Vinyl records prove to be an excellent choice in music. Grooving to the vintage tunes can keep you occupied for a long time. But can you keep your records safe from the muggy heat of the post-global warming rise in temperatures?
Vinyl records can be damaged by heat to a point that they are ruined. Humidity and pressure are other factors involved in the devastation of most records. The best way to keep your albums safe is by storing them in a climate-controlled area away from direct sunlight.
This article explains the causes of warping, measures for reducing its chances, and the best transportation practices. We also take a quick look at vinyl record restoration to help our readers find the most suitable solution for keeping their records safe and sound.
What Causes Warping in Vinyl Records?
Heat exposure is one of the most common causes of vinyl damage. It warps the records and renders them useless over time. As soon as the temperature rises above 135°F or 60°C, records start warping even in the most protected shelves. Vinyl has a unique composition designed with additives to PVC.
The materials used in the manufacture of a vinyl record is the leading cause of melting. If the temperature reaches 210°F to 500°F (100°C to 260°C), then the record suffers irreversible damage to your beloved albums.
Records left in parked cars for less than sixty minutes can also suffer damage. Since you cannot control the high temperatures in a parked vehicle unless you arrange ventilation, it is evident that vinyl records cannot be left in the car for too long.
The basic rule of thumb is to keep vinyl records away from the vehicle if the temperature is too high to leave a pet inside.
The windshield and windows of a car invite direct sunlight to the inner premises of the vehicle. The typical record is made of black PVC, which absorbs electromagnetic energies rapidly, resulting in warping. Under the sun, a plastic sleeve does nothing to control the exposure.
An insulated cover is the best choice for securing vinyl records. If you cannot find such covers, then the next best alternative is to keep the vinyl records away from direct sunlight.
Significant fluctuations in the temperature from tropical heat to arctic colds can also impact the vinyl records. The change in temperatures can cause stress to the vinyl record, which leads to expansion and contraction according to the interaction with heat.
It is advised to leave vinyl records in the car for a few hours before taking them out in a temperature contrasting the expected heat or cold levels experienced by the past product.
The wrong storage ideas can also damage your records. If you stack a pile of your favorite albums, then the chances for warping increases manifold. It can lead to unnecessary cracks and warping that can be avoided by simple measures.
Can You Prevent Warping Of Vinyl Records?
Paying a little attention to the temperature and storage can work wonders for your vinyl records (source). Experts suggest that the ideal temperature to store your records is between 65°F (18°C) and 70°F (21°C).
There is no written rule to be specific about this range of temperatures. You can switch it up a little here and there. Remember that if you are comfortable in a room at 60°F (16°C), your vinyl records are also safe!
The next concern is storing the records the right way. It would help if you chose the storage spot for vinyl records by comparing heat and stress exposure. It is necessary to avoid stacking up your records vertically, as it can facilitate warping.
Instead, you can set your favorite vinyl records horizontally on a sturdy shelf. Keeping them on a library shelf with suitable spacing between each piece can help you control the unnecessary falls often experienced by vertical piles of vinyl.
Insulated spots in your home like the study or guest bedroom can prove to be the best storage space for your vinyl memorabilia. Planning to stack records in the garage or an old shed will only increase the risk for imminent damages.
While finding the right spot for your vinyl shelf, you must be vigilant about exposure to direct sunlight. Whether light shines through your mirrors or slivers through the curtains, any reflection of direct light can transfer much heat to the vinyl and harm your collection.
The vents are another dangerous spot at home. A little attention to these details can help prevent warping on the vinyl records you have collected with such passion.
The Best Route To Vinyl Protection
As we have already established that traveling with vinyl records is a feat on its own, it is time to help you increase safety for your well-curated collection. There is doubt that carrying vinyl records in a car is a cause of concern for serious enthusiasts, but there is nothing to worry about.
You can store your records in a sturdy card box container vertically. The catch here is to ensure that the stack will not tip over on the route to your destination.
Blanketing your records in bubble wrap or soft packing material can act as a protective shield against physical damage and exposure to the sun. You can remove the plastic sleeves to be extra careful about your records.
The use of thick separators can maintain the ideal distance between your set of records. Keep a check on the time while you drive the car. If you leave vinyl records in an attended car for more than an hour, you must use shades on the windows to keep the sun away.
Shipping records can be a dangerous encounter as you cannot control the transportation environment in that case. The use of individual record mailers can minimize the damage. But it does not offer guaranteed results.
Can You Reverse the Damage on Warped Vinyl Records?
If any of your vinyl records have suffered damage during transportation or improper storage, then you can still restore the album with a slightly compromised quality.
Cleaning the record from contaminants and dust can be a helpful trick. You can get warping fixed by a professional or you can try to fix it yourself.
If you can press the record between two planes of glass with additional weight on the top of the record, it can flatten the surface and absorb the curves.
For a better understanding of your options, read Can You Fix a Warped Record?
Are Vinyl Records a Good Long-Term Investment?
Now that you know how easily these records can be damaged, you may be wondering whether they are stable enough to hold on to for an extended period.
Whether you plan to pass these down to your grand-kids or sell them off as collectibles, you can safely store them for decades, provided you keep them out of direct sunlight and in a temperature-controlled area.
I’ve seen a lot of valuable record collections ruined from attic storage. This is not where these should be kept.
Final Thoughts
You can keep your vinyl records safe by taking a few precautions. Direct exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight are the biggest enemies here.
If you have a few records that have suffered during a long drive, then you can fix them on your own. If you are dealing with a valuable or sentimentally-important record from your collection, visit a professional for all restorative practices.