Understanding the Damage that Can Occur Without Climate Control
Storing valuables in a container that is not climate-controlled or insulated exposes them to heat, humidity, moisture, and other environmental elements, all of which can cause a variety of damage in a matter of weeks to months. Hot, humid, and rainy climates are especially challenging, and more often than not, most items left in unprotected storage end up warped, melted, cracked, or destroyed by mold and mildew.
Items You Should Keep in Climate-Controlled Storage
Over time, exposure to the elements will inevitably damage just about anything, but there are certain items that are particularly vulnerable and easily damaged, even in short periods of time. Here’s a list of items you should always keep in climate-controlled storage, along with some examples of the types of damage that can occur if not stored properly.
- Art – mold/mildew; warped frames
- Antique furniture – mold/mildew; damage to the wood finish
- Candles – melt
- Collectibles – mold/mildew; heat damage; color changes
- Electronics – humidity and excess moisture can corrode electric parts
- Fabrics – mold/mildew grows quickly
- Heirlooms – mold/mildew; moisture can damage or degrade materials and finishes
- Leather – mold/mildew grows quickly
- Metal – can corrode, pit, and discolor
- Musical instruments – warp, finish, mold
- Papers/books – mold/mildew
- Photographs – warp, fading or color changes, mold/mildew
- Plastics – melts and warps; heat yellows white items like appliances; cold can make them brittle
- Rubberized items – melt; become sticky; color changes
- Vinyl records – warp
- Wood Items – mold/mildew; warp with moisture and/or major temperature fluctuations