Humidity

[Catadj78]

At this time I have no heat. (It's coming).

40x40. Double bubble only with exception of 10x14 and 12x20 rooms with r19/r30. Metal exterior walls and roof. Pole barn.

Right now it is sprinkling outside, inside temp at 55. Humidity is pegged out.

should the humidity level be a concern? Humidity typically stays above 50% regardless of temp and outside weather. Been this way a while however I see no surface rust on anything and see no wet spots anywhere.

Is this something I should be concerned with?

I have soffit and ridge vent with open ceiling. Steel trusses. I'm thinking I should close the soffit venting and just leave ridge vent

 

[matt_i]

Personally I would try to install some type of ceiling so you can trap the heated air inside during cold months and leave the venting alone for summer months. Otherwise its like trying to heat a chimney. If the ceiling is definitely out of the question I'd look into radiant heating which in my opinion is good for a big space like a loading dock where its impossible to enclose the air.

 

[Catadj78]

Personally I would try to install some type of ceiling so you can trap the heated air inside during cold months and leave the venting alone for summer months. Otherwise its like trying to heat a chimney. If the ceiling is definitely out of the question I'd look into radiant heating which in my opinion is good for a big space like a loading dock where its impossible to enclose the air.

Ceiling install is not an option. I wanted higher ceilings in the work area and is why I chose the steel trusses. I do plan on eventually insulating the ceiling that is in place but there is no telling when that happens.

My plan is to have a wood stove for main source of heat and a few 5000 watt electric heaters to supplement.

At this time I am concerned with the humidity and it's effects.

 

[Showkey]

There is NO away to control indoor humidity if the building is not sealed and air "conditioned" either by heating or cooling. Ventilation is only choice to avoid trapped wet air but you will only get what ever conditions exist outside.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There is NO away to control indoor humidity if the building is not sealed and air "conditioned" either by heating or cooling. Ventilation is only choice to avoid trapped wet air but you will only get what ever conditions exist outside.

EXCELLENT summary !

Is this a problem ? Only if you are trying to store rare, vintage automobiles that have unpainted surfaces.


When I bought my house 40 years ago, I was concerned about rust on my tools stored in un-insulated and un-"conditioned" garage. Almost zero effect on my chrome plated tools. Minor rust on some black oxide sockets (recently I wiped them down with some Fluid Film). Lube the joints on your pliers.

 

[matt_i]

Just a ceiling fan on low will help you deal with any moisture issues. I lived in Atlanta, GA for 9.5 years and that's how I dealt with the rust issues brought on by high humidity. Also keeping the doors closed as much as possible to avoid big "swings" especially when its cold out and suddenly a system of warm moisture is everywhere. Heavy Metal Things can start sweating.