651-212-4221
Dec 21, 2019
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Attic Quandaries Our Experts Have Encountered

Lindus Construction’s COO, Andy Lindus, shares some of the more unusual issues we have encountered in our company’s 40-year history.

Listen To The Entire Home Improvement Show Here. 

Creatively-Measured Insulation

Having been in business for over 40 years, there are few home improvement scenarios our team of experts hasn’t experienced.  Earlier this winter, a Roseville, MN couple reached out for a free heat map analysis and attic inspection.  Although they’d had their home insulated a few years ago, they hadn’t noticed much of an improvement in their home’s overall level of comfort.

Unfortunately, we were left with the unpleasant task of informing them that the past contractor they had worked with had only insulated their attic to R-30 and not R-60 as they had thought. The couple had been duped because the insulation contractor had only bent their measuring stick in order to give the impression that 10 extra inches of insulation existed, when in fact they did not.

 Bent insulation measuring stick showing the wrong level of insulation
When measured correctly, our expert found the attic insulation to be only R-30.

Invaded by Rodents

Other times, we’ve come face-to-face with live animals in the attic.  In one extreme scenario, the attic rodent issue was so severe that as soon as our pro popped his head into the attic, he was met with a strong ammonia smell and his eyes began to water.  This was deeply troubling, as the home’s indoor quality was compromised.

To eradicate the situation, we began by determining how the raccoons, mice, and bats were able to enter the attic.  Once a pest control company had evicted the rodents, we determined that the insulation had too much damage to be salvaged.  We then removed the attic’s pre-existing insulation.  Any remaining animal droppings were removed, and the area was treated.  From there, attic air sealing was completed before new cellulose and fiberglass insulation was installed.

bat droppings in attic
This attic inspection turned up a sizable amount of bat droppings.

Excessive Mold

Mold is another issue on the overall health of a home’s attic.  During winters where the indoor and outdoor temperatures greatly vary, homes often experience a lot of interior air movement along the walls, which is known as the stack effect.

Without proper attic air sealing, the home’s warm air travels upward or the attic’s cold air is pulled down the walls.  This can lead to the sensation of cold air being expelled from the home’s outlets and window trim.  Warm air hitting a home’s attic creates condensation.  Over time, this condensation leads to attic mold. It’s worth nothing that another way that condensation can enter an attic is if a bath fan vents into it.

Watch a Recent Insulation & Ventilation Project From Start to Finish:

Benefits of Attic Air Sealing

With any insulation project, it’s important that attic air sealing be part of the process.  Attic air sealing is a critical component of any insulation project because it is the most important step towards combating ice dam formation; simply adding insulation will not be a successful endeavor.  Areas that benefit from air sealing include electrical dumps, the attic access portal, and around can lights.

Once the attic has been sealed, insulation can be added, and any ventilation upgrades can be made.  The ultimate goal in the wintertime should be to get the attic the same temperature as it is outdoors.

Contact us today to get started on your home’s insulation project.

Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 8:30 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am.  Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling or texting 651.461.9226.

Browse Our Insulation and Ventilation Projects:

Insulation and Ventilation Reviews:

"I was very happy with the free insulation estimate I received from the Lindus rep. He took the time to walk me and my father-in-law through a thermal scan of all the leaky spots in my attic - and basement, bonus! - and was honest and forthright about the work they do and the best and most economical options available to us to improve ambient temperature control in these areas."

Rima F.
Lake Elmo, MN
January 9, 2024

"Randall Bowman and an attic insulation crew attended to my Somerset, WI condo in Oct. 2023.  They were ahead of schedule, very conscientious about not causing any damage or mess in the house. Very conscientious about not blocking traffic for my condo development neighbors. And, they were very efficient-- finishing earlier than they estimated. I would highly recommend Lindus Construction and the two insulation company they contract with."

Deb M.
Somerset, WI
October 12, 2023

"I thought it went very well!  No issues."

Brian B.
Ramsey, MN
August 24, 2023

"Great job! Kept us informed! Also, was very considerate. Made sure everything was cleaned up at the end of the day and took care to always wear masks around us, since my wife is immune compromised."

Dave G.
Maplewood, MN
June 26, 2023

"Everything went fine.  No problems."

Chip A.
Woodbury, MN
June 20, 2023

"Mitch did an outstanding job at my home today. He made me feel extremely comfortable. He was extremely thorough. And explained everything down to the down to the bottom detail. I couldn't be more happier. And if I know anybody that needs any work done, I am certainly going to recommend Lindus Construction. So thank you very much."

Dawn L.
Solon Springs, WI
May 5, 2023
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