Storage of items in the roof space: Sealed box like a tupperware required?

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Benoire

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#189333 24-Dec-2015 17:41

Hi,

I've been thinking about this for some time, but would like other opinions. I'm adding some storage platforms in to my roof space to make up for the lack of storage, but I'm wondering whether I should try and use a sealed box, similar to the small clip containers used for food to ensure no moisture can enter the container (i.e. rain water that comes through my 1960s concrete tile roof) or if just a normal plastic box from Mitre10 etc. would be sufficient.

Items for storage would be things like CDs, DVDs, computer bits not being used, and general storage of house stuff... Am I being concerned for no real reason?

Pointers and thoughts are very much appreciated.

Cheers,

Chris

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3075 posts

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#1456659 24-Dec-2015 17:44

If you could, might as well go for the sealed option. I feel like anything stored over a long period of time will probably get damaged by moisture anyway so anything you can do to avoid that at the start will be good. I think roofs also get very hot and i imagine rather humid at some times of the year so take that into consideration when thinking of what to put up there.

timmmay

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#1456667 24-Dec-2015 17:58

Yes, to protect against moisture and dust. We have somethings like pots up in ours that can easily be cleaned, but anything we care about is in sealed containers - with a rubber seal.

Benoire

2798 posts

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#1456672 24-Dec-2015 18:05

Thanks :-)

So, the next question... Where can I get decent 60l type boxes with a seal that aren't designed for scuba use (Mitre 10 only appears to have them)... I found an American site that ships here but the shipping was $120 for two boxes...

JayADee

2148 posts

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#1456683 24-Dec-2015 18:22

How about getting some of those desiccant thingies that absorb moisture and put them inside with your stuff? Hopefully you'll have no rats; they chew through anything.

Benoire

2798 posts

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#1456695 24-Dec-2015 18:39

That might work... Traditionally, the roof space is the place with the least moisture and humidity; hence why positive pressure HRV works so well so I might try using normal boxes with moth balls and moisture eaters for any fabrics stored up there...

timmmay

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#1456697 24-Dec-2015 18:45

Plastic Box. The sealed ones aren't super cheap, but everything should be on sale soon.

My ceiling cavity is super super dusty, which is why I use sealed. Also mice and stuff can get into ceilings.

richms

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#1456752 24-Dec-2015 19:56

If you are getting the ones that stack, I have found that when stacking them the bottom ones will deform the lid and have huge gaps. I got the normal stacking ones for the shed as its not really needing a true seal, but the lid flex opened them enough that insects were able to get into them and there were spiderwebs and stuff inside them. Ewww.

Richard rich.ms

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Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

MadEngineer

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#1456774 24-Dec-2015 20:30

Put them into some shelving so they don't collapse.

Or even have a garage sale and get de-junked :)

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

richms

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#1456776 24-Dec-2015 20:31

MadEngineer: Put them into some shelving so they don't collapse.

Or even have a garage sale and get de-junked :)

They were advertised as being stackable, Sure, if they are empty or only have towels or something then yeah. No weight limit listed on them at all.

Richard rich.ms

Benoire

2798 posts

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#1456777 24-Dec-2015 20:33

MadEngineer: Put them into some shelving so they don't collapse.

Or even have a garage sale and get de-junked :)

Shelving was the plan, just need to get the time to finish the little floor area along the main braced walls, and then I'll start to go up along side the old concrete chimney.

We have two cupboards in the entire house, a garage sale wouldn't make much difference to my partners storage requirements :-)

Kickinbac

427 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1459304 30-Dec-2015 21:59

We used clear stackable boxes with lids that clip on, they have plastic rollers on the bottom. Just the cheap $20 ones from warehouse etc. We put foam tape around the top to give a better seal and seems to work okay. We only put stuff in the roof that can handle the heat, it can get to over 50 degrees!

larknz

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#1459314 30-Dec-2015 22:09

Be careful what you put in the roof. It can get very hot up there, 50+ degrees and things like cds and dvds may not survive to well.

eracode

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#1459346 31-Dec-2015 04:15

http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Sistema-Storage-Organiser-60L?SKU=1771952

This is 60 litre - there's 90 litre as well.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.

webwat

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#1459517 31-Dec-2015 13:43

eracode: http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Sistema-Storage-Organiser-60L?SKU=1771952

This is 60 litre - there's 90 litre as well.

Bit hard to move around if theres not standing room.

I would say forming a perfect seal is not an issue if you put anything that you want kept clean into a plastic bag. I have found the main problem is that anything in boxes with stuff stacked on top tends to get lost or forgotten, since you tend to avoid the effort of restacking everything. I like the shelving idea better.

Time to find a new industry!

SepticSceptic

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#1461018 4-Jan-2016 13:46

Benoire: T.... using normal boxes with moth balls and moisture eaters for any fabrics stored up there...

Moth balls have been withdrawn from public sale. Cancer risk from naphthalene .

Also take a photo of the stuff you load into the boxes, you will eventually forget what exactly is in them, and where. Also good for insurance purposes.

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