The following is a guest post by Rodney Southern.
Climbing the steps to the attic is something few people enjoy doing. There is something creepy about an attic to many people. The truth is, an attic is just like any other part of your home, only darker. This is one reason why attic maintenance is one of the most ignored tasks. Nobody wants to climb up into the attic for any reason, much less clean and do maintenance.
The good news is, attic maintenance is very easy. With some quick and easy tips, you can check this maintenance task off your list in no time flat. Here are the things you need to do:
Check Vents for Lint/Debris
Your attic vents are absolutely vital to the health of your home and they can easily be compromised by a number of different things. The most common problem with vents is a lack of ventilation space. If you put a big box in front of your vent, you will have all kinds of problems with moisture, insulation, and air flow. Make sure the vent is free and clear of anything on the inside and out. Wipe them down with a damp rag and make sure they are not clogged.
Look for Openings
Cracks and other openings in an attic can cause all kinds of problems as well. Look closely with the attic door shut. (Make sure you are in a safe, supported position first.) The darkness will often show any areas where light is coming through or openings you might miss. Also, check carefully around windows and corners. Any openings should be sealed up to help keep out the critters.
Check Insulation
Displaced insulation can cause you to get icy areas in your attic and should be put back into place. Just look around with a good light source to make sure insulation is in place and that it covers the surface nicely.
Check for Wasps and Other Pests
As tasteless as it might be, pest control in your attic is a necessity. The good thing about doing it during the winter is that most of these critters will be either dormant or sluggish. Wasps and bees are the most common problems in attics and they will be completely gone. Only the nests will be left behind and you can easily remove them with a stick or broom. Make sure you also seal up the entrance so they don’t return. (They got in somehow). Also look around for signs of bats, raccoons, squirrels, and mice. The droppings will be obvious if you look around carefully.
Reorganize and Clean Up
Finally, take the time to organize any storage or extras in the attic. A clean attic makes your maintenance easier each year. Clean up completely and you are good for yet another year.
Rodney Southern is a long time content writer specializing in a wide array of niches both online and in print. His work has been featured on sites such as Yahoo.com, The Sporting News and numerous others over an eleven plus year career. He also runs his own website on diabetes called Dashing Diabetes. He was the National Call for Content Winner for 2008. Southern resides in Greensboro, NC with his wife, Julie, and identical twin daughters, Valerie and Brooke.
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