Bonney Lake Attic Spring Cleaning Project

Spring is right around the corner and the perfect time for homeowners to tackle home improvement projects, deep cleaning, and preparing for warmer temperatures. While most people focus on cleaning inside the home, the garage, or outdoor areas, a crucial space often gets overlooked – the attic! A well-maintained attic plays a crucial role in a home’s energy efficiency, air quality, and temperature regulation, making it essential for a comfortable and healthy home.

A homeowner in Bonney Lake reached out for a free attic inspection to assess its condition and improve their home’s efficiency before the warmer season arrives. The home is a rambler ranch-style home with a vaulted ceiling. A thorough inspection uncovered multiple issues that were impacting both energy performance and indoor air quality.

Identifying Problem Areas During Inspection

The estimator discovered several issues during the inspection that were compromising the efficiency and safety of the homeowner’s attic:

• Mold on roof sheeting
• Poor ventilation and uninsulated air ducts
• Old and insufficient insulation.

Mold on Roof Sheeting

Excess moisture and poor ventilation had led to mold growth on the roof sheeting, posing health risks and compromising indoor air quality. Addressing the moisture source was essential to prevent future mold recurrence.

Poor Ventilation and Uninsulated Air Ducts

The attic’s bathroom exhaust fans were not properly directing air outside, trapping moisture inside the attic. Strong winds blowing into the duct further prevent condensation from escaping, increasing moisture buildup and mold growth. Additionally, the air ducts were not insulated, leading to energy loss and increased condensation from the bathroom’s warmer air.

Old and Insufficient Insulation

The existing cellulose insulation was discolored and had settled over time, reducing its effectiveness. Without proper thermal protection, the attic experienced heat loss, impacting the home’s overall energy efficiency.

Attic Spring Cleaning and Remediation Process

Overall, we applied mold removal chemicals, installed new bathroom fan ducts, and installed R49 blow-in fiberglass insulation to provide lasting thermal protection and moisture control. Here are a few detailed steps in this attic spring cleaning process:

1. Remove all damaged materials, including the old blow-in fiberglass insulation, debris, wood scraps, and any animal waste.
2. Sanitize the entire space with a disinfectant solution.
3. Remediate the mold using RMR fungicide solutions and Kilz primer.
4. Install three roof damper vents and connect them to the bathroom fan outlets using three JPL R8 flexible air ducts.
5. Seal all possible rodent entry points.
6. Address air leaks around plumbing, air ducts, and electrical penetrations to improve energy efficiency.
7. Install appropriately sized baffles to ensure proper airflow through attic ventilation areas.
8. Fill all insulating cavities with Owens Corning blown-in fiberglass insulation to a depth of R49 or greater.

Transform Your Attic for Long-Term Comfort and Protection

The Bonney Lake homeowner now enjoys improved indoor air quality, lower heating costs, and a mold-free, energy-efficient attic. Most importantly, they feel comfortable knowing their attic is well-prepared to prevent moisture buildup during the warmer months ahead.

Like this homeowner, you can take steps to improve your attic’s ventilation and overall temperature regulation. Spring is a good time to ensure it is in top shape before increased temperatures and humidity negatively impact your home. If you have not checked for moisture issues, proper ventilation, poor insulation, or built-up clutter, now is the time. A thorough attic cleaning and insulation upgrade can help lower heating and cooling costs, improve indoor air quality, and reduce noise pollution. Call us at (253) 315-0172 to schedule a free attic inspection today, and let our technicians transform your attic into a cleaner, healthier, and more energy-efficient space this upcoming season.

Citations

• RMR Solutions – Fungicide Solutions
• Kilz – Mold and Mildew Primer
• JPL – R8 Flexible Air Ducts
• Owens Corning – Loosefill Insulation
• NWCS – Attic Cleaning Services
• NWCS – Attic Insulation Repair and Installation Services
• NWCS – Attic Ventilation Services
• NWCS – Mold Remediation and Removal Services