Temperature & Humidity Requirements for Paper Storage

• Use a thermometor to monitor your storage environment. thermometer image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

  Successful long-term and short-term paper storage depends on a stable environment with little or no fluctuation in temperature or humidity. Without this paper can be susceptible to deterioration. High temperatures can cause mould, discoloration and moisture-loss leading to curling. Low relative humidity can cause static build up, sticking and print distortion. Whether storing stacks of unopened paper or important hand-written or print documents, creating the right environment could significantly improve paper preservation.

Temperature Requirements

• An temperature of between 64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius) is ideal for paper-storage. Temperatures both lower and higher than this can cause significant and irreparable damage. Do not store paper near to such sources of heat as fireplaces, heaters, heating pipes or in direct sunlight. Sunlight can also cause fading and color deterioration. Storing paper in basements or attics is not ideal as temperature can fluctuate greatly in outer areas of a building. If possible, store paper near the center of a building where the temperature remains more stable.

Relative Humidity Range

• The optimum range of relative humidity for paper preservation is 45 to 60 percent. Humidity is relative as air can hold varying levels of water at different temperatures. Relative humidity is the percentage of water in the air at a specified temperature. Paper responds to the amount of moisture in the air so it is important to get this right to avoid damage.

Humidity Requirements

• If the air is too dry, moisture will be drawn from the surfaces, causing the paper to curl. When humidity is low, a build up of static can occur, causing papers to stick together. Achieving this range of humidity can be difficult, however. Relative humidity can be monitored with a hand-held hygrometer, a device that detects the amount of moisture in the air. De-humidifying machines can help to regulate and stabilize humidity. Do not store paper in areas in which moisture is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens or cellars.