Can You Store Paint In The Garage
When we move into a home, the builder often will give us extra paint. This is a very nice gesture as it can be hard to match the paints. However, it is difficult to find the right place to keep the paint and many people keep the paint in the garage. Can you store paint in the garage? It is not a good idea because of the high and low temperatures in the garage and this will alter the paint's formula.
Let's take a look below at why you might not want to store paint in the garage.
Why Can't I Store Paint In My Garage
If you are considering storing paint in your garage, make sure that you are aware of what could happen to the paint or the garage. Since the garage is known for drastic temperature changes, when it is very hot or very cold, the paint that is stored could change. Let's take a look at what this means.
- Formula - if drastic temperatures change in the garage, the chemical formula of the paint can be altered.
- Rusted cans - the paint cans are made of metal and placing them in drastic temperature changes will cause the metal to start rusting. If the cans are rusted, then components of the metal will get into the paint and completely alter the paints usefulness.
- Consistency - when paint is stored in extreme temperature changes, the consistency of the paint will also change. You will notice that the paint does not apply as smoothly onto your walls. This can also become hazardous and harmful to your environment.
- Disposal - make sure that you dispose of your extra paint in an environmentally friendly manner.
Where Else Should I Store My Paint
Having an understanding of the best places to store your excess paint is great for your health and the environment. If you have excess paint you will want to store the paint in a cool and dry place. Placing paint in a location that experiences drastic temperature swings is not a good idea. Make sure to place the excess paint in a pantry or possible laundry room cabinet for safe keeping. These are areas that typically stay consistent with their temperatures.
Also, if you happen to have a basement, this could be a great place to store your paint. Basements can often been cool and dry. Both conditions are ideal for paint storage. As long as you place the excess paint in a cool and dry location of the home, you will be able to use it for touchups and other needs down the road.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about storing paint, let's take a look at a few other areas of maintenance around the home. One of those deals with lighting. Sometimes, we think it is easier to just buy lamps and turn on all the lights in the home. However, it is better to increase the natural light in the home instead. This can be done by avoiding heavy drapes and using glass doors or skylights to name a few. The natural light is good for the home.
While taking a look around your home, if you see mold starting to grow, know that it can spread rapidly! After 24-48 hours of water damage, it can start growing rapidly within 12 days! If you have water damage, high humidity, or poor ventilation, you will want to take care of those areas before it is too late.
Lastly, take a look around the appliances in your home. Appliances always need maintenance and upkeep. One of those is the washing machine and you might find mold on the rubber seal. You will need a mixture of hot water and some chemicals to be able to remove the mold.
When Do I Call A Professional
As a homeowner, it is important to know what can and can't be stored in the garage. Many times homeowners will store everything in the garage in hopes that any materials could be used or needed down the road. However, it is important to know what should not be stored in the garage to avoid fire or other dangerous situations. If you aren't sure what could be stored in the garage, call on your local home inspection team. They can conduct a thorough garage inspection as well as a full home inspection.
Conclusion
When it comes to storing paint in the garage it is something that should be looked into. In some cases, storing paint in the garage is a very bad idea. Depending on the temperatures where you live, the consistency of the paint stored in the garage could turn poor very quickly. The longevity of leftover paint stored in the garage will quickly turn bad. If you aren't sure about the paint that you want to store, reach out to your local home inspection team for answers. Call on Gray Home Inspections for a mold inspection and complete home inspection in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas.