Protecting Stacked Sheet Goods from Warping Under Infra-Red Heat

In a cold shop heated by radiant infra-red heaters, you need to cover your materials so they won't get overheated on one side. May 28, 2008

Question
I need a suggestion for winter-time storage of our MDF and plywood. We are a solid surface fabricator and keep stock of 1" in both materials for countertop production. We have ceiling mounted infrared heaters that run when it is extremely cold out, and they warp the material. The current storage area works well for the shop setup, so I really don't want to move the stock or the heaters. Can I cover the pallet with something that will keep the stock from drying - either a tarp or possibly insulation board with foil backer? Something with a vapor barrier?

Forum Responses
(WOODnetWORK)
From contributor J:
We have the same issue in our assembly area. We have found space blankets (metallicized mylar film) to be cheap and effective at reflecting the IR and protecting our materials. They're sold at outdoors stores as survival blankets for $5-6 a whack. Throw them out and get new when they tear.


From Professor Gene Wengert, Sawing and Drying Forum technical advisor:
You have the right idea...keep the wood from changing MC or being exposed to really dry air or IR heat. If plastic will not melt, it can be used too.

From the original questioner:
Thank you for your responses. I am going to grab a couple of those space blankets and see how they work. If they control the problem 50% better than right now, we will be worlds ahead.

From contributor L:
If your stock is 4x8 stock you can use the polyisocyanate (rigid) insulation with the double face foil. If it is bigger you can make it larger using duct tape.
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