A heatwave is set to hit the UK this week, with temperatures expected to exceed 34C in some areas – and experts warn that one item stored in garages, sheds and lofts could be ruined by the extreme heat
Garages can often accumulate items over the years(Image: PeopleImages via Getty Images)
Temperatures are forecast to surpass 34°C on Wednesday across certain areas of the UK. Meanwhile, an amber weather is in place for Merseyside today and tomorrow.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released its own red heat health warnings, encompassing the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England. Nevertheless, property owners are being advised to inspect their garages, sheds and lofts during the heatwave, as one commonly stored item risks being damaged by rising temperatures.
Paint tins are frequently abandoned in garages and sheds for years following the decoration of a room or outdoor area.
However, according to Ryan Gorenflo, a specialist at The Basement Doctor, surplus paint is among the first things people should relocate from sweltering garages and sheds during severe summer conditions.
He cautions that numerous people regard garages as secure storage locations, without recognising they can become considerably hotter than other parts of the property during a heatwave, reports the Express.
Ryan stated: “Paint is one of the most common items people leave in garages, sheds and lofts, but it does not cope well with extreme heat or big temperature changes.
“If paint is stored somewhere too hot, it can separate, thicken, dry out around the edges or become much harder to use later. By the time you open the tin for a simple touch-up, it may already be ruined.”
Why garages can be a problem in hot weather
Garages, sheds and lofts frequently lack proper insulation and adequate ventilation, which means they can warm up rapidly during daylight hours and retain heat for extended periods. This poses challenges for items requiring cooler, dry and consistent storage conditions.
Ryan explained: “A garage can become a heat trap during a heatwave. People often think of it as an extension of the home, but it usually does not have the same temperature control, airflow or insulation as a living space.
“That means items sitting on shelves, floors or in cupboards can be exposed to much harsher conditions than people realise.”
He notes the issue intensifies when belongings are kept near windows, in direct sunlight, against heated walls or within metal storage units.
Ryan added: “If the tin feels hot to the touch, or it has been sitting in direct sun inside a shed or garage, that is a sign it should be moved. Leftover paint should be kept sealed, upright and stored somewhere cool and dry, away from direct heat.”
Paint is not the only item to move
While paint tins are the primary concern homeowners should monitor, Ryan emphasises they aren’t the sole items vulnerable to damage in an overheated garage.
Aerosol cans, batteries, electronics, candles, family photos, important documents, cleaning products, cardboard boxes and soft furnishings can all deteriorate in elevated temperatures or damp environments.
Ryan said: “The heatwave is a good reminder to treat the garage like a storage risk zone. If you have not looked through it for months, now is the time to check what is actually being kept in there.
“Some items can be ruined by heat, some can be damaged by humidity, and some simply should not be kept in spaces that get extremely hot.”