Yes, vinyls can get ruined in heat. Vinyl records are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a type of plastic. PVC is a thermoplastic, which means that it can melt when heated.
The melting point of PVC varies depending on the specific formulation of the material, but it is typically around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). If a vinyl record is exposed to temperatures above its melting point, it will start to soften and deform.
In severe cases, the vinyl record may even melt completely. Even if the vinyl record does not melt completely, exposure to high temperatures can still damage it. Heat can cause the vinyl record to warp, which can lead to skipping and other playback problems.
Heat can also damage the grooves on the surface of the vinyl record. The grooves are what the stylus on a record player reads to produce sound. If the grooves are damaged, the sound quality of the record will be affected.
Here are some tips for protecting your vinyl records from heat:
- Store your vinyl records in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your vinyl records in direct sunlight or in humid environments.
- Do not leave your vinyl records in a hot car. The temperature inside a car can quickly rise above the melting point of PVC, even on a mild day.
- Be careful when handling your vinyl records. Avoid touching the grooves on the surface of the record. If you do accidentally touch the grooves, clean the record immediately with a record brush or record cleaning solution.
- Use a good quality record player. A poor quality record player may generate more heat than a good quality record player.
If you find that a vinyl record has been damaged by heat, there are a few things you can do to try to repair it. You can try to flatten the record by placing it between two pieces of glass and then placing the glass in a warm oven. Be careful not to overheat the record, as this can damage it further.
If the record is very warped, you may need to take it to a professional record cleaning service. They may be able to flatten the record for you or offer other advice on how to repair it.
Overall, it is important to protect your vinyl records from heat. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your vinyl records in good condition for many years to come.
