attic is that it is also used as an important storage space. Before the insulation is removed, you will need to clear out the entire area, which might be an entire day’s work on its own.
You will need to find a good place to temporarily store these items until the attic insulation is removed and replaced. Putting everything in boxes and trash bags will make the job easier.
- Insulation Removal
Next, you will need to remove the old insulation. If the crawl space is very small, this might make the process a lot more difficult. Be sure to put on your respiratory mask from this point onwards because some insulation materials may cause health problems.
- Sweeping and Vacuuming
Once all the insulation has been removed, it will be time to grab your broom and get to work. You should have a trash bag nearby because attic cleaning can yield a surprising amount of dirt. Using a broom and dustpan is great for quickly clearing large debris.
You will notice that the attic will start to look fairly clean, which is when you will need to grab a vacuum. Be sure to empty the bag regularly to ensure that your cleaning is as efficient as possible.
- Dusting and Sanitizing
The next step is to grab your microfiber cloth and start dusting the entire attic from the top going down. Do not forget the air duct cleaning as well. If the HVAC’s air ducts are easily accessible from the attic, now would be a good time to clean them up.
You can also sanitize your attic at this point since you will not get a better opportunity when the entire room is empty. Choose the best types of attic decontamination chemicals for your needs, and make sure you buy enough for the size of the space being cleaned.
- Inspection
While you are there, you can take a look at various HVAC components that are normally inaccessible when the attic is full and the insulation is in place. This might be a good time to replace some worn-out items so that you increase the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.
- Cleaning the Windows
If you want, you can also clean the windows at the same time as the rest of the attic. Depending on the design of the house, you may also be able to clean the outside of the windows, which will do wonders for the curb appeal of your home. Also, take time to scan the window panes and seals for signs of mold, damage, or pest infestation.
- Check for Structural Damage
An empty attic will allow you to walk around and check the roof and ceilings for structural damage. This is also a great time to see if there are any signs or water damage, which would suggest that the roof may be leaking.
- Revaluating Storage
If you are used to simply tossing things into your attic without arranging them in an orderly way, you can take this time to rethink how you are using your storage space. After you install the new insulation, you can return the items orderly, which may result in better use of the available space.
- Pest Prevention
Rats and other rodents can be a huge problem if they gain access to your attic. In many cases, they love nothing more than to create a cozy nest for themselves in your insulation material. As such, rodent-proofing your attic is very important.
- Insulation Upgrade
The last step is to install your new insulation material. Depending on the type of insulation you choose, you may be able to do this on your own, although some options will require you to call the professionals. A local insulation removal service provider can help with this.
Consider Local Attic Insulation Removal Service Providers
When it comes to the removal of attic insulation Agoura Hills residents can simply pick up the phone and call an attic cleaning service provider to assist with the job.
Tasks such as air duct cleaning, whole house fan replacement, and insulation removal need to be done by professional technicians. Why not visit a local website, go to the menu, select “Call us today,” and have an experienced contractor on your doorstep?
