You will often have leftover materials and equipment after completing a DIY project. These materials can be expensive and throwing them away is a waste. It is better to store them for future use.
Different building materials require different storage methods to avoid their degradation. Failure to follow these guidelines can make your stored items useless when you are ready to use them again.
Here’s a list of ways to store common materials used in DIY projects.
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How to store Lumber Correctly
Warping is the main type of deterioration you should avoid when storing wooden planks and beams.
Warping occurs when wooden beams become bent or curled and are unable to be joined together again. This is due to beams that absorb more moisture than others.
The beam will become distorted if it has more moisture.
You can stop warping in two ways. These are:
1. Keep lumber dry: This can be done by either keeping it in a climate-controlled storage unit or by placing a physical barrier (such as a tarp) over the wood. As partial coverage can increase warping, make sure the tarp completely covers the wood.
2: Apply even pressure to the lumber. Even slight pressure can spread moisture across the beams so that there is no warping in one area. Bricks can be laid evenly on top of lumber when stacking it up. To give lumber double protection against warping, it’s a good idea for these weights to be placed on top of a sheet of tarp.
We recommend that you spend a little more on cured wood if you intend to store wood for a prolonged period of time. This is a better choice if you intend to store wood for more than two years.
How to Properly Store Bricks
Bricks are durable and can withstand long-term water exposure. They can be stored at home, depending on the location of your property and climate, as well as the amount of covered space you have.
Bricks should be stored indoors. To prevent rainwater from reaching the bricks, it is important to keep them raised or to create a barrier to prevent them from falling into the rainwater.
Bricks can be damaged if they tip over if they are stored in a storage container. Bricks are fragile relative to their weight. If you want to avoid this type of damage, do not stack bricks higher than five bricks.
How to store cement in any climate
Cement is one of the most difficult building materials to store correctly. Cement will degrade if it comes in contact with moisture.
In order to allow adequate ventilation, cement must be lifted off the ground and sealed in a plastic bag. You should keep it away from glue, paint, and primers as they can cause the cement to deteriorate.
If the cement is sealed tightly, it will last for six months. Cement that has been sealed does not usually have a shelf-life of more than one year. This information should be clearly stated on the bag.
Primer and Paint for Stores
Paint and primer can easily deteriorate by drying out in the presence of heat and air.
These products should be kept at a cool temperature (under 70 degrees Fahrenheit), and sealed tightly in any containers.
You can seal pots by placing a thin layer of plastic wrap over the pot’s opening, then hammering down on the lid.
If the paint pot is kept in humid conditions, it will be protected by covering it with plastic. Humidity can cause paint to rust in long-term storage. This can lead to paint discoloration and a higher risk of developing rusty skin. This can be prevented by adding a barrier to the paint’s top.
Roof Shingles and Storing Tiles
Roof shingles and tiles are made to resist the elements. However, they shouldn’t be stored in temperatures above 110°F. This temperature is when tiles and shingles are most likely to crack.
Tiles and shingles are most susceptible to being damaged by heat. Avoid stacking tiles higher than three tiles high and store them in bubble wrap or boxes whenever possible.
How to Store Glue without Drying It
You want to keep glue from drying out in storage, just like primer and paint.
Bottles of glue and pots that have been opened should be sealed tightly and kept below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, smaller open glue pots should be stored in the refrigerator
To remove moisture from the bag’s interior, half-used glue sticks, such as those used in glue guns, should be stored in sealed plastic bags with rice or packets of silica. Keep it at 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Summarising
Proper storage is essential for the future use of construction materials.
This is a mistake that even professional home-improvement and construction companies make, and they end up spending a lot of money.
Most building materials must be kept in a climate-controlled environment to ensure their longevity. Attics are a bad place to store building materials because they can become too hot.
It is better to store materials in a basement or in a long-term storage area in order to ensure that they last as long as possible.
This post was written by a professional at Greenbar Secure Storage. Greenbar Secure Storage has a wide range of storage units available in Prineville, Oregon. They offer a variety, including ground-level access, security cameras, 24/7 accessibility, and parking spaces. Locally owned and operated, we are the best choice for convenient and clean storage units Prineville Oregon. All of our commercial storage clients accept deliveries from businesses.