Shed Condensation.

[Groupie]

Hi
I have a single brick outside shed and exposed to prevailing winds,
I have just re-pointed it and fitted a new roof and now going to have it rendered. It suffers from severe condensation inside what is the best way to cure this problem ? Thx

[TWR]

Have you vents in?

[Groupie]

No I think you are going to tell me thats the answer.

[Gizmonster]

AS TWR suggests .... ventilation is the answer :)

[TWR]

You need to Take a couple of bricks out Groupie, If you do intend to take that action & if I can suggest, a Masonry bit into the corners of the Motor & work inwards, I would on replacing use Sealant, other than that a metal vent with a shutter.

[KARL]

The condensation is of course the result of the (probably quite moist) inside air coming into contact with the cold outside walls where the moisture it contains condenses on the cold bricks, just like a cold glass bottle (or metal container) taken out of a refrigerator will quickly start running with condensation on the kitchen table.

As with any UK housing/building, the standard UK solution is to open the structure up to outside air because if you remove the in/out temperature differential by dropping the indoor temperature to near equal to that of the outdoors, then condensation will almost certainly not occur.

The alternative solution which allows higher temperatures indoors without condensation is the foreign concept of insulation. Insulate the outer walls and you can have dry (and warmer) conditions inside. Otherwise, fit central cooling with plenty of draughts - just put on an extra layer or two of clothing to avoid hypothermia.

[The Builder]

Raising the inside temperature (heating) and adding insulation is, naturally, not practicable in what is just a shed after all.

So........... "crossflow ventilation" is what's needed. A simple way is to fit a 9"x9" (225mm x 225mm) airbrick high up on one wall (near the top of the masonry.)

Then, fit another, into the opposite wall. Fresh air will crossflow from one, and out the other one. This will help to equalise the interior and exterior temperatures.

This will greatly reduce condensation, and prevent fungal spores (mould/cellar fungus etc) from settling and growing on damp walls.

[Groupie]

Air bricks seem to be easiest for me I shall do that and fit as TRW suggests
Thank you all

[TWR]

The Vents will be about £15 total Groupie.

[KARL]

The temperature inside an insulated structure will be much more stable and, during cold weather, mostly above that of the outdoors even without any heating. The choice is between this and (alternatively) ensuring the inside temperature is suppressed. Naturally, putting holes in the walls is the cheaper option.

[ToraToraTora]

yep, plenty of air bricks needed here.

[alavahalf]

Don't drill holes, splash the cash, they are not expensive ...

http://tinyurl.com/o2shprr