Quonset hut climate control and ventilation questions

[DeOrgy]

Hey guys, just found the forum, I think I am going to like it here. Firstly, I am in the middle of building a 25x34x14 quonset hut. I am insulating it to R13 using a Silvercote brand blanket style insulation.

I am having trouble trying to ensure I have no condensation issues. Given my location of southern Ontario Canada, we see cold winters and hot summers with high humidity. I have gone back and forth on climate control setups. Currently I am leaning on a Mr. Heater propane style hanging heater (50000 btu) to go along with my 96" ceiling fan to create a breeze as well as distribute heat.

I may yet do a mini split setup, but I am weighing the cost/benefit of it.

My largest issue is trying how to understand ventilation and prevent any condensation issues. I am going to install a whirlybird on top as suggested by my quonset hut manufacture. I am thinking of installing a gable vent on the west facing side, the wind blows from that direction most days. I am not sure if I need another vent on the east facing side, and if I need some sort of setup to close these vents and the whirlybird off. I am thinking run with the vents open in spring/summer/fall to prevent condensation, then close off the vents and run the heater when necessary.

Is this viable? Or will this setup run into humidity/condensation issues? If so, is there a better suggested way to ventilate/heat this space? I mostly use it for auto repair, projects and some hobby fabrication. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Rob

 

[nadogail]

When warm moisture laden air strikes cold metal condescension forms.
That is IMHO a fact.

 

[walrus]

2 words, spray foam

 

[txvwnut]

A gable vent will fight with the roof vent and not really give you what you need. What I’m doing in mine is foam board insulation and roof vents. I’m leaving a small gap at the base of the wall covering and using the gap between the insulation and the metal as a duct all the way to the roof. I’ve had my building up for 17 years and have seen condensation behind the insulation but not enough for it to drip and create other issues. I have also switched from propane heat to electric heat as propane combustion leads to condensation.

 

[Tech77]

I built a 40x56x18 "S-style" quonset hut. I am in the same situation. That batting will not hold up. The plastic protecting the insulation is only on one side. Spray foam is the way to go. I'm saving up to CC spray foam my entire shop.

 

[nadogail]

I built a 40x56x18 "S-style" quonset hut. I am in the same situation. That batting will not hold up. The plastic protecting the insulation is only on one side. Spray foam is the way to go. I'm saving up to CC spray foam my entire shop.

Location, Location, & Location. The three things that make a real difference in heating and cooling.

 

[DeOrgy]

Hey guys. Sorry for the slow reply, the subscription email went to my junk mail. I weighed this decision out a lot in my head, and talked to a few guys I know in construction. I also called and spoke with the supplier of the blanket insulation, Silvercote. They reassured me they sell this product all over Canada and condensation is not an issue when properly installed. I hope they are being truthful. The man I spoke seemed very honest and answered all questions I had.

I ordered the R 13 blanket insulation. It cost me $4900 +tax CAD. to do all but the front wall.

I think spray foam protects better from condensation, and for r13 was about 900 bucks cheaper when I priced it out. However, I disliked the issue of not being able to access the bolts etc for maintenance and to install any fixtures in the future. The extended standoffs with the blanket insulation will give me lots of options to flesh out my garage now and in the future. I appreciate everyone's input. I ordered the whirlybird style vent for the roof. I'll have to do some more research, as mentioned here that the two vents will compete, I can't see how the whirlybird would be efficient if it has no fresh air draw source of the building is sealed up reasonably well. The idea to leave a gap at the roof seam to wall seems like it could be a good idea possibly. I have also debated putting a vent in that I can close off much like a heat register to get the proper ventilation inside.

I truly hope I can be insulated and not suffer condensation issues. That's disappointing to hear about the propane heat being a condensation magnet . Maybe I'll reconsider the mini split heat pump idea.

Thanks again
Rob

 

[mike93lx]

Getting rid of the propane heater will help a ton.

 

[Showkey]

Getting rid of the propane heater will help a ton.

It was not clear .....but he said his propane heater was the hanging type. Likely a vented outside heater. If it’s a vented heater it’s NOT his problem.

If it unvented heater.......yes that would be a problem when controlling humidity.

 

[DeOrgy]

It was not clear .....but he said his propane heater was the hanging type. Likely a vented outside heater. If it’s a vented heater it’s NOT his problem.

If it unvented heater.......yes that would be a problem when controlling humidity.

I haven't bought it yet, but you are correct the heater im looking at is a me heater brand. Its suspended from the ceiling and indeed vents exhaust to the outside. With it vented a propane heater won't cause condensation? That's great to know, I've been sweating tripping my climate control costs lol.

I could see where the confusion came from in my post, it's not a salamander style heater or anything. I could definitely see that being a problem.