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A humid garage can result in mold, mildew and property damage, and you could battle these conditions year round if you haven’t taken proper precautions. Fortunately, there are some quick fixes that help you gain greater temperature control.
Here are three principles to dehumidify:
Block humid air from entering the garage. You won’t be able to resolve the issue until you make the space airtight, cool and dry. Sealing is a first step because it increases energy efficiency and blocks water, insects, and other pests from entering your space.
- Invest in an insulated garage door and seal the top, sides, and bottom to preserve inside temperatures.
- Seal doors and windows leading out to the yard as well.
Keep the space dry. Generally, moist air has nowhere to go in a garage, so the trick is to prevent humidity from happening at all. You can do this by:
- Wiping down anything wet that comes into the garage.
- Replacing items that absorb moisture, like cardboard. One of the worst materials to place in a humid garage is a cardboard box. Over time, mold can grow and spread. It’s best to avoid that scenario and opt for plastic storage containers instead.
- Test the garage floor to determine if the source of moisture is seepage or condensation. Condensation can form on the garage door floor when warm humid air hits cold concrete. Here’s how to test the root cause: tape a piece of plastic to the floor and see if, 24-hours later, the concrete underneath is damp. Dampness indicates that there isn’t a vapor barrier under the slab–the only way to fix that is to install one under the slab. If it isn’t damp, however, the problem could be condensation, easily remedied by heating the space during colder periods.
Vent. Circulation helps humid air dry out and/or escape. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to deal with the issue.
- Open windows and let the sun and fresh air in–and the humid air out.
- Use an exhaust fan or dehumidifier to specifically draw moist air out of the space.
- Fans installed anywhere will help, but standing and ceiling fans together can make a big difference.
- Leave space between storage boxes and use open shelves to let air rotate.
An insulated garage door can make all the difference in maintaining an ideal temperature in your garage. We can show you the best options for your space. Contact us for a consult today!