Temperatures are forecast to surpass 34°C on Wednesday across certain areas of the UK, with an amber weather warning in place for Merseyside today and tomorrow. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued red heat health warnings for the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England.
Paint Tins at Risk in Hot Garages
Property owners are being urged to check their garages, sheds, and lofts during the heatwave, as one commonly stored item—paint tins—risks being damaged by rising temperatures. Many people leave leftover paint in these spaces for years after decorating, but experts say the heat can ruin them.
According to Ryan Gorenflo, a specialist at The Basement Doctor, surplus paint is among the first things people should move from sweltering garages and sheds during severe summer conditions. He warns that garages can become considerably hotter than other parts of the home during a heatwave.
Why Heat Damages Paint
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."
Garages, sheds, and lofts often lack proper insulation and ventilation, causing them to heat up rapidly during the day and retain heat for extended periods. This creates challenging conditions for items that require cooler, dry, and consistent storage.
Garages as "Heat Traps"
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."
The problem intensifies when belongings are kept near windows, in direct sunlight, against heated walls, or inside 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."
Other Items Vulnerable to Heat
While paint tins are the primary concern, Ryan emphasises they are not the only items at risk. 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."
