Can Bowling Balls Be Stored In the Garage?

Are you a passionate bowler who is interested in learning how and where to store your beloved bowling balls?

You may be concerned about the garage environment and wondering if it makes a safe storing space for them. Well, worry no longer! In this post, we’re going to discuss whether or not bowling balls should be stored in garages, what care considerations need to be taken into account when doing so, and some alternative storage ideas that might work better for you.

By the end of reading this post, you will have all the necessary information needed so you can make an informed decision about stowing away your treasured possessions long term. So let’s get started!

Can bowling balls be stored in the garage?

The answer is yes, you can definitely store your bowling balls in the garage. But you need to consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and the materials your garage is made of.

Garages can often experience fluctuations in temperature, especially if they are not insulated. This could potentially be harmful to a bowling ball, as it can lead to the ball’s materials expanding and contracting, causing it to crack or lose its shape.

To avoid this, it’s essential to ensure that the temperature in your garage remains fairly consistent and moderate. You could invest in insulation or utilize a climate-controlled storage space within your garage, designated specifically for your bowling balls.

In addition to temperature, it’s important to consider the humidity levels in your garage. Moisture in the air can cause bowling balls to absorb water, which could compromise their structural integrity and performance.

Make sure to keep the humidity levels in your garage relatively low to prevent any moisture-related damage. You can use a dehumidifier or store your bowling balls in airtight containers to combat this issue.

The materials used in your garage construction can also impact the storage of your bowling balls. If you have a garage with a concrete floor, it’s important to remember that concrete can absorb moisture, which could then transfer to your bowling balls if they are placed directly on the floor. To avoid this, store your bowling balls on racks, shelves, or in designated bowling ball bags.

What types of bowling balls are more prone to damage when stored in a garage?

As you store your bowling balls in your garage, there are a few types that may be more prone to damage due to a variety of factors. Understanding these can ensure better care for your equipment and extend its lifespan.

First, reactive resin bowling balls tend to be more vulnerable to damage during storage. These balls have a porous coverstock which allows them to grip the lanes better, but also makes them more susceptible to moisture and humidity. If your garage is not climate-controlled, the humidity can cause the pores in the ball’s surface to expand, resulting in an altered ball motion and reduced effectiveness on the lanes.

Bowling balls with a softer coverstock, like urethane or plastic balls, can also suffer damage in a non-climate-controlled garage. These balls are typically less durable than those made with a harder coverstock and can develop cracks during extreme temperature fluctuations more easily. Garage storage in areas with harsh winters or scorching summers can lead to a rapid breakdown of softer bowling ball materials.

Bowling balls with screen-printed logos and designs may also be vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Garages often have windows or skylights, allowing sunlight to shine on your equipment. This sunlight exposure can cause fading and chipping of the graphics, diminishing the ball’s appearance and potentially affecting the integrity of the coverstock.

Aside from the bowling ball’s material, those with existing nicks, chips, or cracks may be more prone to further damage during storage in a garage. As fluctuations in temperature and humidity occur, the damaged areas can expand and weaken the ball’s structure, eventually causing the ball to crack completely.

Should you place other objects near your bowling balls in your garage?

As you organize your garage, you might be tempted to place other objects near your bowling balls, but is that the best choice? Let’s delve into the reasons why you should or shouldn’t place other objects near your bowling balls.

First and foremost, consider the weight and density of the bowling balls. They are generally heavy and can cause damage to other items if they accidentally fall or roll. Also, placing them near delicate or fragile items like glassware, pottery, or electronic devices is a hazard that should be avoided.

The surface of your bowling balls is important to maintain for optimal performance. Storing them near other objects, particularly those with sharp edges like tools or gardening equipment, can scratch, nick, or even crack the surface of your bowling balls, affecting their performance on the lanes. To prevent such damage, avoid placing these objects in close proximity.

Bowling balls can sometimes pick up dirt, oil, or other substances that may have built up on their surface from frequent use, making them slippery or greasy. If the balls were to come into contact with other objects or surfaces, they could spread these substances, leading to potential damage or staining of adjacent items.

Temperature fluctuations and humidity might also be a factor to consider when deciding where to store your bowling balls. Extreme heat or cold, as well as dampness, can potentially affect the performance of your balls over time. By keeping them away from objects that generate heat, such as heaters or power tools, or moisture-harborers like plant pots and damp cloth items, you can prolong the lifespan of your bowling balls.

The balls can make access and retrieval cumbersome when they are placed among other items. Their round shape and considerable weight make them challenging to stack or store, so they could roll or topple if they’re not properly secured or stored. If you can assign them a dedicated spot in your garage, you can avoid potential hazards and mishaps.

So, placing other objects near your bowling balls in your garage is not the most suitable choice. Instead, you should create a dedicated and safe zone to store them, ensuring they are well-protected from any potential harm, as well as preventing damage to other surrounding items.

Conclusion

All in all, you can store your bowling balls in the garage if the conditions are favorable. Foremost, make sure the temperature does not reach uncomfortable levels for your equipment. In addition, take steps to add ventilation and a desiccant like silica gel to absorb moisture from the air.

Lastly, always be mindful of the potential for chemical reactions between different materials or parts when constructing or selecting shelving units. Following these tips will help ensure that your bowling balls remain safe from damage and stay in tip-top shape for years to come!