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TOPIC: Condensation Issues

Condensation problem

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Hello, I have a 100' x 40' metal pole barn. It is completely insulated with the 'bubble wrap' insulation. The floor is a gravel floor with a heavy plastic under the gravel. It has no soffit vents or ridge vents nor is it heated or cooled. I am having a condensation problem inside the barn during the summer months. I understand that this is typical? I was wondering if I put gable vents at both ends, would this eliminate my problem? If so, what size vents do you recommend or do I need a motorized vent? Do you have any other suggestions? Unfortunately, I was uneducated about the condesation problem with metal barns when the contractor built my barn. I do understand that there is a product that can be applied before the metal roof is installed to drastically help the condensation build up. I am looking for a fix so that I do not have to tear off the roof and start all over.
Sean Miller

3/16/2011
I would consider putting an intake fan with automatic louvers in one end and a motorized damper in the other end and tie them both to a 110v in-line humidistat. All of the above can be purchased at Grainger.
Ken Buchinger
NCI Building Systems, Inc.

3/17/2011
I never thought of something like that. What size fan/damper would be suitable for me? Does the humidistat act like a thermostat in your application? Thank you for the advice!
Sean Miller

3/17/2011
Humidistat controls fan operation per moisture content (relative humidity) in the air in the same way that a thermostat would control it via temperature. Eric Novotny
Eric Novotny
An informed customer is the Best Customer!

3/17/2011