If you've ever gone up into your attic, you probably know it's not the most pleasant place. It smells musty and sometimes like rodent urine. But could a dirty attic actually make your family sick? The short answer is yes. Bryant Insulation can tell you about risk of health problems associated with an unclean attic.

A Dirty Attic Can Be A Magnet For Mold

Since mold can be a health hazard, you want to make sure that your attic is free of it. Not only does mold cause respiratory problems and infections, but it can also affect the health of your family members. Mold spreads very easily, so if you have an attic with excess moisture levels, then it's likely that you've got some kind of mold problem going on in there.

You may not realize this at first glance because mold often grows behind drywall or other surfaces that are hard to access if they're hidden from sight. You might not even know about the presence of these spores until months later when someone in your home develops a cold-like illness—which could indicate an issue with mold in their bedroom!

Rats, Mice and Other Rodents

Did you know that rodents are attracted to dirty attics? These furry creatures can cause a lot of damage, from chewing through insulation and wires to creating holes in the roof. They also love to make nests out of whatever they find inside your attic—including insulation, which can lead to mildew buildup and mold infestations.

Disease-carrying animals pose another health risk when they live in your attic. Rodent droppings can carry viruses like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Leptospirosis, all of which are serious illnesses that have been linked with exposure to rodent waste products like urine or feces.

Insulation That Isn't Doing Its Job

This is where insulation comes in. If you're not familiar with the concept, it's basically a material that traps heat and prevents it from escaping. You can find insulation in your attic, between walls and ceilings, or even underneath your house. It keeps out cold air during winter months and hot air during summer months—but only if it's kept clean!

How to determine if your attic is too dirty

If you're concerned about the health of your family and home, here are some quick ways to determine if your attic is too dirty:

  • Look for signs of mold. If you suspect that mold may be an issue, look around the exterior walls of your house and check for patches or clumps of brownish black growths on the roof. If you find any, consult a professional immediately so they can remove it safely and effectively before it spreads.
  • Check insulation levels. Look inside your attic by opening up a hatch in one corner (this should be easy) and taking a peek. If there's a lot of dust, dirt and mold in there as well as noticeable gaps between old insulation layers then consider replacing those layers with newer ones made from recycled materials like paper instead! 

Conclusion

If you've been experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get your attic cleaned up as soon as possible. A dirty attic can lead your entire family down the path of illness, so make sure that you're doing everything in your power to protect yourself and those around you!