Keeping condensation out of the garage

[Ryannn]

I've recently moved to a house with a breeze block garage. When I moved in, the roof was leaking badly so I put a plastic sheet over the whole lot. This kept the rain out and the roof timbers have almost dried out.

I went in this evening however and everything is covered in condensation, starting the car resulted in instant steam from the exhaust manifold. Even my poor calor gas fire was too wet to light without a match!

So my question is, I will be moving my mini into here soon and the condensation is less than ideal. The garage has a fair few air bricks already so how can I reduce the levels of condensation? Can I eliminate them? I'd rather have a real fix than just leave piles of cat litter or rice around! Do I need to bosh some more vents in?

Thanks!

[1980escort]

Is there vents in the block walls?

Sent from my SM-G920F using proboards

[Ryannn]

Jan 26, 2016 18:38:41 GMT 1980escort said:

Is there vents in the block walls?

Sent from my SM-G920F using proboards

Yepp, there's two in each wall and the a couple in the timber sides of the roof aswell. I'm thinking the solution might be to add more?

[Rebuilda]

Is it happening as the wood and blockwork of the garage is drying out under the tarp, is the tarp keeping the moisture in?

[Ryannn]

Jan 26, 2016 19:36:10 GMT Rebuilda said:

Is it happening as the wood and blockwork of the garage is drying out under the tarp, is the tarp keeping the moisture in?

I'm not too sure, the original roof is thick felt with a ton of gravel on so I don't think it was breathable before, it just leaked! lol

[Rebuilda]

I didn't notice my garage was leaking until I went it to find all the storage bins down one side full of water and wet chipboard.
Just thinking if the timbers are substantial then they will be holding a lot of water, might be worth getting some sort of heat in there for a few days to make it sweat, If the air bricks and vents are working then it should clear.

As a temporary measure try sweeping the grave off and painting over the leaks with isoflex roofing primer.

[LowStandards]

Gas heaters produce moisture


A lot of moisture...

[Ryannn]

Jan 26, 2016 20:49:20 GMT LowStandards said:

Gas heaters produce moisture


A lot of moisture...

So I could be making it worse? Tbh I've only been in once a week recently. Something like a halogen heater would be better then?

[kevstarlet]

It might be worth renting a dehumidifier

[joem83]

Jan 26, 2016 21:03:05 GMT kevstarlet said:

It might be worth renting a dehumidifier

Wouldnt you need to seal the garage though?

[Ryannn]

Jan 26, 2016 21:08:41 GMT joem83 said:

Jan 26, 2016 21:03:05 GMT kevstarlet said:

It might be worth renting a dehumidifier

Wouldnt you need to seal the garage though?

That's what I'm thinking, there was a similar thread on here recently where someone said you need to make sure you aren't trying to de-humidify the world! Lol

[joem83]

Would a (or couple of) electric oil filled radiators help keep the temps up

[Ryannn]

That's not a bad shout, I could one on a timer aswell!

[Woofwoof]

Jan 26, 2016 21:08:41 GMT joem83 said:

Jan 26, 2016 21:03:05 GMT kevstarlet said:

It might be worth renting a dehumidifier

Wouldnt you need to seal the garage though?

Yeah, I'd go along with initially

---

 using a dehumidifier and sealing the garage as much as possible. But you don't want to use a dehumidifier all the time as it will possibly pack up and cost a good few bob on electricity. I think insulation of the roof and walls is the key along with good ventilation.  If money is tight consider fitting an extractor fan that operates when humidity is too high. This of course is presuming there's no water leaks.      

[Rebuilda]

Jan 26, 2016 20:20:04 GMT Rebuilda said:

I didn't notice my garage was leaking until I went it to find all the storage bins down one side full of water and wet chipboard.
Just thinking if the timbers are substantial then they will be holding a lot of water, might be worth getting some sort of heat in there for a few days to make it sweat, If the air bricks and vents are working then it should clear.

As a temporary measure try sweeping the grave off and painting over the leaks with isoflex roofing primer.

I must learn to check my typing before clicking 'create post'. That should read gravel ...

Most modern fan heaters have an eco setting and thermostatic control, you would be heating a fair area around the garage too though 

I use a propane space heater in my unit and the only condensation I see is on the gas bottle, but the unit is a bit too well ventilated...

[Wilk]

Some of the condensation is down to the weather and not the previous leaking roof

This week with a sudden temp change most of the machinery in my garage, especially the heavy cast metal items are covered in condensation. It's down to the fact they stay cold longer than the surrounding air temp and the moisture condensates on the colder surfaces

Only way to stop it is to keep the place constantly heated which would cost a fortune. A thick layer of oil helps stop everything turning red