Attic Storage
If you have access to attic storage space available above your garage, you should be using it’s full potential. Attics make a great place to store seasonal items such as Halloween and Christmas decorations, snow shovels, sleds, and other items that are seldom used.
Many garage attics are left unfinished with exposed joists (rafters) without insulation. In these garages you can readily see the amount of available attic storage space. Other attics may be finished with drywall covering. The energy efficient roof construction of modern homes often uses engineered trusses spaced every 24 inches. As a result, all that may be left is a crawl space and little else. Before you startBefore converting attic storage space for use, contact the builder or an experience remodeling contractor to determine how much weight the attic structure can support. Alternatively, measure the distance between the joists (center-to-center), distance between the load bearing walls, and the size of the joists. Armed with this information, visit your local lumberyard or truss manufacturer. They should be able to help you calculate the weight bearing capacity.You also need to check with the local building authorities to determine if any permits are required. Generally, attic conversions requiring structural modification or electrical wiring will require a permit. Employ a licensed remodeling contractor if you have any doubt regarding the structural capacity or your ability to correctly complete the job. Install Your FloorThe next step is to provide a strong floor surface. Attic Dek 16 x16 inch panels
are injection molded lightweight plastic product that quickly attach across joists to create a surface you can walk on. Budget minded people may prefer to saw strips of ¾” plywood wide enough to fit through your access hole, and long enough to manage in your attic. The boards should be long enough to cover a minimum span of 3 joists. Tongue and groove 1”x 6” lumber also does a nice job. Make it easy on yourself and precut the boards to length before hauling them up in the attic. You may wish to consider adding insulation between the joists before installing the floor.
If your attic is like mine, you may discover a considerable amount of wiring or plumbing running throughout your attic. These obstacles may lie across the top of joists. Never step on or install flooring on top of electrical, coax, or telephone wires that cross over the joists. You may need to reroute the obstacles or fur your joists to create a channel for your wires or plumbing before flooring. Be careful not to damage them when installing the flooring. Look Out for Danger AboveWatch your head! When my composite shingles were recently replaced, the roofers used extra long nails that have penetrated the roofing plywood. If not careful, I would have impaled my head on these nails. I recently attacked the protruding nails with a die grinder to prevent accidental injury. Be sure to thoroughly check your attic ceiling for protruding nails and screws to prevent injury.
Attic Access
I highly recommend you invest in an attic access stair system. Attic stairs will make access to this great attic storage area a breeze. You can find attic stairs at most home improvement centers and lumberyards. I personally shy away from wood attic stairs. Over time, extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations found in the attic may split the wood or loosen fasteners. Unfortunately, my home was installed with wood attic stairs. I have glued and tightened them several times. Spend the extra dollars for aluminum attic stairs.
For the very best in attic stairs, take a look at the new Rainbow Attic Stairs. The cleaver scissor action combined with the easiest installation make the Rainbow a great choice. Rainbow attic stairs feature a double weather strip seal and 2” Styrofoam core to provide an R-15 insulation rating. Visit Rainbow Attic Stairs. How To Install Attic StairsFind current information about attic stairs including installation; visit the Easy 2 Do It Yourself website. There you will find a nice animated overview on attic stair installation.If you install an uninsulated attic stair system, you may wish to purchase or make your insulator. Click Here for information about Attic Access Door Insulation. Shed Some LightAfter creating an attic storage area, be sure to supply appropriate lighting. Most of the time, a small fluorescent light is more than adequate. Living in Arizona, I only enter the attic after dark when things cool down. The light is a necessity.Be sure to install the switch near the access point for use upon entry and exit. Check your local building codes. Often, a lighting fixture is required within reach of the entryway. My attic has a single bulb pull-chain fixture with a string attached to the chain. The string is routed down a joist through grommets to a location new the attic ladder. Provide VentilationMake sure your attic space is well ventilated. This helps to keep moisture content down and remove excessive heat during the summer months. A properly ventilated attic can help lower your heating and cooling cost, and extend the life of composite shingle roofs. Consider installing gable, soffit (eve), or ridge vents if your house is not properly ventilated. A thermostatically controlled attic fan to create air-flow or the whirlybird type roof vents work well also. Solar power roof vents are an excellent option.
The following links provide the "how to" information for successful attic ventilation.
Attic Storage Tips
Do not store items that may be affected by temperature extremes. Last Christmas we were welcomed with several melted candles when we opened a box.
Do not pack boxes too heavy. Remember, what you put up in the attic will eventually come down. Heavy boxes are harder to handle and really hurt when they bonk you on the head.
Store frequently accessed items near your access point. Group your seasonal items together in one area. I store Christmas items in one area, Thanksgiving and Halloween in another. Do not block attic ventilation or obstruct air flow. Keep soffit vent area clear to maintain proper ventilation.
For more ideas about attic storage, check out Better Homes and Gardens - Guide to Improving Attics (Home Improvement Guides)
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Things will get dusty in the attic. Purchase plastic stackable containers to store your items in. When you bring them down, you can quickly hose them off and the contents will stay clean and dry.
