Called in to correct a situation for a recent conversion of a garage to living space in the northeast (Long Island, NY area).
Couple of issues to contend with which I suspect may be due to insulation & vapor barrier application or improper air circulation, as well as, high fluctuations in temperature and/or air moisture content include:
1. Condensation/moisture buildup where wall meets floor line (at garage door) is evident.
2. Drywall seams below windows and one seam parrallel to garage door wall are separating (more than likely due to #1 above?).
Findings:
Insulation used for the conversion consisted of:
– Floor- R-19 unfaced fiberglass with 6mil poly barrier between insulation and 3/4″ ply floor sheathing, (air space exists between original cement slab and fiberglass);
– Garage Door opening- framed-in with R-13 kraft faced fiberglass insulation and 6-mil poly barrier installed behind insulation (unfaced side); a new 1.5″ foam core metal garage door was installed in the exterior opening with an additional layer of R-1.8 foam between the door and poly sheathing;
– Walls- R-13 kraft faced fiberglass insulation installed between framing members;
– Ceiling, Cathedral Style- lowered peak 18″ from ridge to establish a common air space for ventilation, gable vent installed at one end & other remained open to existing attic space, Raft-R-Mates installed in roof framing cavities to allow for air circulation with R-25 foil faced fiberglass insulation between Raft-R-Mates & Drywall ceiling (foil facing living area).
The room does not have a constant source of direct heat, warm air does however circulate through double door opening to adjoining heated area. On coldest days, a portable kero-heater is in operation to remove the “chill”. (This may be the #1 contributing factor to the developing cracks in the drywall seams due to contraction/expansion of materials.) Several recessed light fixtures were also installed in the ceiling, which may also contribute to heat loss in ceiling cavities and additional condensation build-up occurring?