Blown-in Insulation Case Studies: Attic Rodents in Herndon, VA

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019 by Justin Dobson

Challenge

This Herndon, VA homeowner had rodent issues in their attic. After a conversation with them, they also mentioned wanting to make the house more energy efficient and the top floor more comfortable.

Solution

We removed all of the existing insulation and disposed of it. The attic was treated with anti-microbial spray/fogger. Then the attic was air sealed not only for critters, but to lessen energy losses. New R49 TruSoft cellulose insulation was added to the attic. TruSoft cellulose is treated with borates to repel any self cleaning type of rodent or insect! The reuslts: 1. No more critters and none in the future. 2. Cooler top floor in the summer. 3. Warmer top floor in the winter. 4. Lower utility bills. 5. Less draftiness in the winter. 6. Less sound transmission into the home from outside.

Project Summary

Evaluator: Scott Beers

This Herndon homeowner had critters in the attic and was looking for a total solution.

This was the attic before... old nasty, dirty, and filled with rodent "you know what"!

This is how the skylight was insulated. Fiberglass batts allow air to travel through and around - not efficient and definitely contributed to uncomfortable temperatures in the home.