preventing rust w/gravel floor

[chadman]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to prevent objects(tractor, cars etc.) from rusting when stored in a building with gravel floors? I thoght just a vapor barrier under the stone would be OK but someone told me it would still seep moisture. Any thoughts? thanks

 

[powellscooter]

Might be helpful to know where you are geographically. Here in Az
gravel floor enclosed storage isnt too common, and moisture isnt a factor.

 

[chadman]

I'm in Ohio

 

[Jay H 237]

Interesting as they use a vapor barrier under concrete slabs to limit/prevent moisture from coming through the slab. Concrete is porous and won't limit moisture by itself, all I can think of they were concerned the gravel would poke holes in the barrier. I'm interested to see what others say too.


One thing that would help you is if you have good drainage away from the building on the outside as rainwater and melting snow that's left near the outside walls can seep in. Gutters also that drain away from the building.

 

[Kevin54]

I'm in Ohio

Sorry

If you cannot afford concrete and have to live with gravel, I would put down a double layer of visqueen (heavy plastic) to take care of moisture coming up through. If you are concerned with the stone breaking the plastic sheeting, lay some weedguard on top to help absorb.

 

[kbs2244]

Ventilation.
Lots of it.
Keep fans going inside all the time.
Rust and rot love still air.
And run the vehicles at least once a month up to full operating temps.
Take them down the road for at least 50 miles to work the brake linkage etc.
Then lots of WD40 on things that do not get warmed up when running in place.

 

[GSSFC]

A dehumidifier will help remove a lot of moisture from the air.

As stated a double layer of poly under the gravel with a layer of weedbarrier should limit the amount of moisture coming from the ground. The gravel shouldn't damage the poly if placed carefully and sufficient depth of gravel (I am assuming you mean crushed stone) as gravel contains small aggregate such as sand too.

Tim

 

[e-tek]

I have stored cars in similar situations and have used those Dry-Z-Air bags hung over buckets to pull in water. (Though a dehumidifier would work best). I still use these sytems inside cars that I store, even if in my garage. The WD-40 suggestion is valid too. One more idea - have you considered those electronic rust inhibitors (has anyone?). I often see them and wonder if they work...

 

[sledzz]

Hey Chadman, looking for the same info. I built a 45x32 pole barn to store stuff and not ready to put out the $$ for a concrete floor yet. I was planning on leaving it dirt or putting in gravel.Been a couple years since your post..have you figured it out yet or talked to anyone else about it? Not anything I can find on the "net" about it...

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Hey Chadman, looking for the same info. I built a 45x32 pole barn to store stuff and not ready to put out the $$ for a concrete floor yet. I was planning on leaving it dirt or putting in gravel.Been a couple years since your post..have you figured it out yet or talked to anyone else about it? Not anything I can find on the "net" about it...

Wow, sledzz. Did you just wake up from a coma or something? How hell did you find this thread?

 

[sledzz]

Ha HaYea no kidding. I have searched the net with a fine tooth comb (mostly Google) and this popped up! Can't find a good answer anywhere and I am freaked out that my stuff will rust...unless I put in a concrete floor $$$ or a "correct" gravel floor.

 

[D KRAGER]

Put down the vapor barrier, then a layer of lime, then the rock over that. The lime would keep the rocks from poking holes in the vapor barrier.

 

[Scout Driver]

Lots of ventilation

Scott

 

[RVdually]

I have the same humidity problem. I had a 50 x 64 x 20 foot pole barn put up to keep my RV, tractors, junk, etc. in. I put in roll up doors with concrete under them, with a gravel floor as I don't need concrete. I didn't insulate as I didn't expect the humidity problem. I try to keep the doors open as much as I can to keep the humidity down, but that isn't enough. The doors are 14' high and one 10x10. I can't find anything on the inet either about this problem other than ventilation.
I am presently putting in 2 2300 cfm exhaust fans in one end at the top that run on temp and humidity. On the other I am putting in 2 18x24 louvers. I am putting in 3 60" industrial ceiling fans, which I found at Home Depot for $70. They are also reversible but I can't find the cfm info on them. The gable vents I got at Lowes for $109 each, made by air vent.
I am thinking of removing as much gravel as I can and putting plastic under it, then putting it back down. I am wondering if it will decompose over time or get full of holes from the gravel left below and on top, or hold water. Think this will work? I have heard of putting down astro-foil, but that is super expensive.
Does anyone have any more suggestions? The humidity is so bad at times that you can see the 2x4 lines on the floor.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Dragster Racer]

I have never put vapor barrier under gravel floors. I would think that the vb would prevnt any draining of moisture. My gravel floor barns are anything but air tight though. sorry you are having so much trouble.