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Document freeze-drying is a technique that professionals use to dry and restore books and documents that receive water damage. The process involves using a special chamber that has a high-pressure vacuum. When the chamber reaches the optimal temperature and pressure settings, the moisture in the documents sublimates. The sublimation process turns liquid water into a gaseous state. Freeze-drying eliminates moisture, prevents or halts mold growth, and avoids complications such as sticking, staining, warping, curling and over-drying. While freeze-drying is an effective solution, it is not the answer for all wet documents.

Arguably, the cornerstone of safeguarding archives and collections lies in prevention, which makes understanding potential threats crucial. This is why The Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian Conservation Institute have compiled a list of the top 10 agents of deterioration, identifying the primary hazards to historical objects. This compilation aims to assist in preventing and protecting valuable collections, whether housed in museums or homes.

As the chill of winter sets in, businesses and organizations face unique challenges in protecting their valuable documents and archives. Learn about winter's risks to your documents and how to apply practical tips for safeguarding them.

A recent article in the New York Times “Floods, Fires and Humidity: How Climate Change Affects Book Preservation” discusses the affects of climate change on book preservation with the overall increase in natural disasters. Between flood, fires, and humidity, the possibilities for damage are constantly growing. Below, our subject matter expert, Matt DeCirce, discusses his point of view on how climate change affects he’s seeing and what Polygon is doing to help our clients prepare for the unexpected.

Climatize a workspace hundreds of feet under a lake? Bruce Zawisky and Nick Cooper of Polygon South discuss recent projects with unique solutions. As weather shifts, innovation is more critical than ever. Polygon is trail-blazing new builds and renovations in the south.