Author Topic: Basement safe for Bowling Balls? (Read 8827 times)

Neptune66 · « **on:** September 04, 2009, 01:09:25 AM »

We're moving in a few weeks to a place with a basement. For years my wife has wanted the bowling balls out of the closets, so the plan now is to banish them to the basement.

I am concerned about what would happen if there is a flood and they are submerged for any extended period of time. On the one hand... I'm thinking... people put there balls in dishwashers and tubs of water to clean them. But am still concerned.

We may never have a flood, but I would still like to know if there is much risk to the balls if they are stored in a basement and get water logged. If there is, I would at least try to make sure they are elevated somewhat ----or put the least favorite balls on the floor, and the others on top of them.

Thanks for any feedback at all on this.

scotts33 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:10:15 AM »

Ask charlest....he says it's the best place to house them.
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Scott

tc300 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:14:13 AM »

depends on how the temp changes down there....

No Revs00300 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:14:25 AM »

I am not saying that I am right or wrong, but I don't trust the dishwasher method at all. As far as leaving your balls in the basement, I have had a few crack keeping them down there. I also have had them crack on my ball rack upstairs as well. I am starting to think that if your lucky they won't crack on you if your not lucky (I am not) they crack where ever you keep them.

Neptune66 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:21:31 AM »

Well... it is a basement in the sense that it's on the lower level, but it's just 10-12 stairs or so to get down there, and there is no door. So I believe the temperature would usually not vary drastically from the rest of the home. Then again... I have never had a basement of any kind before, so I don't know that for sure.

I can control the temperature, but can't guarantee no water will ever come in.

DON DRAPER · « **Reply #5 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:39:15 AM »

wherever you store your bowling balls make sure that the temperature, humidity, and moisture levels are all controlled and you'll be fine.

Spider Man · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2009, 09:46:00 AM »

Being below ground, the temp shouldn't fluctuate that much.

As for humidity, just buy a dehumidifier. This is an essential homeowner item anyways (at least in most wetter areas). If you are renting, ask the owner to buy one.

The basement is far better than say a garage.
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"If you disagree, I'm available for a fight"
-Unknown

Imagine Whirled Peas

eagle101 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2009, 10:40:09 AM »

I keep many of my balls in the basement. I built a 3 tier ball rack that holds 15 balls. This keeps them neat and readily visible. My basement fluctuates slightly in temp & humidity, but I don't believe enough to alter the balls any. I have a de-humidifier for the summertime. I live in Buffalo so I have a gas stove down there for the winter. But even without the stove, it never gets that cold.
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Joe from Buffalo

Neptune66 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 04, 2009, 10:55:21 AM »

I appreciate the reminders about keeping the temp and humidity in check, as I really hadn't given that much thought. However... my main concern is whether I should take extra precautions to avoid placing any of my balls on the floor.

Would being submerged in water for several hours or days cause any permanent damage to today's bowling balls? Or would it just be unpleasant without actually doing the balls any harm?

eagle101 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 04, 2009, 11:17:14 AM »

Build yourself a small rack. It's easy and doesn't take much time. If I did it, anyone can!!! It's neater that way too.

I would assume letting balls sit in water for an extended period of time is not good for them.
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Joe from Buffalo

JohnP · « **Reply #10 on:** September 04, 2009, 11:38:41 AM »

What's under your steps? That might be a perfect location to build a ball rack. -- JohnP

Neptune66 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 04, 2009, 12:07:14 PM »

The wife has kind of put her reservation in for the little closet under the steps. BUT... there is a nice wood shelving thing in another closet (also in the basement). It's even secured to the wall, so it appears to be perfect, as long as I store the balls in boxes or on those plastic disks (sorry---don't know the proper term) that will keep them from rolling.

Still.. there is a bottom shelf, and I'm wondering if I should use it.

Even though she knows I intend to use this closet for the balls, she's still mumbling and grumbling about putting other stuff in there. She tends not to notice or complain about things stored on the floor in other closets, whereas other locations higher up, attact her attention more easily. But lower down means the floor and unknown risk of flood/water damage.

And don't get me wrong... If I say the balls go in a certain spot... that IS where they will go (afterall...they were occupying 2 closets of floor space for the last 20 years). But if I can preserve some marital harmony AND find a new happy place for my balls (no pun intended, but leaving it).

The big question remains... is the bottom shelf safe for the most part, or would any ball under water for more than short time be trashed?

Edited on 9/4/2009 12:08 PM

Edited on 9/4/2009 12:09 PM

inconsistent 1 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 04, 2009, 01:36:54 PM »

Neptune-first off your balls would be trashed if sitting in water too long-tell your wife it's the closet/shelf in the basement or back in the upstairs closets. I'm sure she'll choose the basement. Good points made on humidity and temp controls.

al_g · « **Reply #13 on:** September 04, 2009, 02:16:37 PM »

Personally I wouldn't store them on the floor, even if they're in a box or bag. I've had two balls crack. One was in a ball box on the floor and the other was not in anything and in direct contact with the floor.

I also like the previous suggestions about temp. and humidity control.

Graaille · « **Reply #14 on:** September 04, 2009, 02:55:46 PM »

Mine have been kept in the basement for a couple of years now, kept unboxed in a ballrack -- absolutely zero problems. My basement is dry, with a sealed garage door, the bottom row of balls sits literally 1/2" from the floor, not a single problem yet. However if you're that concerned, if you do a ballrack - put it up on blocks - 6", 8", 12". Just remember that if you do put a ballrack up on blocks, you need to either anchor it to the blocks or the wall - preferably both.

Honestly if you ever have over a foot of water in your basement - whatever is messed up should be covered by homeowners insurance.

Author Topic: Basement safe for Bowling Balls? (Read 8827 times)

Neptune66

Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

scotts33

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

tc300

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

No Revs00300

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

Neptune66

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

DON DRAPER

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

Spider Man

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

eagle101

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

Neptune66

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

eagle101

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

JohnP

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Neptune66

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

inconsistent 1

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al_g

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?

Graaille

Re: Basement safe for Bowling Balls?