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"Prophecy" oil on canvas by Matt Bahen; Photography by Laura Findlay; Courtesy of Peter Robertson Gallery

Art Storage in a Changing Climate: How Heat Waves and Storms Impact Logistics

Oct 9, 2024

As climate change continues to make its mark on our planet, the art world is beginning to feel the ripple effects. Unpredictable weather patterns, intense heat waves, and mega storms are creating fresh challenges for art storage and logistics, and for art collectors and institutions alike. With these shifting weather conditions, safeguarding art collections has never been more important. Let’s delve into how collectors can protect their prized pieces from the effects of extreme weather and what new strategies are emerging for safe art storage and logistics. We've also provided expert tips from Oliver Stebich, Owner of SRI Fine Art Services!

The Impact of Heat Waves on Art Storage

Heat waves, now more frequent and intense due to climate change, pose significant threats to art collections. Elevated humidity levels and temperatures can accelerate the deterioration of materials like canvas, wood, and metal. Paintings may crack, while sculptures and other delicate objects can be prone to structural changes. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also cause fading, discoloration, and brittleness.

Oliver's Tip: Temperature controlled rooms either in your home or an art storage facility are the best defense against heat. For fragile materials, regulating humidity as well is an additional preservation strategy. Our climate-controlled facilities are kept to the industry standards of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% relative humidity. Above all you really want to avoid rapid changes in temperature and humidity. Over time materials can adjust to changes, but organic materials like wood can crack and warp when their environment changes quickly.

Mega Storms and the Threat of Flooding

Alongside heat waves, mega storms have become more frequent and destructive. Hurricanes, typhoons, and flash floods are no longer rare events but recurring challenges for art collectors and galleries. Hurricanes have been devastated parts of the U.S., with significant losses faced due to water damage and power outages. The growing intensity of these storms puts valuable collections at risk of flooding, mold growth, and even total destruction. The art community is becoming increasingly aware of the urgent need to prepare for potential disasters as seen here in The Art Newspaper.

Oliver's Tip: Do your homework: the best protection against flooding is to know your flood zone. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, keep your artwork at least 4 inches off the floor, and never keep artworks in your home basement. If you have your artwork in an art storage facility, ask for their elevation map. Insurance companies require storage facilities to store all works 4 inches off the floor in all circumstances.

When you speak with your art storage company, you should also ask them if their facility is well insulated, the age of their climate systems, and if they have backup systems to protect your collection in terms of security and climate should there be a prolonged loss of power. You should also ask for a record of their average daily temperatures and humidity; the most reputable companies will be able to readily provide this information.

Adapting Art Logistics to Changing Weather Patterns

Not only are heat waves and storms affecting the storage of art, but they’re also creating new challenges for art transportation and logistics. Art collectors often need to move pieces across cities, countries, or continents, and unpredictable weather can throw a wrench in these plans.

Additionally, the transport of art through storm-prone regions is becoming more complex. Roads may be impassable, airports shut down, and shipping schedules disrupted by extreme weather events. Art logistics companies are now factoring climate into their planning, offering more flexible and secure transportation options to safeguard artworks in transit.

Oliver's Tip: In all cases, you want to protect the artwork by limiting its exposure to extremes. We have a fleet of climate-controlled trucks that limit that regulate temperature in transit. In addition, we take extreme weather, such as snowstorms, extreme rain/flooding, and high wind situations seriously. We stay ahead of heavy weather patterns and are in communication with clients when we feel it’s not safe. We always want to work; so if we advise it’s not safe, it’s best to listen to the professionals!

Insurance and Risk Management for Art Collectors

In light of these new challenges, insurance has become an even more critical component of art collection management. As the Observer highlights, as the frequency of natural disasters driven by climate change increases, securing insurance for private art collections is becoming both more complex and more costly.

It’s also worth considering disaster recovery plans, which can help minimize loss and damage in the aftermath of a storm or heatwave. This might include strategies for emergency transportation, temporary storage in a secure location, or a partnership with an art restoration expert to address any damage that occurs.

Oliver's Tip: I would encourage collectors to be in communication with their insurance representative. They will want to know where your collection actually is – at your home vs. an art storage facility. You may want to separate your collection from your homeowners policy – you may want to consult with an insurance agent who specializes in art.

The Importance of Climate-Conscious Art Handling

In addition to storage and logistics, climate change is forcing a rethinking of how we handle art on a day-to-day basis. From the moment a piece enters a gallery or private collection, steps need to be taken to protect it from fluctuating environmental conditions.

Oliver's Tip: Direct sunlight is a real threat to artworks especially as temperatures get warmer. I would recommend keeping valued items away from direct sunlight and/or installing light-blocking shades to windows to protect works from the damaging effects of the sun. You may want to consider speaking with your framer about UV protections for your artwork.

Adapting to a Changing Climate

The art world is not immune to the effects of climate change, and collectors need to be proactive in protecting their investments. By choosing climate-controlled storage, partnering with experienced logistics providers, and securing comprehensive insurance, collectors can safeguard their pieces from the growing threats posed by heat waves and mega storms. In a world where weather patterns are shifting rapidly, staying informed and prepared is key.

Author

Oliver Stebich

Oliver founded SRI in 2001 with the mission of providing museum-quality fine art services with a strong concentration in the proper handling of artwork. Beginning his career in investment banking, Oliver brought his financial acumen to the art services business over 30 years ago. He built his deep knowledge of our industry through hands-on work in every department at Crozier Fine Arts before...