In a place like Perth, where the weather swings between hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, taking care of your stored equipment becomes paramount. From construction machinery to personal vehicles and caravans, your heavy equipment needs protection from the elements and potential damage during storage.
At Titan Storage Bibra Lake, we understand the importance of proper equipment storage and have compiled a comprehensive guide to protect your assets. We offer climate-controlled storage solutions, robust security measures, and additional benefits like free wash-down stations to ensure your equipment remains in optimal condition.
Understanding Perth’s climate
Perth boasts a Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and relatively mild, rainy winters. These weather patterns significantly impact how you should store your equipment. During the scorching summer months, the intense sunlight and heat can lead to faded paint, weakened rubber parts, and increased mechanical wear. Conversely, the damp and often cold winter conditions can encourage rust and corrosion on metal surfaces, particularly those not adequately protected. Thus, understanding these weather patterns is the first step in developing an effective equipment storage strategy.
Preparation for equipment storage
Whether it’s a heavy construction machinery, a personal vehicle, or a caravan, proper preparation is key to ensuring your equipment stays in top condition during storage.
Deep cleaning
The process of deep cleaning is important for all types of equipment. It involves removing dirt, grime, and any organic material that could decompose and cause damage over time. Here is how you might approach this process for various types of equipment:
- Caravans: Given that caravans often come equipped with living and dining spaces, these areas should be deep cleaned before storage. Vacuum the interiors thoroughly, wipe down all surfaces, and remove perishable items that could spoil over time. Pay particular attention to the bathroom and kitchen areas, ensuring they’re thoroughly cleaned and dried to avoid mould growth during storage. Make sure to air out the caravan before you store it to ensure it is completely dry. Read more about our caravan storage Perth facilities by clicking here.
- Boats: Boats require special attention due to their exposure to water. Start by giving your boat a thorough clean, both inside and out. Clean the hull, deck, and topsides using an environmentally friendly cleaning solution. Rinse everything with fresh water to remove salt residue, which could lead to corrosion if left unchecked. For the interior, ensure all surfaces are cleaned, including storage lockers and bilges. Remove any perishables and ensure the boat is thoroughly dry before storage to prevent mould and mildew. View our boat storage options here.
- Construction equipment: For heavy construction machinery, the cleaning process should focus on removing dirt and grime from all moving parts. Clear out any debris that may have lodged itself in crevices or joints. Hydraulic systems, such as those in excavators or backhoes, require special attention. Make sure to clean these systems thoroughly to avoid damage from stagnant debris. The cleaning process for construction equipment also extends to the engine and other critical components.
- Motorcycles and cars: These vehicles should be thoroughly cleaned, both inside and out. This includes vacuuming interiors, cleaning windows and mirrors, and washing and waxing exteriors to protect against dust and grime accumulation. Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage and wheel wells where dirt and salts can accumulate. For motorcycles, give special attention to the chain, brakes, and other moving parts. Find out more about car storage here.
By giving your equipment a thorough deep clean, regardless of its type, you’re not only preparing it for storage but also increasing its lifespan and ensuring it’s ready for use once it’s time to remove it from storage.
Comprehensive mechanical check-up
A thorough mechanical check is the next step. This review includes lubricating all moving parts to prevent them from seizing over time due to lack of use. Drain or top up fluids as needed. For instance, if you’re storing the equipment over a lengthy period, consider draining fluids like fuel and coolant. Leaving these fluids stagnant for an extended period can result in their degradation, leading to a sludge-like substance that can damage your engine or other crucial components.
Battery care
Battery care is another important aspect of preparing your equipment for storage. If the storage duration is long, disconnect the battery to prevent it from gradually draining. Alternatively, you could use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep it at optimum charge, thus preventing deterioration of battery health. Fortunately, Titan Storage offers trickle-charging free of charge, so your vehicle will always be ready on short notice.
Choosing between indoor and outdoor storage
The decision between indoor and outdoor storage often hinges on available resources, space, and the type of equipment in question.
Indoor storage
Indoor storage is the ideal solution for protecting your equipment from Perth’s often harsh weather conditions. If possible, opt for a storage facility that offers climate control such as Titan Storage. These facilities maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, offering protection against rust, corrosion, and other forms of weather-related damage.
What’s the difference between climate-controlled and temperature-controlled storage?
Climate-controlled and temperature-controlled storage are often used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between the two terms.
