Porch Storage Area

timswi · Jan 30, 2018

Got a question for you guys...I have a 8'x50' non-climate controlled storage area under my concrete front porch (no roof, yet). Problem is, the steel decking likes to sweat. I have a dehumidifier running all year and I spray foamed the corrigated spaces against the block to prevent the chimney effect, which helped a ton.

Is there some type of insulation that can be put on the steel to calm the temp variances? I don't want to use standard foam board --I don't believe that stuff is supposed to be left exposed in a residential structure, or am I wrong?

Any suggestions beyond heating and cooling the space?

Any suggestions are more than I have. Thx

jaxs · Jan 31, 2018

The sweat is caused by humid warm air hitting the cool metal. Warmer because of the earth's warming effect. I have the same problem inside inclosed metal buildings with dirt floor. Open front buildings don't sweat near as much but of course rain blow's in.

boomer1025 · Jan 31, 2018

Spray the steel decking with closed cell foam, then cover with what ever you want. Put a vapor barrier down on the floor. Heavy plastic sheeting would work. Then cover with plywood or OSB.

timswi · Jan 31, 2018

boomer1025 said:
Spray the steel decking with closed cell foam, then cover with what ever you want. Put a vapor barrier down on the floor. Heavy plastic sheeting would work. Then cover with plywood or OSB.

I could try that although putting panels up would be preferable for me...This room has a concrete floor with access via my game room. Completely enclosed except the entrance door. Electric, freezers etc live in there.

Joe Malovich · Jan 31, 2018

Huber zip-r in r9 would probably be enough insulation and you can place the wood on the inside. I don't know if this product is technically rated for use in such an application. You would want to vent under the steel roof to the outside somehow though.

timswi · Jan 31, 2018

slopecarver said:
Huber zip-r in r9 would probably be enough insulation and you can place the wood on the inside. I don't know if this product is technically rated for use in such an application. You would want to vent under the steel roof to the outside somehow though.

Actually it's not a steel roof, it's the steel decking for the concrete porch above it