Anyone have a solution for concrete slab sweats before a cold front?

[honda1998civic]

How do I keep my garage concrete slab from being a slip and slide before a cold front blows in? Any secrets or solution to create traction? I understand it probably doesn't have a vapor Barrier below is why it sweats. But how do I fix these problems with concrete sweats? I've asked the lord for no more cold fronts but he isn't hearing me..

 

[My Old Tools]

I have heard that keeping the air moving helps.

 

[gpflepsen]

Slab temperatures below the dew point result in the slab (and anything else below the dew point) to condense water from the air. Vapor barrier really has no bearing on this.

You can keep the air moving over the slab, but that would only work when the temperatures are somewhat close. Best to isolate the area before moist air moves in, i.e. close the doors.

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[pop pop]

Like gp said. If you can separate the warm moist air from the cold slab till the slab can warm or the air turns cold it will not condense. Otherwise, close the door and run a dehumidifier.

 

[Thumper68]

I just turn the heat on, warm floor no sweat.

 

[wssix99]

I've asked the lord for no more cold fronts but he isn't hearing me..

^ There you have it. You were asking for the wrong thing. It's not the colt fronts - its the humid air masses coming in when your floor is cold.

 

[matt_i]

Have to keep humidity out somehow. As mentioned keeping the doors closed as much as possible is good and easy. Air circulation is good as it will equalize the temps convectively as well as help pick up condensation. Actively lowering the humidity via A/C or dehumidifier is also an option.

 

[wagspe208]

I struggled with this for years in an old pole barn.
Big *** fan to keep air moving is cheapest. It works.
I feel for you pal. A pole barn is tough to keep from sweating.
My new building, I installed radiant floor heat. Spray foam all the walls with closed cell foam. Dropped tin ceiling under trusses. Spray foam insulation on top of that.
Still can sweat if not kept closed when temps change..... BUT with the radiant floor heating, floor and equipment is warm... so less likely to condense on it. As opposed to all the stuff being cold and warm humid air comes in.
Wags

 

[MScott]

I had this problem in my previous garage (no vapour barrier, no infloor heat.) Only answer I found was a fan to keep the air moving.

 

[honda1998civic]

10-4. Thanks buddies. I'll try to keep air flow moving then move onto a heater if that doesn't work. Thanks.

 

[Shiftless]

10-4. Thanks buddies. I'll try to keep air flow moving then move onto a heater if that doesn't work. Thanks.

Moving air and adding heat is a good idea.
Just realize that an unvented propane or NG heater will add a lot of moisture to the air which is exactly what you are trying to avoid.

 

[ProCharger]

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/catalog/hc-sharkgrip/

I use this when sealing pool decks. It will not solve your sweating problem but it will provide you with traction.