- Temperature-controlled storage: As the name suggests, temperature-controlled storage facilities maintain a consistent temperature range, regardless of the conditions outside. This kind of environment is ideal for items that could be damaged by extreme cold or heat. Temperature-controlled units usually provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer to maintain a consistent temperature range, typically between 13 and 27 degrees Celsius.
- Climate-controlled storage: Climate-controlled storage includes temperature control but adds another layer: humidity control. In addition to maintaining a consistent temperature, these units also manage the amount of moisture in the air, typically keeping relative humidity levels between 30% and 50%. This can be important in Peth as humidity levels can rise above this in the summer months.
Humidity control is crucial for items that are sensitive to moisture in the air, like wooden furniture, which can warp in high humidity, or electronics, which can be damaged by excess moisture. High humidity levels can also promote the growth of mould and mildew, which can be damaging to a wide range of materials.
In summary, all climate-controlled storage is temperature-controlled, but not all temperature-controlled storage is climate-controlled. Which one to choose depends on the specific needs of the items being stored. Given Perth’s significant seasonal temperature variations and winter humidity, climate-controlled storage would likely be beneficial for storing sensitive heavy equipment.
Outdoor storage
In cases where indoor storage isn’t feasible, consider the best practices for outdoor storage. Invest in high-quality protective covers designed to safeguard your machinery from the elements. These covers should be UV-resistant to protect against the harsh Perth sun and waterproof to shield from the wet winters.
For equipment with tyres, such as vehicles or portable machinery, consider raising the equipment on blocks to take the weight off the tyres and prevent the formation of flat spots. Prior to storage, ensure the tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure. Titan Storage offers outside but undercover caravan storage—learn more here.
Robust security measures against theft and vandalism
Heavy equipment can be an attractive prospect for thieves and vandals, especially in areas with limited security. Hence, ensuring that solid security measures are implemented is of utmost importance. Consider investing in a storage facility with surveillance systems like CCTV cameras, which can monitor your storage area round-the-clock. Also ensure the facility is protected with sturdy fencing, bright lighting, security guards, and alarms such as at Titan Storage.
For extra peace of mind, you might consider concealing a GPS tracking device in your equipment which will mean you’ll easily be able to locate your equipment in the event it is stolen. Physical deterrents, such as wheel locks and immobilisers can also provide an extra layer of protection.
Comprehensive insurance coverage
Despite taking all necessary precautions, there’s always the risk of unexpected incidents like wildfires, other natural disasters, or theft. As such, having a comprehensive insurance policy for your heavy equipment is essential. This coverage can help protect you against significant financial losses resulting from damage or loss of your equipment.
Catering to specific equipment needs
Different types of equipment may have unique storage needs. Caravans, for example, require internal care to prevent mould and mildew growth due to Perth’s winter humidity. The interiors should be dry, and all appliances and systems switched off.
Electrical equipment, on the other hand, might benefit from the use of silica gel packs or being stored in a climate-controlled environment—this will mean that excess moisture is absorbed, thus preventing the growth of mould and other fungi that thrive in damp conditions.
For large construction equipment, preventive maintenance like the application of protective coatings on metal parts can help ward off rust and corrosion. Equipment parts that are especially vulnerable to corrosion, such as undercarriages, joints, and metal attachments, should receive special attention. In all cases, it’s advisable to consult your equipment’s owner manual or contact a professional for specific storage guidelines.
Maintenance while your equipment is in storage
Periodically, it’s a good idea to come to your storage facility to maintain your equipment. This will preserve its functionality and prevent corrosion or degradation due to environmental factors as well as extend its overall lifespan. It allows early identification of potential issues, reducing the risk of costly repairs or replacements. Additionally, it ensures that the equipment remains in optimal condition, ready for use when needed.
Fortunately, at Titan Storage there’s a wash-down station just outside of our facility which you can use free of charge. This means you can keep your equipment clean and well-maintained throughout its storage.
Final thoughts
Proper storage of your heavy equipment is a crucial investment, not only for its longevity but also for its operational readiness whenever you need it. From understanding Perth’s climate, and preparing your equipment for storage, to regular maintenance—each step is vital.
At Titan Storage, we understand this importance and provide a range of services to help keep your equipment safe and ready for use. Don’t leave the health of your machinery to chance. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can best cater to your equipment storage needs, and keep your heavy machinery in prime condition, ready to roll whenever you are.
