Frequently asked questions
Inspection & General Company Info
DO YOU GIVE FREE ESTIMATES?
Yes. After you call and set up an appointment, a technician will come over to your house for a free inspection and then give you a free estimate of everything that needs to be repaired or redone.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR THE INSPECTION?
Nothing. Our technician will come with all the equipment and gear required to conduct the inspection and do any repairs, cleanup, and re-insulating.
DO I HAVE TO BE THERE DURING THE INSPECTION?
You don’t have to be there. All our technicians are trustworthy, and they will take photos inside your attic so you can have evidence of what they found there. When the technician finishes the inspection, we will call you and explain everything in detail.
WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF THE FREE INSPECTION?
During our free inspection, a technician will spend a reasonable amount of time going through every part of the attic to check that everything is okay. How much time the technician takes depends on how big the attic is and its maneuverability. However, you will find out everything that is wrong or damaged in your attic and get recommendations and solutions, and if there is nothing wrong, you will have peace of mind.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE ATTIC PROJECTS?
Attic Projects is a small company with a reputation to preserve. We offer quality control and customer service. If you want a company that’s a friend and service provider, we are the people to hire.
Insulation
CAN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH INSULATION?
Yes. While too little insulation will not help you at all, too much insulation will cause more harm than good in your attic. What happens is that over insulation restricts airflow, so there is no ventilation, and the HVAC has nowhere to get rid of the cold air. Over time, moisture problems and mold crop up and cause serious issues.
IS FIBERGLASS INSULATION SAFE?
Yes. All our insulation is safe for people and the environment because of its natural fiber and is treated with leading formulations. Not only is the insulation safe, but it also has pest control properties to get rid of roaches, ants, termites, and other insects. Our insulation is thermally superior, meaning it has a very high R-Value, fire-retardant, and sound-deadening.
DO I NEED TO REMOVE OLD INSULATION FIRST BEFORE INSTALLING NEW INSULATION?
Yes and no, depending on the condition of the old insulation. Ideally, you should remove the old insulation if it’s too damaged or wet and if you have critters hiding up there. The purpose of removing the old insulation is to clean up so you can have a fresh start with an attic that is clean and well-insulated and critter and pest-free. However, if your old insulation is okay and you only need to add some efficiency, you can go ahead and add a new layer on top of the existing one. Get an inspector to advise on removing insulation before going forward.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO INSTALL INSULATION?
Not at all. Your initial figure may seem high, but you will recover all that money when you save up to 30% on your energy bills and animal control. Have you seen the price of gas nowadays?
IS IT CHEAPER TO REMOVE OLD INSULATION ON MY OWN?
It is cheaper but not better. Hiring an attic cleaning company may sound expensive, but you will reap many benefits. Dust and debris might contaminate the attic with harmful bacteria and pathogens. Professionals come ready with the right gear to protect themselves from such contamination and the right equipment to clean everything without contaminating the rest of the house.
DO YOU NEED ATTIC VENTILATION WITH SPRAY FOAM INSULATION?
No. Attics with spray foam insulation applied on the underside of the roof (attic ceiling) should be wholly airtight or thermally sealed off from the outside of the house, so no ventilation is needed. However, ventilation is mandatory in homes with traditional insulation because it helps address excess heat and moisture that can build up in these spaces.
CAN I INSTALL SPRAY FOAM INSULATION MYSELF?
While it may be tempting to buy your spray foam kit and upgrade your attic, professionals strongly recommend against it. The materials are highly flammable and require extensive protection. An insufficient installation might require more maintenance long-term.
DOES SPRAY FOAM INSULATION REDUCE NOISE?
Yes. By filling up wall spaces, spray foam insulation prevents resonance, which prevents the sound from traveling. Sprayed foam can also reduce sounds generated inside wall spaces, like flushing toilets.
Rodents
HOW DO I GET RID OF RODENTS PERMANENTLY?
There are many ways to kill rodents, including traps, poison, and baits. However, if you want to ensure that critters don’t get into your house after you kill all those inside, you should have the attic’s entry point sealed in a method called rodent proofing.
WILL YOU GET RID OF PESTS?
We are not a pest control company, but we provide an alternative means of slowly getting rid of those pests. By sealing all the entry points in the house and keeping the attic clean, we ensure critters and other animals don’t get access to your home.
WHY IS HIRING A PROFESSIONAL TO RODENT-PROOF YOUR ATTIC THE ONLY WAY TO REMOVE RODENTS PERMANENTLY?
To achieve a permanent rodent-proofing solution for your attic, you should hire a professional because these experts can identify and correct potential entry points that an untrained eye may overlook. If every vulnerability is not properly sealed, rats can easily re-enter a space if they can find small openings.
Our professionals at Attic Projects employ comprehensive strategies, such as sealing gaps, installing protective barriers, and implementing exclusion methods to ensure rodents are not only removed but also prevented from returning
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FIRST SIGNS OF A RODENT INFESTATION?
Common initial signs of a rodent infestation include droppings, gnaw marks on wires or wood, and strange noises such as scratching or scampering. Unpleasant odors and nests made from shredded materials also indicate a rodent presence. If you recognize these signs early, you can prevent further infestation and damage.
