Attic & Crawlspace Cleanup / Insulation in Santa Cruz, CA

Rodent Attic Cleanup • HEPA Sanitation • Vapor Barriers • R-Value Upgrades

If your attic or crawlspace smells musty, sheds dust, or shows rodent signs, it’s time for a reset. We map entries, HEPA-vac droppings, disinfect, replace insulation to proper R-values, and install continuous vapor barriers—built to withstand fog and salt air. Expect cleaner air, fewer drafts, and lower energy load after day one.

Need help now?

Call (831) 263 6611

Common Questions

What is attic cleanup

Attic cleanup is removing contaminated insulation and debris, then sanitizing, deodorizing, and fixing the conditions that attract pests.

Do you handle rodent droppings and nesting material

Yes, in most cases we remove droppings and nesting debris, then sanitize the area. We also point out entry gaps so the problem does not repeat.

Do you replace insulation after cleanup

If insulation is damaged or contaminated, we can remove and replace it. The best option depends on access, moisture, and what we find during inspection.

Do you do crawlspace vapor barriers too

Yes. Crawlspace moisture control often matters as much as the attic in Santa Cruz, especially near coastal fog zones.

Why These Spaces Struggle on the Coast

From Westside and Seabright to Midtown, Live Oak, Capitola, and Aptos, we see the same pattern: foggy nights + salt air + aging vents = damp insulation, musty odors, rodent entry, and energy loss. Crawlspace soil wicks moisture upward; uncovered earth and torn vent screens raise humidity and invite wildlife. In attics, wind-driven fog and poor baffles collapse R-values and push dust and droppings into living areas.

Signs You’re Due for a Cleanup & Upgrade

Odors: ammonia/musty smells drifting from attic hatches or floor registers.
Noises at night: scratch/scurry in ceilings or under floors (roof/Norway rats or wildlife).
Visible contamination: droppings, nesting, shredded or matted insulation.
Uneven temps & bills: rooms too hot/cold; AC/heat running longer than usual.

Moisture cues: damp soil, pipe condensation, rusted hangers, or mold specks.
Pest spillover: fleas/ticks after wildlife; ants trailing through subfloor openings.
Allergy/respiratory irritation: fine dust and dander from contaminated voids.
Compromised air quality from contaminants migrating into living spaces.

Common Santa Cruz attic and crawlspace problems we see

Midtown Attic – Contamination & Heat Loss

Problem: Rodent droppings, flattened batts, odor into bedrooms.
Solution: Sealed entries, HEPA-vacuumed, removed soiled insulation, air-sealed top plates/fixtures, and installed new R-value insulation with proper baffles.

After cleanup and exclusion, many homeowners report the odor fades over the next few weeks.

Live Oak Crawlspace – Damp & Drafty

Problem: No vapor barrier, torn screens, skunk traffic.
Solution: Screened vents, installed a continuous 6–10-mil vapor barrier pinned around piers, spot-replaced subfloor insulation, and neutralized odors.

Comfort often improves once drafts and insulation gaps are addressed.

Our 8-Step IPM-First Restoration Process (Built for Santa Cruz)

Photo-Backed Assessment

Moisture readings, insulation depth/R-value checks, entry points, and corrosion risks. You get a photo report with priorities and a clear plan.

Source Control & Exclusion

We install humane one-way exits and wildlife-grade screening (galvanized/stainless) at all roof, soffit, crawl vents, and utility penetrations.

For a complete rodent workflow alongside your cleanup, see Rodent Control & Exclusion — pair cleanup with trapping/exclusion.

HEPA Sanitation & Odor Neutralization

Containment, HEPA-filtered vacuuming, enzyme-based disinfectants, and odor encapsulants to remove pathogens and attractants.

Air-Sealing (Comfort Gains)

Seal top-plate gaps, recessed light housings, chases, and flues with low-VOC materials to cut stack-effect drafts and moisture transfer.

After air-sealing, we can harden the envelope further (hatches, vents, utility penetrations) — explore Exclusion & Sealing Services — seal hatches/vents after restore.

Insulation Removal & R-Value Upgrade

Safe extraction of soiled or degraded insulation; install new high-performance insulation (blown or batts) and attic baffles for consistent airflow.

Vapor Barrier & Drainage Mindset

Install a continuous, taped poly barrier over soil (6–10+ mil) to block ground vapor and recommend grade/drainage tweaks for sloped sites.

Duct & Fan Fixes

Seal accessible HVAC ducts with mastic, insulate as needed, and ensure bath/dryer fans vent outside, not into the newly cleaned void.

Verify & Maintain

Final photos, re-checks after rain/fog cycles, and a custom seasonal checklist to help you maintain efficiency and pest resistance.

Want simple seasonal check-ins to keep everything tight? Our Year-Round Maintenance Plans provide post-restore checks so issues don’t return.

🛑 Safety Checks We Never Skip

Asbestos/lead awareness: evaluate before disturbance in older homes.
Knob-and-tube caution: safe clearances if insulating near legacy wiring.
Combustion safety: preserve clearances at flues/chimneys and verify ventilation.

🔨 Materials That Make Sense on the Coast

Galvanized/stainless screening and fasteners (corrosion-resistant).
Low-VOC sealants/foams for healthier Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Enzyme-based disinfectants and HEPA filtration.
High-quality, continuous vapor barriers.

✅ Immediate Benefits You’ll Feel

Cleaner air: fewer allergens and odors migrating into living spaces.
Lower energy load: air-sealing + insulation reduces HVAC run-time.
Quieter home: better sound absorption from roof/wind/rain.
Pest resistance: sanitized voids + tight screens deter re-entry.

Prevention That Actually Works Here

Annual hatch/crawl checks after big storm cycles.
Keep shrubs/trees 18″ off siding/roof; lift firewood and tidy fruit drops
Maintain gutters/downspouts; extend discharge away from crawl.
Run bath fans during/after showers; verify warm, dry airflow to exterior.
Track crawl humidity with a simple hygrometer; address leaks fast.

We’ll leave a custom one-page checklist you can follow seasonally.

FAQ

Cost depends on attic size, how much insulation needs removal, and whether there is rodent contamination. After an inspection, we can give a clear range based on what you actually need.

Many jobs take part of a day, but larger attics or heavy contamination can take longer. We will tell you what to expect before we start.

In many homes, yes. Odors often come from droppings, urine, and damp insulation. Cleanup plus sanitation usually makes a noticeable difference, though timing can vary.

We can. Cleanup without exclusion is a common reason problems return. If we find entry gaps, we will recommend sealing and repairs.

In most cases, yes. We use containment and careful cleanup practices so contaminants do not spread into living spaces.

Usually, no. Most attic work stays contained. If anything changes, we will tell you upfront.

Persistent odor, scratching sounds, droppings, stained insulation, and sudden allergy like irritation are common signs.

Yes. If insulation is damaged, contaminated, or compressed, removal and replacement can improve comfort and help prevent pest nesting.

Yes. Crawlspaces often have moisture, droppings, and odor issues that affect the whole house, especially in coastal areas.

Yes. We serve Santa Cruz and nearby areas, including Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Scotts Valley, and more.