Isulation and moisture

[Nickolas40]

Hi, I have a bit of a problem. I've been insulating my shop a little bit at a time. I'm almost ready to install the vapor barrier but there is a slight problem. There has been a cold snap during the past few days and I used the gas heater to heat the shop while I was working on different projects in the shop. I decided to look behind some of the insulation and I found moisture on the other side of the insulation and on the surface of the wooden walls too. I'm worried that the moisture will cause mold problems if left un-rectified. Is it possible to dry out the insulation and walls or is the insulation ruined? If I leave it for a week or two without using the heat will it dry out on its own? I hope there is a solution besides starting from scratch again and spending twice the money. Thanks for looking.

 

[toyotadriver]

What kind of gas heater are you using?

 

[sands35]

You are using a self contained gas heater? "Torpedo" style? A by-product of the combustion process is water.

That is condensation against the cold outer wall. This is expected with a self contained heater. The only vapor retarder you will need is kraft faced paper, drywall and latex paint. 6 mil poly will just keep the water in and not let the wall dry (regardless of the condensation you currently have).

Personally, I'd wait unit the weather warms up a bit to let the wall dry out. It will probably dry out if you just leave it even when cold though.