Shed/Cabin ceiling insulation

[kckndrgn]

I have a 14x20 shed that is used as a camping/hunting cabin. So I put insulation in, and I'm guessing I did something drastically wrong because now in the late summer/early fall (when we want to use the cabin the most) everything inside becomes moldy and covered in gunk.

The shed is the standard "Amish" type pre-fab with shed doors and not a man style door, 2x4 construction all around.

I put in R-13, kraft faced insulation on the walls and ceiling. I think, now years later having learned a lot more, the insulation on the ceiling is what is wrong.

There is no ridge or soffit vents, the only vents are gable end vents.

So, if I pull down the r-13 insulation from the ceiling, how should it be insulated? Cost is an issue, we also have no electricity at the cabin, so I can't run a dehumidifier while we are not there.
I have been told to just get a solar powered vent fan and let it run while we are not there to help, not sure how much good it will do though.

 

[theoldwizard1]

There is no ridge or soffit vents, the only vents are gable end vents.

I think that is your problem.

 

[readhead]

You have to have moisture to have mold. My guess is that it is coming through the floor, open gable vents or around the door, if it is sitting on the dirt. Cool moist air coming in the building and hitting warm surfaces equal condensation. If the building is kept closed the insulation will keep heat inside. I sell sheds and I have seen this problem before.

 

[kckndrgn]

readhead, it's sitting on blocks about 12" off the ground, but yes, it's a moisture issue. Here in the midsouth we have hot humid summers.
Any ideas on how to best ventilate or at least mitigate the moisture issues?

 

[D45]

Picture of the cabin?

I would cut a hole in the roof and add a turbine vent

 

[forAK]

Why do you have insulation in the first place? Does it really get that cold or does it get that hot so you would need to cool it? What do you use to heat/cool it?

If not heating or cooling, just rip it out.

 

[readhead]

Venting the building may or may not help. You might draw more moisture into the building. A vapor barrier under the shed may help. Someone made a good point of why you need insulation. Removing the insulation may raise the dew point and reduce the condensation. Passive venting will not move enough air. Powered air movement probably isn't practical. Maybe solar powered ventilation would work.

 

[kckndrgn]

Why do you have insulation in the first place? Does it really get that cold or does it get that hot so you would need to cool it? What do you use to heat/cool it?

If not heating or cooling, just rip it out.

Both, summer temps 100* with high humidity. Winter temps (deer season) at below freezing.

Did the first winter without insulation and we couldn't keep it warm enough in the cabin, but it was better than the pop-up camper used the previous year!

For heating we use either a wood stove or propane heater, depending on how long we are at the cabin and how cold it is. For A/C we use a window unit with a generator.

Edited to add that since the picture was taken we've added a window on the end facing the camera and a window on the side opposite the 2 existing windows.

 

[forAK]

While not in use, you need to have airflow running through there. I'd grab a couple of these - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Active-...8903vry57826_pcrid_74079610853907_pkw__pmt_e_

Pipe that into your living area.