Storage solutions: In the attic

Southern Living, May 2000 by Joyner, Louis, Belden, Derick, Clavell, Alicia K, Griffin, Eleanor, Et al

Other than the heat in summer, the attic is not a bad storage spot. It's dry, the space is accessible, and, most importantly, it is available. Here are some tips on putting your attic space to use.

In the summer, heat is the main problem. Limit storage items to those that won't be damaged by heat, such as most clothes, blankets, linens, and rugs. Use garment bags suspended from the rafters for seasonal storage. Furs and leather items should not be stored in the attic. As with any seasonal storage, store only clean clothes. Use moth balls or crystals to protect woolens. * Never place plastic toys, appliances, or equipment in the attic. Photographs, negatives, slides, videotapes, CDs, records, and audiotapes can be damaged by heat, so keep them out as well. Books and magazines will also suffer.

Excessive heat can dry out furniture and other items made of wood. Store them in the airconditioned part of the house.

If the attic is not floored, you will need to add one over the area you plan to use. You can use either boards or plywood. Carrying a 4- x 8-foot sheet of plywood up attic stairs can be difficult, if not impossible. Instead, consider precut 2- x 4-foot panels designed for attic flooring. These are available at many home-center stores and feature tongue-and-groove edges for easier installation.

If you are planning on storing heavy items in the attic, make sure the structure can carry the weight. a Dust, insects, and rodents can damage items stored out in the open. If possible, store everything in sealed containers. All vents should be screened to keep out insects and animals.

In colder areas, the attic temperature can occasionally drop below freezing. Never store liquids that can freeze, such as paint, in the attic.

Even though the attic is out of sight, try to organize the storage in an orderly manner. Label all boxes; you may want to keep a separate list of items stored in each. That way you can go right to the box you need.

* If attic access is difficult, keep the boxes and other containers small and lightweight.

Attic Ventilation

To keep your attic and all the stuff you've hidden away up there cool in summer and dry in winter, the space should be adequately ventilated. Here are some tips.

Make sure the existing attic vents are big enough. Most building codes specify the minimum amount of vent space, usually 1 square foot of vent per 150 square feet of attic floor area. (If a ceiling vapor barrier is used, reduce the vent area to 1 square foot per 300 square feet.)

To be effective, vents should be located both low along the edge of the attic (soffit vents) and high (ridge vents). This will allow hot air to flow out at the top and cooler air to come in at the bottom.

Insect screening or louvers reduce the effective area of the vents. If used, the vent area should be increased.

Don't block the vents. Use baffles to keep installation from covering soffit vents.

In the summer, proper ventilation will prevent heat buildup in the attic. This will not only help protect items stored there but also increase the life of your roof.

In cold weather, any moisture in the air can condense an the inside of your roof. This moisture can make the insulation soggy and less effective. To prevent damage, leave attic vents open year-round.

* Fans in the bath and clothes dryer vents should extend outside, not into the attic.