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| JimM:
Guys, I need some advice on some stop gap measures to help deal with condensation in my workshop. I went in it tonight and practically everything made of metal was literally dripping with moisture :( The workshop is actually a brick built single garage, concrete floor, window at one end and an up and over door at the other. Eventually I'd like to get it fully insulated but at the moment just the roof has been done. Ventilation shouldn't be the problem as there is a sodding great gap around the door and as such heating probably isn't a viable option. I do give the machines a coating of oil but it's hard to get every piece of bare metal and there are signs of rust appearing (fortunately it does wipe off !) Are there any other basic things I could do to try and improve things 1. Would covering the machinery in old blankets help (or would they just absorb the moisture and in turn prolong the time the machinery is in contact with damp) 2. Should I open the window a little to get a through flow of air 3. Is a dehumidifier likley to help Thanks Jim |
| Bogstandard:
Jim, As you most probably know, it is when the machines are below ambient temp that the condensation forms, that is why you try to ventilate as much as possible, hoping to keep the machines at the same temp as the surrounding air. The problems arise when the outside temp goes up, it can happen fairly quickly, but the machines can take weeks to get up there to even things out. So the water in the air is drawn to the cold machines. A cheapo electric greenhouse heater, they look like plastic tubes, under each machine will help to keep them above ambient, as the tiny amount of heat produced is absorbed by the machines as it rises. My shop is insulated, and I have a small oil filled rad running permanently in the shop during the coldest months of winter, and just that little bit of heat keeps everything rust and condensation free. Plus the machines don't act as anti radiators, sucking the heat from your skin when you get close. I started doing this a couple of years ago, and since, not one spot of condensation or rust anywhere. Bogs |
| Divided he ad:
The sign of living in the UK I am thinking Jim! As a part of the answer to your questions. I too had this ailment with a few things being the main contributors... My 10mm insulated roof, (20 years old when removed last year) was leaking through the jointing strips and the wooden wall plate was sodden and rotten as a result. The floor was damp due to moisture seeping through the walls at low level due to earth above ground level being against it. The door was an old non insulated one (probably interior?) and it's step had rotted away and allowed moisture in. And them to top it all a whopping great hole into the garage which also has a non insulated up and over fitted. So, I've had a new roof fitted (by me and my dad) 16mm polycarb'. Very well sealed from the elements! The earth was removed from the walls and bitumen paint used as far down the wall as I could get and right up the wall too. The door is now a composite insulated door with weather seal. and I filled the hole in with 50mm foil backed foam sheets (like the kingspan stuff builders use). Now after all that I've noticed that even in my paranoid state (of still coating the machines with oil off a rag and or spraying with duck oil) that there is no moisture in there to cause the same annoyance as last year :ddb: There have been no drips falling from the roof (it was like raining when you shut the door!!) and I haven't got a heater in there at all! I Know this stuff is costly... I paid for much of it. Scrounged the rest. But I think that insulation and protection is your only hope. But till then I'd duck oil the carp out of every machine bed while you're not using it..... Trouble is you have to wipe 'em down when you come to use them next time! Personally I would not open the window, I would think that'd let more moisture in? Fog/mist etc (we've got plenty of that!!) The de-humidifier I'm not sure. Couldn't hurt I suppose But might be costly running etc? I know, probably not much help, but it's what I know. Ralph. P.S. When you come to sort out the garage door ask me for details and the likes.... you live too far away for me to help with the fitting but I'll sure give you Impartial advise so you don't get ripped off :thumbup: |
| krv3000:
hi just one tip pant the floor this will stop damp cuming in thruw the concrete |
| ieezitin:
Jim. I have had this problem for years, my shop although larger than yours is built the same way and my weather conditions are the same as yours. I have a overhead fan in the shop running on slow all winter just circulating the air. Second I have a oil filled rad on the lowest temp setting on all through the season as well ( very little cost to the electric bill ) third is I regularly oil and swipe all most important tools and machinery, it’s a chaw but necessary. There is no easy way out but you have to keep an eye on it, these two methods have served me well but saying that you still need to keep an eye on things. I have a very expensive gun which I keep in the house and I have not touched in 9 months, I pulled it out this week end to shoot it and found some surface rust in the tip of the bore ( which pissed me off ) I stowed it away oiled and lubed but the length of time got to it. Stay vigil. Hope this helps. God bless Anthony. |
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