Dangers of Heat and Humidity
The attic is too hot for storing photos, paintings, electronics, and documents. Heat can cause fires and warp delicate items. High humidity can also damage these items. Pests are attracted to cardboard boxes which can damage stored items. Consider plastic bins instead. A clean, organized attic is best for storage. Check for water damage, rot, and pests. Ideal storage temperature is 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature-sensitive things shouldn’t be stored in an attic.
Proper Attic Maintenance
Install plywood floor in attic before storing items. The attic should be about the same temperature as outside. A hot attic can damage the roof and make the house harder to cool. The attic should be adequately insulated, sealed, and ventilated. Ventilators and attic fans can help remove hot air, or install passive vents for hot air to escape.
What Not to Store in the Attic
Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out what is safe to store in an attic:
- Can a hot attic cause a fire? Excessive heat can overheat and potentially ignite HVAC systems.
- Is it OK to store Christmas lights in the attic? No, they should be stored in sealed plastic containers.
- Storing items in your attic is far more preferable than storing them in the basement or garage. Use it to store items impervious to heat.
- How do you store books in the attic? Keep them in a clean, dry space, grouped by size and type, separated with paper in storage containers.
What Not to Store in the Attic:
- Documents, photographs, albums, wooden furniture, wine, and perishable food should not be placed in an attic due to risks of damage from moisture, heat, and pests.
Attic Temperature Thresholds
How hot is too hot for attic storage?
The attic temperature should be no more than 10 to 20 degrees above the outdoor temperature in the summer. If it climbs above 130 degrees, you may encounter issues with your energy bill and the integrity of your roof. Additionally, never store clothes in cardboard boxes, and avoid storing electronics in environments with temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Use air-tight plastic containers instead.