heated garage moisture

[lawnman218]

I recently started the hydronic floor heat in my new garage here in northern Minnesota and its working great! but so far I'm experiencing a high humidity level (50 percent) and this is without any vehicles inside melting off. I am wondering if the source for this moisture is the concrete? The slab was poured 3 years ago but like I say this is the first time the loops have been heated. Any thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks!

 

[the_saint]

Do you have any drains?

50% is pretty high for the dry weather we are having right now in the prairies.

 

[lawnman218]

Yes, there is a floor drain and also a 3" pvc pipe that I set in the concrete which shields the incoming 1" water line. It extends several feet down and to the outside of the building.

 

[Krodad]

It's 76% humidity this minute in central Iowa… 50% is not uncommon at all right now. The moisture is everywhere in different forms, and now you have increased the interior tempting and at the same time increased the air's ability to hold moisture. I LOVE radiant floor heat, but this is the single con compared to forced air heat where you get some ventilation at the same time.

If the temperature is high enough in there just run a dehumidifier and you'll get things under control. I just bought a dehumidifier that is supposed to work diwn to 40 degrees. My last one would ice up at 60 degrees.

Good luck… just dehumidify and movesome air with a very small fan.


Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[lawnman218]

Thanks Krodad! ya its running about 65 in there right now and I just started a large 2.500 sq ft dehumidifier in there now and I have access to another one as well if needed. I need to pick up a fan tomorrow.
The moisture issue was a concern of mine when I made the decision to put that type of heat in but I guess I didn't know just how much!
Your input or should I say encouraging comments, are much appreciated!!!

 

[Autorotica]

I wouldn't think 50% is a ton of humidity in a newly started system...

Chris

 

[Krodad]

No problem! I envy you being in northern MN with a 65 degree shop! Little bit of heaven.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[lawnman218]

Thanks Chris, the unfortunate part of all this is that the liner steel was scheduled to go in very soon and now I have some issues with damp insulation which I may or may not have to replace depending if I can dry things out sufficiently? but oh well I will do whatever it takes to do it right!

 

[lawnman218]

Ya Krodad its a going to be a great shop! and with the temps we have been having here lately -25 I'm pretty lucky!!!

 

[motorcycle79]

I run two dehumidifiers and two celing fans all winter but I park inside. After a snowy day I get over 70% . A little squeegee and crack the door for a min or two really helps.

 

[Responder]

I run two dehumidifiers and two celing fans all winter but I park inside. After a snowy day I get over 70% . A little squeegee and crack the door for a min or two really helps.

x2. I went one step further and installed a small overhead gas heater. Air needs to circulate and it sure does get humid in a garage when you bring a cold vehicle in.

I have radiant floor heat in my other small shop and I have no issues but the door very seldom opens.

 

[lawnman218]

Thanks to motorcycle79 and Responder for your suggestions! It is getting very apparent to me I'm going to be investing in another dehumidifier so I have two and ceiling fans right away! an additional heater (gas or electric) may have to wait till next year?

I really love this site! and all the great info that gets shared!!! Thanks again.

 

[911mike]

X2 for fans. My shop is kept at 60 all winter and I never have humidity issues but I run 2 ceiling fans 24/7. I do this more to just move the air more as the radiant floor heat can make the air stagnant. My garage can get humid but that's from all the snow melt from the cars. I have 2 ceiling fans and I have another 30" floor fan for when things get really bad. As long as the air is moving everything is fine.

 

[motorcycle79]

X2 for fans. My shop is kept at 60 all winter and I never have humidity issues but I run 2 ceiling fans 24/7. I do this more to just move the air more as the radiant floor heat can make the air stagnant. My garage can get humid but that's from all the snow melt from the cars. I have 2 ceiling fans and I have another 30" floor fan for when things get really bad. As long as the air is moving everything is fine.

??? I have two celing fans on 24/7 also. Please tell us your tricks. I see u only run the floor fan when it gets really bad what % is that. Where in michigan are u?

 

[911mike]

??? I have two celing fans on 24/7 also. Please tell us your tricks. I see u only run the floor fan when it gets really bad what % is that. Where in michigan are u?

The garage is 50 x 26 and I park just 2 cars in it for the winter. I keep the heat at 50 all winter too. I have a Quad in there to plow snow which drops a little snow melt but not a ton.
In the area where the cars park I made a 18 x 20 vinyl tarp that has pockets on al 4 sides that I insert 1" conduit pipe into. This makes a tray to hold all the water so it doesn't run all over the garage. The concrete sloops right towards the house and without the tarp we get a 3" deep pool in front for the entrance door to the house.

I run 2 ceiling fans 24/7. Mainly on medium except when it snows and then run then in high. I have a 30" floor fan running on high and pointed at the tarp area where all the water is. I run this pretty much all winter long 24/7. I have to mop the tarp when we get a few big days of snow but I only mop 3-5 times all winter. The normal winter day to day run off dry's daily.

FYI were in southern MI.

So do you still have that 1979 TA? Is it a WS6 6.6? I had one back in the day!
Man was that a chick magnet.

 

[motorcycle79]

The garage is 50 x 26 and I park just 2 cars in it for the winter. I keep the heat at 50 all winter too. I have a Quad in there to plow snow which drops a little snow melt but not a ton.
In the area where the cars park I made a 18 x 20 vinyl tarp that has pockets on al 4 sides that I insert 1" conduit pipe into. This makes a tray to hold all the water so it doesn't run all over the garage. The concrete sloops right towards the house and without the tarp we get a 3" deep pool in front for the entrance door to the house.

I run 2 ceiling fans 24/7. Mainly on medium except when it snows and then run then in high. I have a 30" floor fan running on high and pointed at the tarp area where all the water is. I run this pretty much all winter long 24/7. I have to mop the tarp when we get a few big days of snow but I only mop 3-5 times all winter. The normal winter day to day run off dry's daily.

FYI were in southern MI.

So do you still have that 1979 TA? Is it a WS6 6.6? I had one back in the day!
Man was that a chick magnet.

I still have it and yes it is a ws6 got to love the 400 4 speed. Married so not sure on the chick part. Lol

 

[BigGMC]

. Married so not sure on the chick part. Lol

So, it worked then.......