Unheated Barn Metal ceiling Condensation?

[desjr]

I have a 40x60 pole barn, metal siding and roof. The roof has the vapor barrier under the metal roofing. Side walls are 14'

I will be insulating and finishing the inside, but will not be heating it. I thought I would use white metal ceiling panels, and also use the same on the side walls down to 8' above finish floor with plywood finishing the walls. My thoughts were great light reflection and ease of installation and best of all no painting those areas.

R30 trusses and R19 sidewalls, with vapor barrier.

Will I have a condensation issue since I will not be heating the building? The building is and will be closed up 90% of the time.

The building does have continuous ridge vent and vented soffits.

 

[Rookie2]

What does that roof vapor barrier look like. Do you have any pictures. I've had problems for years.

 

[readhead]

I don't think so. It is pretty well insulated.

 

[Showkey]

Under certain weather conditions it still might condensate but keeping the door closed helps. With insulation and somewhat control temp swings it will not happen often. If you building is in a damp area and moisure is coming through the floor.........building humidity might get high. High indoor humid ( of 65-85%) you will cause problems. Mild problems mold growth on organic materials like leather, canvas cotton etc, more severe rust on metal tools etc. My closed (high insulation ) shop in the summer was getting to + 70% humidity (no AC no need, closed door, building is in the shade ). Added a dehumidifier to control the humidity to 50-55% comfort level increase and issues are gone. Prolonged humidity Above 70% bad things can happen over time. Storing a collector car or motorcycle controlling the humidity is good thing.

There are many factors in play....like is the building in the sun or shade, air movement and general out side weather conditions, building air exchange rate, ........AZ, KS, OK will be different than OR, WA, MN,MI or WI.

It is the humidity level in the air and surface temperature of the building parts. Example cold concrete floor and warm humid day in spring.........open the door the slab might sweat.

Best comparison .....This is the ice tea glass in the summer....temperature difference and dew point.

 

[pattenp]

If the space is not conditioned being insulated will not in itself totally prevent any condensation from developing. Getting condensation depends on the temperature of any metal surfaces vs. the air temperature and the moisture content of the air coming into the building. I have this happen a few times a year when it gets warm and humid after a few cold nights and I open of the shop to get some fresh air.

 

[Showkey]

yes..........Insulation by itself will not stop condensation.
Insulation will help stop fast wide temperature swings in the building interior...........which helps in controlling or minimizing condensation problems.

 

[padroo]

Putting a vapor barrier under the concrete floor may help and you only have one chance to do it. Concrete contractors don't like to do it because it take a long time for the concrete to cure and the can't just pour and run.