Is Kayak Storage for You? 5 Tips on Storing Summer Gear Over the Winter

Fact: Winter in Ottawa can last 5 or 6 months. Snow can arrive anytime from October on and hang around until April or even May. That’s a long time to leave your kayak, or any summer gear, lying around. Not to mention the fact that not a lot of us have enough space for all this outdoor stuff.

Living in Ottawa makes it essential to know how to store all your summer stuff properly. Take your kayak, for example. If you don’t store it carefully, you could be confronted with UV damage, mould, cracking and warping and mildew. That goes for your canoe, boat, RV, summer vehicle and outdoor furniture as well.

To avoid this damage, it’s best to keep these five simple storage tips in mind. Regardless of what you need to store, there are a few considerations to take into account. Spending a little time up front will actually save you time and money down the line.

 

1. Make sure everything is clean and dry

If you do some preparation before the cold weather hits, you’ll avoid problems in the spring and you’ll extend the life of your valuable property. Clean your kayak, boat, furniture and garden tools thoroughly. Nothing fancy, just some soap and water, inside and out.

• Clean and sharpen all garden tools, rakes, trowels and shovels
• Drain hoses
• Empty and clean out flower pots
• Remove rust from metal tables and chairs  
• Remove sand, dirt and leaves from patio furniture
• Clean and lubricate bicycle chains and wheels for the best bet to keep them rust free

You can also consider putting waxes and sealants on some finishes. Make sure they are completely dry. For your watercraft, remove seat cushions. Wash, dry and store these separately. Open the drainage plug and empty all the water. Any moisture left on, or in, items could lead to mould and mildew.

2. Protect surfaces from harmful UV rays

Direct sunlight can discolour, fade and lead to deterioration of fabric and metal.

The UV rays can break down plastic, causing it to become brittle over time. It also degrades any rubber or foam accessories you have attached to items like kayaks, boats or patio furniture.

Indoor storage is the best way to prevent this, because even if you cover furniture or boats with tarps, strong winds can tear and rip even the most secure covers. The wind moving the covers can cause them to scuff the finishes.  

Also note that any moisture that is held between covers will promote mould, mildew and discolouration.

3. Maintain a constant temperature

Consistent temperature and humidity is essential to prevent mould and mildew. This is key because extreme cold may cause wood and plastic to crack and break, while extreme heat can cause warping.

Wood, plastics, and rubber can expand and shrink in inconsistent temperature and humidity.

Often, these cannot be practically repaired. Moisture in upholstery fabrics can grow mildew and mould if the environment is humid. Odours and stains can build up and be difficult to remove.

Keeping the temperature above freezing prevents any trapped water from causing breakage. Water can settle in any number of spots and crevices and can freeze, causing cracking.

4. Store in the proper way

It might surprise you to know that if you store your kayak incorrectly, you can cause serious damage and distortion.

For example, if the weight of the kayak is not evenly distributed, the hull can bend and ultimately alter its shape. In addition, the bow or stern can be damaged if too much pressure is placed on either end. Storing your kayak on a flat surface can cause scratches and dents on pressure points.

A kayak needs to be supported at several points. Canoes and other watercraft should not be left lying flat on the ground either, as this can cause misshaping and warping.

Your items should also be undisturbed by other objects that would cause abrasion or damage as well, such as snow and ice falling from trees or roofs, and protected from damage by other objects being moved, as in your garage.

5. Keep out the pests, rodents, birds

Any space can be a home for insects, squirrels, rodents and birds. Often these uninvited guests can do serious damage to foam, rubber and wood.

On top of that, there is the surprise factor when they greet you in the spring! Mice, squirrels and other small animals can munch on wires or damage systems, like hoses, filters, upholstery, etc. Bugs can infest your items, even consume paper or fabric, causing damage that is costly and difficult to remediate. Birds can nest in stored items or leave corrosive droppings, spoiling finishes.

Self Storage is the Right Solution

Bottom line: Besides careful preparation, you need to protect your valuable summer gear from harmful UV rays, shifts in temperature, improper storage and invasive pests. If you follow these simple tips, you can be sure your valuables will be protected and ready to go next spring.  By opting for indoor heated storage, you can feel comfortable knowing your belongings are secure and in the best environmental conditions possible.

We’ve covered the basics, but if you have more specific questions check out the modern facility at Acceptable Storage. It’s safe and secure.

We also have heated units available for your summer possessions. When you live in Ottawa with our extreme temperatures, climate control is an important asset to consider when you’re looking to store your valuables.

If you’re not sure what your specific needs are, Acceptable Storage can help. If you have any questions, just contact us at 613-822-7666 or info@dev.acceptablestorage.com and we’ll provide all the information you need. Or, if you know what you need, don’t hesitate to request a free quote.