Although self storage units and facilities with climate-control features will keep condensation caused by changes in humidity and temperatures at bay, the system is not foolproof, and condensation will form if a surface reaches its dew point. If you don't remove the condensation as soon as possible, it may eventually damage items being stored in the unit. Here are 3 additional precautions to take to prevent water damage caused by condensation.
Leave Sufficient Breathing Room
It's not uncommon for storage owners to pack as many things as possible into their unit; however, this may actually cause condensation to form easily. Leave some room between the boxes that you pack into your unit and the walls of the unit or other boxes nearby. You do not want the surfaces to be in close contact with one another, as this will cut off ventilation within the unit.
In particular, you want to make sure that you leave some space between packed boxes and the walls of the unit. The walls are most likely to be affected by temperature changes inside and outside of the unit. If you don't leave enough space between the walls and the boxes, there will be insufficient ventilation within the unit to disperse water molecules that are forming on the surface of the walls.
Use Sealed Plastic Containers
Cardboard boxes are one of the most common packing materials used for storage. While it does the job, the structural integrity of the cardboard boxes will be negatively impacted by condensation. The cardboard will absorb excess moisture in the environment easily. This will dampen the cardboard, and weaken its structure. The moisture absorbed by the cardboard boxes will also remain within their fibers, and may eventually seep through to the inside.
The best solution is to switch to sealed plastic containers. Look for plastic containers that are airtight, as they will prevent water from seeping inside. Even if condensation does accumulate on the outside surface of these containers, the structural integrity of the plastic will not be affected. You can also easily wipe away any condensation that has accumulated on the surfaces with a dry cloth or towel.
Keep Moisture Absorbing Materials in the Unit
Another precaution to take is to keep moisture absorbing materials in the unit. Silica gel packets are a particularly good choice because they are cheap and also come with indicators that show when the gels have absorbed the maximum amount of moisture possible. Bags of charcoal can also absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. Make sure to replace these materials regularly for optimal performance.
For more information, contact National Self Storage - Denver or a similar company.
