Tip #16: An uninsulated attic is just as bad of a storage location as a leaky basement.

In the past, we’ve talked about temperature in relation to mold growth (see tips #9 and #10), but mold isn’t the only risk that temperature change poses.

Think back to your elementary school science classes where you first learned about the different states of matter. Even if these temperature changes aren’t extreme enough to melt your collection from solids to liquids (and if they are, there are way bigger issues at hand), heat can still cause materials to expand. Or vice versa. Cold temperatures can cause them to contract.

With enough environmental fluctuation over time, this back and forth compromises the molecular structure of the items. In other words, if the room where you store your collection goes from too hot to too cold too often (think an uninsulated attic), the materials can become warped and brittle.

Want to learn more about preserving paper? Check out our webinar on YouTube!