No matter how big your home, you can always use some extra storage. With so few houses in southern Texas with a basement, most homeowners look to their attic to store items that they do not regularly need. While an attic may seem like a good option, temperature conditions and the durability of the storage area must be taken in to consideration. Attics go through severe temperature changes: we all know how hot it gets in the summer, but Texas has even seen some pretty cold temperatures this winter.

Here are a few tips if you intend to use your attic as storage space:

  Make sure the attic is properly insulated.

Insulation will greatly reduce the heat loss or gain by supplying a barrier between areas of significantly different temperature. A well-insulated attic will not only protect your stored items, but just as importantly, it will also regulate the temperature of the house by maintaining the heat in winter and air conditioning during the summer months. Remedy Roofing offers customs plans for homeowners using modern next generation insulation materials that will protect your items stored in the attic by reflecting the sun’s heat away from the attic.

Attic ventilation is equally important to keep stored items in your attic safe.

If for example moisture comes into the attic, it can lead to mold or mildew buildup, causing stains and crumbling ceilings. To prevent your attic from becoming too humid (and hot), proper ventilation must be ensured to protect your stored items against damage.

Make sure the storage area is safe and easily accessible.

Attics can be tricky areas to access so it’s important to evaluate your entry point and the attic space you intend to use for storage. Ladders are usually the best way to access the attic so if your attic doesn’t have a built-in ladder access panel, you may want to have one installed. You may also want to consider having a railing installed at the access area, so you can more easily enter the attic.  Within the attic, you want to choose a storage area close to the attic access panel so you’re not climbing into unsafe areas. If your attic doesn’t have a proper floor, you may want to add one, such as sheets of plywood, to make it easier to get around and more durable. The flooring should be secured, and weight restrictions calculated so you know how much you’re able to store in the attic.

Store only items that can tolerate some temperature change.

When deciding what to store in the attic be sure to ask yourself how often you need to use the item. Items that are not needed multiple times throughout the year are usually ideal such as holiday decorations, sports and outdoor equipment, and suitcases. Make sure you do not store candles, important paperwork, or delicate clothing items in your attic because these items are much more susceptible to temperature changes. If you do store clothes in your attic, make sure they are packed in airtight containers to prevent damage from heat and humidity.

Any questions concerning your attic? Do you have leaks, moisture and/or mildew buildup in your attic? Let us remedy it! Call 281.391.8555 today or use our form to contact us http://remedyroofing.com/get-a-quote/