Heavy equipment needs an appropriate storage space, whether the equipment is used daily or seasonally. One of the more insidious factors in equipment deterioration is humidity. Because the level of humidity in a room or outdoor area can change quickly and unexpectedly, controlling for humidity can be a frustrating endeavor if you don't have a fully climate-controlled warehouse.

You can beat the humidity, though, by being aware of how it works and compensating for potential changes. Don't forget to also have the equipment inspected on a regular schedule to ensure that small problems don't balloon into big disasters.

First, overly humid conditions are not the only ones you need to watch out for. Super-dry conditions in which the humidity is very low, such as can occasionally strike in winter, can make hoses, gaskets and other rubber parts on the equipment dry out and crack.

This is not as big a problem in the Carolinas and the Southeast as it can be in other regions, like Texas and the Southwest, but it is something to watch out for should record-low humidity occur.

If low humidity occurs and the equipment is in an enclosed storage building like a warehouse, adding a humidifier will help. Check with the manufacturer of the equipment regarding optimal humidity ranges.

If the equipment is outside, you can try covering it or moving it to a sheltered area where walls and tarps create a more humid microclimate that is protected from the wind.

Do not assume that low humidity one day and high the next means everything will even out. The equipment may still suffer from cracked rubber and problems with condensation. If the weather is such that you're experiencing a see-saw effect at the storage site, create a shelter and install humidifiers and dehumidifiers as needed.