THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR STORAGE NEEDS
Spring, fall, or any time of year, if a major house cleaning tops your to-do list, consider a little de-cluttering first. Storing away seldom-used seasonal items will free up valuable living space while making all of your cleaning chores easier and more enjoyable.
The first question is where to store everything, and how to keep it organized and accessible. For many people, the answer could be right above your head - in the attic!
Attics are best suited for storing relatively light items. Use plastic containers with snap-tight lids for dust-free storage that's still easy to get into, or cardboard boxes for longer term storage. Clearly label the contents to make finding what you need quick and easy.
The attic is not the place for storing large or bulky items, like tires or bikes, that are difficult and potentially dangerous to maneuver. You also want to avoid heavy, concentrated loads, like large boxes of paper, that can potentially overload structural members.
Next, you need to create a safe storage platform. Never place storage containers directly on the insulation or the drywall. Instead, add plywood or individual boards on top of the joists to distribute the load and add stability. Never cut any structural members in order to install storage decking, and never lay decking across electrical wires.
Most of today's attics have 12 or more inches of blown insulation extending above the rafters, which would be compressed by installing a platform. Instead, remove the insulation from between the affected joists, and replace it with foam board insulation to achieve as high an R-value as possible in that area. Use cardboard around the platform to prevent insulation from sloughing down onto the storage area.
One of the easiest ways to provide access to your storage area is with a permanently installed attic ladder, but a recent survey showed that only about 23% of American households have one. Attic ladders eliminate the need to set up, take down, and store a step ladder, so they're both safe and convenient.
Attic ladders are available in both wood and aluminum, and in a wide variety of sizes at most home centers. They're affordable, averaging in price from around $89 to $325, and can be installed by most do-it-yourselfers. If you thought your attic opening was too small or inaccessible for an attic ladder, a compact attic ladder lets you reconsider your options. It fits ceiling openings as small as 18 x 24 inches and ceiling heights as low as 7-foot 4-inches - small enough for most closets!
The Werner Ladder web site has an interactive attic ladder selector, so you can review your dimensions and choose the best ladder without wasting trips to the store. There are also some very helpful installation videos.
Remember - if you have questions about the structural integrity of your attic or whether it's appropriate to use for storage, consult with your building department, an experienced remodeling contractor, or even a structural engineer before going any further.
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