Classic cars are their owner’s pride and joy. Hours of attention and care are poured into their refurbishment and upkeep. This doesn’t stop off the road. Most modern houses simply aren’t equipped to store these vehicles. A standard garage doesn’t have the space, the tools nor the environment to keep these motors in pristine condition.
Long-term car storage needs to counteract a huge list of factors that can degrade or corrode a vehicle. Damp, dust, heat, light, fuel degradation, battery drainage and pressure loss all need to be addressed to keep automobiles in pristine condition and prevent the need for recommissioning before getting back on the road.
Kent-based car storage facility Racing Green was built with the environment in mind and stands as the UK’s first carbon-conscious and sustainable car storage provider. Owners Oliver Hagger and James Mills offer collectors peace of mind with 24/7 security and fire systems, and carbon offsetting for every vehicle in the facility.
MOISTURE CAUSES A PLETHORA OF PROBLEMS FOR CAR STORAGE
Mould, rust and greenhouse-like condensation are just the start. Moisture can cause critical hygroscopic components to erode and perish. Warping wood interiors, cracking leather fixtures, and degradation of cork and leather are also key concerns for classic car collectors.
Racing Green reached out to Humidity Solutions. We worked together to achieve the recommended goal of 55% Relative Humidity. This humidity helps protect vehicles from expensive repairs and rust growth. Achieving this is handled by heating in some facilities, but it can prove unreliable and energy-demanding, especially in a facility as large as this one, and is controlling the wrong element. Changing humidity levels directly is much more efficient than manipulating humidity levels through temperature changes.
Instead, under Humidity Solutions’ advice, Racing Green chose to deploy a Cotes C65E 11 to gain humidity control in its 10,000m facility. This dehumidifier is 36.7% more energy efficient than its closest market match, including a heat recovery unit and 24/7 climate monitoring, allowing for precise control with minimized run times.
At full capacity, the unit is capable of removing 19kg of water from the air per hour. The dry air is then distributed through the whole facility by fabric ducting, further reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality and ensuring even distribution. Using Humidity Solutions’ installation team, the system was installed, commissioned and operational within 9 working days.
COST-EFFICIENT HUMIDITY CONTROL PROTECTS VINTAGE VEHICLES
Dehumidification in this facility enables close humidity control with 3.75 times greater energy efficiency than heating the space. Collaborating with Racing Green’s chosen electrician, Humidity Solutions was also able to ensure that the dehumidifier is powered in part by the onsite 63 array solar panel system.
Combined with the excellent sealing around the building and huge 6×5.5 metre loading bay doors which accommodate the company’s Brain James Race Transporter 6, allowing for swift loading and unloading of vehicles with minimal air exchange—especially in poor weather conditions—Racing Green has met some of the highest security and risk assessment standards in the business. Clients are not only assured of their vehicle’s safety and condition, but they’re insured too.
“Having complete control of humidity levels in our facility was essential because we know that maintaining a 55% relative humidity level ensures the very best long-term care of special cars. We looked long and hard for the right provider and right system for Racing Green Car Storage. Humidity Solutions delivered the best solution within our budget and managed the process from start to finish”.
James Mills, Owner of Racing Green Car Store
