Condensation - concrete prefab + metal roof

[GJUK]

Hello,

I wonder if someone can help me solve my problem.

I have a garage, detatched, which is a large structure which will hold 5 cars. It's concrete on the walls and has a metal roof, with that anti drip membrane.

Today I've noticed a car I recently bought has a lot of condensation on it, it seems since the tempreture has risen from being so cold, everything metal is wet to touch.

How can I help solve this problem please, there is airflow but its more towards to top of the garage(around the roof area gaps) rather at the base of the garage.

Many thanks,

Jon

 

[^woody^]

Unless you form a proper air conditioned garage, like people do for vintage or prestige cars, then you will not stop condensation in this type of garage

The normal responses you will get will be to insulate the roof and walls and ventilate, but this still wont stop it in a garage

 

[GJUK]

Okay thanks, What's the best bet?

so do i try and block off the air flow and buy a dehumidifier?

Or increase air flow big time?

 

[foxhole]

Increase air flow and cover vehicles with cotton dust sheets.

 

[^woody^]

TBH, I don't know!

You can park your car out in the street and it will get condensation. You can park it in the garage and you can get condensation

You can seal the garage up and get condensation, you can vent it and let the cold outside air in ... and get condensation.

A five bay garage is a big area to keep at constant, even temperatures and levels of humidity, and I think that the only successful way will be to insulate, seal gaps and have a suitable mechanical ventilation or dehumidification system

The alternative may be a nice quality wax and some Rain-X to bead condensation off the car

 

[GJUK]

Thank you.

Would having fans moving the air in the garage around help with this, even if you're moving the 'humid' air around?

Thanks,

Jon

 

[^woody^]

I don't think fans would help - all they will be doing is moving moist air around.

The garage will still be cold, and will still have lots of cold surfaces for air to condense on

Read up on the principles of condensation and prevention - but bear in mind that most advice relates to heated properties, and you have a cold unheated draughty garage

 

[GJUK]

Thanks again,

I'm at a loss here, I know what causes condensation, the warm air hits the cold surface and that causes the water to run off the car.

I've looked at dehumidifiers but they're £200 and 500-700 watts!, so they'd cost a fortune to run.

Any further ideas please?

 

[^woody^]

I think I covered it in post #2, first sentence, but see what other ideas are posted

 

[GJUK]

ignore.