Reducing Heat In The Attic. Any Suggestions?

[Norcoose10]

With limited storage in our home, we want to take advantage of the attic for storage. Heat has been a major concern in many posts. I am considering installing a radiant heat barrier. Does anyone have any experience with this or other suggestions that will reduce the heat and allow storage of holiday and seasonal decorations? Any suggestions on insulation contractors or businesses?

[rubicon]

installed fans didn't help much

[HimandMe]

Our solar fans seem useless.

[OldManTime]

I had installed an attic fan that was heat controlled, once the temp went above a designated heat the fan would extract it. Bear in mind, it will also pull cool air from your living area, through cracks….

[Challenger]

Seems like a great waste of time , energy and money for small or no benefit.

This is the conclusion of one who tried!!!

[villagetinker]

You can try this, I have and it appears to work well. I installed an attic fan in the garage, such that it sucks air from the garage and PRESSURIZES the attic to force hot air out all of the provided openings. I also installed screened openings in the garage door to provide a way to get air into the garage.
I have not seen or noticed any hot air getting into the house. The fan is on a thermostat, so it only runs as needed. It will also run after dark, until the attic is cooled.
And, yes, this breaks the "fire barrier" in the garage, but so does the attic ladder.
I also have an indoor/outdoor thermometer mounted in the garage and the attic, and I appear to get a 30 degree drop when the fan kicks on.
I hope this helps, please feel free to PM if you want to see this or get additional info.

[chuckinca]

Some garage to above garage attic space fans have automatic fire dampers that shut down the fan and close the opening in case of fire in the garage.

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[Epic Home Pros]

Radiant foil barrier in the area for storage along with a small attic fan through the roof would be the most efficient way to keep the heat down and your things safe.

[JoMar]

I have a radiant barrier, additional insulation across the entire attic and have insulated the garage doors, all done by T&D when we enclosed the Lanai. Cooling is relative and in the summer, well hot is hot but don't know what is too hot. I have never put a thermometer up there or took the time to find out what temps will have a detrimental impact on decorations. As I understand it, lots of residents put stuff up there and I haven't heard anyone complain that any holiday decorations were ever damaged or destroyed because of the heat.

[Shimpy]

I took 2 pieces of luggage down from the attic in October and found that the wheels had melted off. The wheels were two part with a hard plastic center and a softer outside like hard rubber. The rubber part is what melted. I don't know how much you'd have to lower the temps up there but the more ventilation the better.