Re: Garage condensation problems

[Robert Ducker <bducker@domain.elided>]

Sounds like "rising damp", resulting from increased foundation water
content. Could the local water table be higher this year? Or a change in
drainage around the foundation? I would try duct tape to seal plastic over
that inspection pit. Although, I wouldn't overdo it in any event since
British cars probably require a certain minimum rising damp!


At 12:45 PM 11/19/97 -0500, ASMaughan@domain.elided wrote:
>My Stag which I have owned for six years has been stored during periods of
>non use in a brick built garage, with asbestos sheet roof and steel up and
>over door. The garage is in the middle of a terrace of garages and has a
>lined inspection pit. Approximate size 18' x 8' x 10' in hieght.
>
>This Autumn, for the first time I have been increasingly aware that the
>garage floor, walls and the car are covered in a thin film of water. The only
>change I think I've made this year is to seal and paint the floor. There is
>no sign of water ingress to the building.
>
>The size of the garage precludes the use of such an item as a carcoon and
>this would also only affect the car. Scrutiny of the carcoon also reveals it
>to provide little more than a ventilated plastic bag. Could I wonder much the
>same effect be achieved with an expelair in the garage wall and vents at the
>opposite end. This however would only serve to circulate the outside
>atmosphere through the garage, ie. damp outside, damp inside.
>
>I have tried heating the garage, this only seems, as expected to increase the
>amount of condensation both held in the air and on cold surfaces. This I
>would think would serve to accelerate corrosion.
>
>Lastly I am considering buying a dehumidifier, my concern however is that it
>would tend to pull moisture from outside as well as inside and be difficult
>to regulate, ie when the door is opened and shut, plus require incessant
>empting.
>
>I would be pleased to hear of any other suggestions/sagas which subscribers
>may have regarding this.
>
>Andy Maughan, Darlington, County Durham 
>
>
>