JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...
Lately I have noticed a weird smell coming from my attic. I think it's
a dead animal as it really stinks! My friend has said it may be my
insulation getting old. (My house was built in 1978) Does anyone know
if this is possible? Can insulation get old and smell?

Am I able to go up there and check around? I mean, I've never been up
there myself. There's a little "doorway" in the hall that I can gain
access to the attic from. Is it safe for me to go up there? or will I
fall through the roof?
Should I get someone else to go check? (I have a membership at Angie's
List www.angies-lists.com )

If it is a dead rat or mouse, could a decaying animal make us all sick
(I have 2 kids). Sorry, I am kind of panicking now. Maybe I should
just call someone.

Can anyone answer these questions please? If there is a chance it's my
insulation I should really get that stuff replaced.

Sorry about the babbling, thanks for hearing me out. I appreciate any
help you can give.

Sincerely,

Lisa



Along with all the good advice you've gotten so far, call a roofer
***AFTER*** the smelly thing has been removed. You need to find out why
animals are getting in to begin with. In my previous home, we had a
contractor do blown-in insulation, and some roof vents. A month later, we
had a squirrel carnival in the attic. I was able to trap them, but that's
beside the point. I found absolutely NO screens on the vents. I called the
contractor, who said "That's weird. I've never heard of squirrels getting
into attics, at least not around here". Idiot.

Anyway, have your vents checked out.


Could be the insulation if the roof is leaking and the insulation is
damp or wet and mildew growing. Possessed houses are supposed to also
smell bad. I think there are spooks in my basement.
Dead animal or damp insulation is probably the cause.