Garage condensation is a common, especially during the winter when temperatures are exceedingly low and at times between spring and early summer when the ground temperatures are still cool but the humidity is rising.
Condensation occurs when excess water vapor in the air comes in contact with a cold surface. If left unchecked, this phenomenon can become a huge problem given that excess moisture can not only damage the foundation of one’s garage but also impact the temperatures of houses. This contributes to the growth of mildew and mold, thereby putting a risk to your health and that of your family’s.
So to prevent it from getting to that, just do the following:
Table of Contents
1. Use Vapor Barriers
Vapor barriers can reduce condensation in garages if installed appropriately. Home improvement expert, Tim Carter advises against ceiling vapor barriers as they would only store water vapor within the garage. Instead, you should opt for wall vapor barriers as they prevent condensation from coming through drywall and insulation. You can also buy an insulation product with a built-in vapor barrier or even install plastic vapor barrier sheets right over the insulation that you already have.
2. Heat Your Garage
The only way condensation builds up is if the temperature of your floors, walls and other strong surfaces is lower than the dew point, which is when water condenses. Heating your garage is the only way to keep this from happening. So use heaters, except the propane ones as they create water vapor. Buy electric heaters as they can effectively keep the temperature of your garage and condensation for that matter, under control.
3. Check Your Garage’s Ventilation
Another great way to reduce condensation in your garage is to ensure it’s properly ventilated. Doing this on the walls and roof is a great way to maintain the balance between the air both inside and outside of your house. However, you must also clean your ventilation system, especially if you’re using turbine roof vents.
4. Keep Water Out of Your Garage
Keep in mind that if your car is covered in snow or rain during the day and you park it inside the garage at night, it would only bring in more moisture that eventually leads to condensation. Even if you want to park it in your garage, give yourself a few minutes to take a piece of old cloth or towel to keep it dry. And if there’s water getting into your garage because of the rain, please install a drain outside to keep the water at bay. In other words, don’t let the water inside.
5. Check Your Drainage
Check your garage’s rooftop and floor drainage carefully to keep condensation at bay. Make sure the covers of your floor drain aren’t obstructed and that the downspouts and eavestroughs don’t have any debris to keep leaks out of your garage.
6. Install a Dehumidifier
A garage dehumidifier can reduce a garage’s condensation levels effectively. Still, even the best of units aren’t immune to eventual wear and tear, considering it collects water in its tank. Therefore, it needs to be emptied regularly either manually or by attaching a drainage hose that empties water on the outside. Fortunately, the internet offers a plethora of units from across the world, but if you’re looking for those from renowned brands, check out some of these garage dehumidifier reviews.
7. Apply a Floor Coating
An epoxy or garage floor coating can significantly reduce condensation on the garage floor. It works like a paint finish that can be applied right on the concrete slab if done so in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, which ensures a much greater level of protection. To get the best results, you must use a coating that consists of sand or nonslip granules. Such coatings can be found online or at local home supply stores.
