Protecting Items In A Storage Unit With Cement Flooring
Posted on: 10 June 2016
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If you plan on putting items inside a storage unit, taking steps to reduce the amount of moisture within the enclosure is very important. Many storage units are constructed with a cement slab flooring. This is prone to "sweating", or beading with water, when warmer temperatures hit the cooler surface of the cement. When you go to visit your unit, you may notice this phenomenon shortly after opening the door. Here are some tips to try to keep your belongings safe when cement floors are present within the facility.
Lift Belongings To Keep Them Safe
It is a good idea to avoid putting items directly on a cement floor so they are not at risk of retaining moisture if beads of water start to form. Consider placing several wood pallets on the floor before you bring in cardboard boxes. This way, cardboard, which is likely to disintegrate should moisture pool up underneath it, can be lifted to a safe distance away from any water that may form. Placing items prone to moisture damage on top of tables or inside drawers is also best.
Protect Furniture With Tarps And Cups
If you have wood furniture to bring into your unit, it can become rotted if moisture hangs around. To stop this from happening, place tarps directly on the cement floor before you haul in your larger furniture. The items can be set directly on the tarp to help reduce the risk of damage. If you have tables and chairs to store, you can slide each leg into a plastic cup before setting the furniture in the unit. This will allow you to slide these pieces around the unit if you wish to relocate them without the worry of moisture accumulating on them in the process.
Close The Storage Unit Door Behind You
If the temperature outdoors is rather high, or if humidity is abundant, it is a good idea to keep your storage unit door in a closed position as much as possible. If you are in the middle of hauling items in or out of the unit, have a friend come along to close the door behind you, minimizing the amount of time the door will remain open.
Use Moisture Trapping Agents To Keep Humidity Low
When a cement floor becomes moist, the air in the unit will soon become humid. This humidity will be retained inside your unit long after you shut the door. To help keep the air dry, set out several containers full of cat litter inside your unit. This will naturally retain moisture from the air, helping to lower the humidity level as a result. Charcoal works in the same manner. There are also several humidity trapping products on the market if you would rather purchase a ready-made solution.