By their very nature, garages tend to be cold and damp. This can lead to ongoing issues with condensation; over time, this can create a big problem for homeowners as their garage, the belongings inside it and even the rest of the house begin to suffer from the effects. What causes condensation in garages and what can you do to prevent it escalating in your home?
What causes condensation in a garage?
AXA classes condensation as something that occurs when warm air, or the moisture in warm air, meets a cold surface. When this happens, water droplets form. This tends to be more of an issue in colder temperatures; therefore, you are likely to see more condensation during the winter. If you are using appliances in your garage, the excess heat from these will contribute to condensation; in addition, any leaks or drainage issues will create more moisture.
What are the consequences of condensation in the garage?
Condensation in a garage can lead to excess moisture; over time, this can lead to mildew and damp that can spread to the rest of your home should your garage be attached. This can cause serious structural damage and pose a health risk to the occupants.
How to reduce condensation in a garage
There are many ways in which you can prevent or reduce the amount of condensation in your garage; for example, you can install some garage shelving from a suppler such as https://www.garage-shelving.co.uk/ to play host to a vapour barrier, which is designed to absorb moisture in the air, or install an electric heater to help regulate the temperature of your garage during colder weather. If the temperature of the garage is not freezing to begin with, the amount of condensation created will be reduced.
Another way to keep moisture levels down is to dry off your vehicle when you have been out in wet or snowy weather. Good ventilation is key to maintaining good air flow and a dehumidifying system can have a similar effect. A good-quality floor coating can also help regulate temperature, lower condensation levels, and prevent general wear in your garage.
None of these systems are particularly difficult or costly to install and may well end up saving you time and the money associated with repairing the effects of mould and mildew.