It is needless to say how popular attic storage is. We all know that it is an extra space to accommodate all the extra items, which are at home. However, it is essential to consider a few major factors to make the most out of this storage space. These factors include good ventilation, proper insulation as well as efficient utilization of the available space. In general, the vintage as well as the style of a home dictates the extent to which an attic can be used for storage. Pre 1970 colonials and the Victorians used good third storey space, as they had roofs with steeper pitches.
However, the newer versions with ranches, two-storey homes have lesser utilizable attic space. This is mainly because the roof trusses of these homes are engineered to have compromised roof pitches. However, ensuring that the essential factors are not compromised will help you in keeping everything safe and secure in your attic. Let us now evaluate each of the major factors that hugely contribute to make your attic storage.
Effective Insulation
Insulation mainly functions as a buffer to slow down the rate of heat transfer between your living area and your attic. A lot of the attics will be insulated between floor joists. However, additional insulation is sometimes recommended if you tend to use the attic storage for long-term purposes. Insulation is often rated by the R-value. Tailoring this value to suit the condition of your attic will do the trick. Some of the other insulating options include incorporating air space, venting as well as vapor barriers. Next, the the attic storage can be functional only when there is no heavy weight flooring above the attic space. Floors should be installed without beefing up the joists.
Proper Ventilation
Attics will be completely storage safe only when they are appropriately insulated and well ventilated. Insulation and ventilation generally work together in preventing drastic temperature swings and reducing humidity, during extreme weather inclinations. Although goods, which do not require any insulation can be conveniently stored even in non-insulated attics, these places have to be well ventilated. This is because ventilation prevents humidity build-up and excessive heat. Keeping certain vents in the right place will ensure that this process happens naturally. For instance, if the cool air enters your attic through the vents near the eaves, the warm air will escape through the vents in and around the attic’s roof.
On the contrary, mechanical ventilation systems can also be used. These involve an electric fan that draws in fresh air from out and pushes out the warm old air. These fans automatically start operating as soon as the attic heat reaches 100 degree Celsius. However, before installing an attic fan, it is better to choose the one with an automatic shutoff feature or a firestat.
As the attic architecture offers numerous interesting options, it is obvious for us to get tempted to stack everything heavy up there. Often people end up stacking these heavy boxes upon the stored furniture as well. This weakens the furniture joints, which might simply cause the furniture to break over time. Besides, stacking huge boxes and containers will make it difficult for you to keep a regular check on pests or discover hidden damages to your wiring or the structure. Apart from maintaining good ventilation and insulation, it is also essential to plan a few regular checks. This ensures that the stored boxes, furnishings, your prized possessions or even the overall infrastructure of your attic remain in the prime condition.
Credit : stairwaytostorage.com.au