IS RODENT-PROOFING SAFE FOR MY FAMILY AND PETS?
Rodent-proofing, when conducted by reputable professionals, is generally safe for your family and pets. Our professionals at Attic Projects use methods designed to prevent rodents from entering the home without harming residents. Non-toxic materials and humane traps may be employed during rodent removal, ensuring that the process is environmentally friendly and does not introduce hazardous substances into your living space.
However, it’s important to communicate any specific concerns or sensitivities with our professionals beforehand so we can tailor our approach appropriately.
DOES RODENT PROOFING REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTENANCE?
While our rodent-proofing is highly effective, as our team employs only innovative rodent-proofing techniques to ensure your attic never has another rodent living in it, routine inspections and maintenance are advised to ensure ongoing effectiveness. Weather conditions, wear, and tear, or new vulnerabilities may arise over time, making it essential to address any potential issues promptly.
Contacting our team at Attic Projects to periodically inspect and reinforce rodent-proofing measures can provide continued protection against infestations and secure the long-term integrity of your attic. This service is included in our standard 10 year warranty. Regular maintenance can also catch and address any new rodent activity before it becomes a larger problem.
Attic Cleaning
HOW WILL CLEANING UP MY ATTIC HELP ME?
Cleaning up your attic is very important for your health and energy efficiency. A dirty attic can host diseases and make your house inhabitable. We eliminate odor, mold, and allergens so you have a healthy home and remove damaged insulation to prepare for new insulation.
WHAT IS THE ATTIC CLEANING PROCESS
At Attic Projects, we offer comprehensive attic cleaning services designed to increase energy efficiency, improve air quality, and reduce health risks. As part of this process, debris, dust, and contaminants are removed, followed by thorough vacuuming and sanitization, and insulation, air leaks, and rodent entryways are inspected and addressed.
DOES ATTIC CLEANING ADDRESS ODORS
Attic cleaning also addresses odors by eliminating sources of contamination and using effective sanitizing agents. Our process enhances cleanliness and creates a fresher, more pleasant living environment by tackling and eliminating unpleasant odors.
DO I NEED AN ATTIC CLEANING SERVICE
Maintaining a clean attic is crucial for many reasons. Professional cleaning can help ward off mold, keep pests at bay, and ensure everything runs efficiently. If you’re worried about your energy bills, the air you breathe, or potential issues in your attic, our professional cleaning services at Attic Projects are tailored to your needs and can benefit you in more ways than one!
WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU SERVICE
Attic Projects has locations thought-out southern California and Washington State. We provide attic cleaning from our home offices in Seattle, WA, Everett, WA Orange, CA and San Diego.
HOW LONG DOES ATTIC CLEANING TAKE
How long attic cleaning takes can vary depending on the attic’s condition and what needs to be done. For a basic attic cleanup where we tidy up, sweep, and remove any clutter or debris, it typically takes 4-8 hours. However, a major rodent infestation or a lot of droppings and nesting material must be cleared out and disinfected. In that case, attic cleaning can take 8+ hours or sometimes longer over multiple visits. The extent of the feces, urine, nests, and carcasses that need to be removed and the attic properly sanitized plays a big role. We’ve seen some attics so overrun with mice or rats that the cleanup process takes over a week.
HVAC & Ducting
WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY HVAC SYSTEM?
The Department of Energy recommends replacing HVAC systems every 10-15 years. This can vary depending on how often you use and maintain the units, but most systems start to deteriorate after about a decade.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY HVAC FILTER?
Most air filter manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every 90 days. You may need to change it more often if you live in a dusty, dry climate, have pets, or have an older system.
WHAT DOES AC MAINTENANCE INCLUDE?
An AC maintenance professional will generally do the following (we can complete many of these steps at the same time):
- Test the voltage
- Inspect the condition of the belts, vents, and ducts
- Check the refrigerant
- Examine the drainage lines
- Inspect the blower motor
- Test the thermostat
- Check air filter
- Clean the compressor, condenser, evaporator coils, air handler, and drainage line
HOW LONG DOES AC MAINTENANCE TAKE?
An HVAC maintenance appointment usually takes 1-2 hours, although it varies depending on the size of the home, type of AC unit, and amount of time since the last maintenance visit.
Roofing
CAN YOU SEAL A LEAKING ROOF?
Yes, although it’s best to hire professional help to ensure proper coverage. In addition to fixing leaks, roof sealants can also protect roof materials against water and sunlight. Sealants come in different forms, including liquid in a paint can, a caulk gun, and adhesive tape.
WHAT IS ROOF MAINTENANCE?
Professional roof maintenance, which is usually recommended bi-annually (once in the Spring and once in the Fall), includes the following:
- Checking the surface for signs of damage or weathering
- Checking for any loose, damaged or missing pieces
- Checking the flashings to see if they are pulling away from the roof
- Examining any leaks
- Inspecting for accumulated dirt and debris, which may require pressure washing to remove
- Inspecting surfaces of vents, chimneys, skylights, and pipes for signs of aging
- Checking for clogged drains
DO METAL ROOFS REQUIRE MAINTENANCE?
Yes, professionals recommend annual maintenance for metal roofs. Annual maintenance prevents you from having more costly problems down the line, including leaking, dents, scratches, and corrosion.