When a rodent infestation has been discovered and taken care of, many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief. However at Above Board, we know the work is far from over. The real challenge (and arguably the most critical phase for your home’s long-term health) is the cleanup and restoration of the damage left behind.
The damage inflicted by mice and rats isn’t superficial – it’s an extensive issue encompassing biohazards, structural compromise, and decreased energy efficiency. Attempting a superficial or DIY cleanup fails to address three core dangers inherent in your attic.
Persistent Biohazard Contamination
Rodent waste is laden with bacteria, viruses and allergens. This waste saturates porous materials like wood sheathing and insulation. Even after rodents are gone, the dried particulate matter remains. Disturbing this material with proper PPE and specialized air filtration can aerosolize pathogens, compromising air quality throughout your entire structure. Above Board ensures biohazards are safely contained and removed, eliminating the potential for future health risks.
Compromised Insulation and Energy Loss
Rodents tunnel, compress and contaminate insulation. When insulation loses its R-value due to compaction and saturation, it ceases to effectively regulate temperature. This hidden energy drain forces your HVAC system to work harder, leading to dramatically increased utility bills. A critical part of professional restoration is the removal of all contaminated insulation, followed by an air seal and the installation of new high-performance insulation to restore maximum thermal efficiency.
Hidden Structural and Safety Risks
Rodents chew through structural components and critical systems. Damaged electrical wiring and HVAC ductwork are often buried deep within the attic space. Ignoring this damage becomes a fire hazard. Gnawed electrical wires create a significant hidden risk of short circuits and electrical fires. Additional, compromised ductwork allows treated air to escape into the attic, while potentially drawing contaminated attic air into your living spaces.
The Above Board Restoration Process
Our method is a comprehensive approach that ensures your home is truly protected after rodents are removed.
Meticulous Remediation & Sanitization
The process begins with the careful removal of all contaminated materials like insulation, debris and waste. We utilize specialized vacuums with HEPA filtration to ensure airborne contaminants are safely captured, not recirculated. Once the bulk of the material is removed, we treat accessible surfaces, including floorboards and rafters, with a professional-grade disinfectant and encapsulant. This treatment neutralizes remaining bacteria and odors, sealing the wood to prevent re-absorption.
Exclusion and Structural Repair
This phase involves sealing all entry points rodents used to gain access using durable, rodent-proof materials. Critically, we inspect and repair compromised infrastructure, addressing any damaged electrical wiring, plumbing and torn ductwork to restore safety and system efficiency before sealing the attic.
Restoration of Thermal Integrity
When the space is clean, sealed and safe, restoration begins. We install new, high-quality insulation to meet or exceed current energy code requirements. This not only completes the physical restoration but guarantees that your home’s thermal barrier is fully protected, ensuring long-term energy savings and comfort.
Don’t settle for partial solutions when it comes to your home’s health. Choosing Above Board means selecting an excellent partner committed to transparency and the highest standards of post-infestation cleanup and restoration. We deliver a peace of mind. Contact Above Board Indoor Environmental today for an expert consultation.