Metal building condensation (help please)!

[radioman]

I think the OP is not getting full instructions or understand the concept how to resolve it. The problem can be resolved in one of either 2 ways. airflow or insulate correctly.

To have proper airflow, you need air inside the building to be nearly the same as outside. The proper way of doing it is to have outside air come in from bottom of building and flow out at top. This uses the sun convection air flow and pushes moisture upwards to either roof vent or gable. make sure its either roof vent or gable- not both or you will stop proper airflow.

The other way is to remove the foil insulation and have foam spray on the metal. Its the same concept as your foam coffee cup never condenses from hot or cold liquids. The problem with this is you need to have drywall or wall covering like plywood/osb to prevent fires from sparks.

If the OP is getting so much water dripping, I would verify the ridge vent is not blocked and leave the door open 24/7 until he can get 2-4 vents installed on both sides of bldg along the floor. problem is will the OP be needing to heat the bldg? then this will not work.


On a side note, if Op has water issues now with foil insulation, it may be no good now since its soaked and can mold.

 

[Gate Lavallee]

first of think you said new garage.....if it is a new slab on grade, well going to take a year to get humidity out of this slab, second me think you move air like other poster said from outside down to inside up or you heat the inside at resonable temp. and run de-humidefier for a good while. keep it hot or keep it cold with outside air going through it me think.

 

[mbohuntr]

Keep the air from touching the cold steel and condensating by spraying iso-foam on it.

 

[Bama67]

Thanks for all the replies.

I am still not sure what to do. I know I do not want to tear down $4,000 worth of two month old insulation and then spray several more thousands of spray foam if I can help it.

Understand it doesn't always seem to do this, only when it has been raining and the humidity is VERY high. Most days it is totally fine.

I guess I need to call the Steel building people that I bought it from. I mean, every building they sell like this pretty much will be built this way. See if they have any ideas. I don't think I have any pictures that would be of any help.

What I also don't get is that if I insulate the metal that is still exposed (purlins, beams) How is that going to keep all the stuff that is inside from condensating like it is now?

This building and all that has come with moving out here to our new place has tapped me out basically for now. This is so frustrating, I spent all this money for the building and my stuff might as well be sitting outside.

 

[AGGIE00]

We have corrected this issue by spraying one inch of closed cell polyurethane foam for insulation on quite a few metal buildings. The key is closed cell and not open for many reasons. The largest is the flame inhibitors in it. Closed cell requires an alternative fuel source to burn, and once the source is removed it extinguishes. Open cell is combustible and once ignited will feed on itself causing a rather severe fire hazard.

 

[Bama67]

We have corrected this issue by spraying one inch of closed cell polyurethane foam for insulation on quite a few metal buildings. The key is closed cell and not open for many reasons. The largest is the flame inhibitors in it. Closed cell requires an alternative fuel source to burn, and once the source is removed it extinguishes. Open cell is combustible and once ignited will feed on itself causing a rather severe fire hazard.

Okay, say I did tear down all the new insulation in my building. How much would it cost me to spray an entire 40x60 building with 16ft eaves, roughly?

 

[Bama67]

Alright, I got to thinking and looking back at my contract and supplies for my shop.

I don't think I have ANY sort of ventilation. This thing is sealed up tight, except a little gap above the roll up doors. Which I have 4 of.

So I am thinking I def need some type of ventilation. The large ridge vents, or a cupola or two? Wall mounted louvered fan, fan in a cupola? IDK.

I know I dont want to have to redo the insulation. I cant afford it if I wanted to.
This is depressing.

 

[EE_Bota]

Alright, I got to thinking and looking back at my contract and supplies for my shop.

I don't think I have ANY sort of ventilation. This thing is sealed up tight, except a little gap above the roll up doors. Which I have 4 of.

So I am thinking I def need some type of ventilation. The large ridge vents, or a cupola or two? Wall mounted louvered fan, fan in a cupola? IDK.

I know I dont want to have to redo the insulation. I cant afford it if I wanted to.
This is depressing.

I'd call the builder and tell them of the problems, and ask for a solution. If they request new money, cross that bridge when you come to it.

 

[lilranch2001]

I'd call the builder and tell them of the problems, and ask for a solution. If they request new money, cross that bridge when you come to it.

Get some sort of professional advice, even if it costs a few hundred to get a consultation.
Better to spend it wisely rather than foolishly

 

[moored4]

Condensation should only happen when its colder inside than it is outside, right?

Condensation happens when warmer wet air hits a colder surface. I still have snow on the top of my tin roof with 3 sides open it rained in side there all day :laughing: as it was 46 deg. and the sun shining today and was very humid with the snow we got last week melting. :thumbsup: