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Planning to build my new shop this fall. I am in the humid south, southeast NC to be exact. The shop I’m in now has a problem if I work with the doors open on a humid day — condensation forms heavily on the concrete floor. Last Saturday, it was real humid — and some rain showers, and I actually had water beading up on the concrete. Makes it yucky laying on the floor under a car.
What would help eliminate this problem when I do my own shop? Maybe rigid foam insulation under the concrete? I think that the problem last week was cool (ground temp) concrete, on a 95 degree, 100% humidity day. Or maybe a climate-controlled shop (get that by the wife). 😉
Thanks for input,
elmo
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"Elmo Beaker"? Really? (Sorry, this being the Internet I have to ask ... and I am a Sesame Street / Muppets fan too.)
Definitely air condition the shop. And put in a lube pit, you shouldn't have to use a creeper!
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I always liked Sesame St. Still do. :) Actually, the internet allows me to be anonymous. I have found in the past that I have to be nobody, or the topic goes to me... comments and questions go on and on. I'll claim to be elmo, before pretending to be a real somebody else. :)
Now, back on topic....
I haven't seen insulation board laid under concrete down here. Guess it's more of a cold-climate thing. How thick is the foam? A contractor suggested that I use an in-slab hot-water piping system. Not to really heat the slab, but to get it's temp up some--but laying on that cool concrete is nice on a hot day. As for putting in a/c....I like to work with the doors open.
PS, No pit, going with a 2 post lift in one bay, a four poster in the next. :)
elmo
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Hi Elmo,
I have doubts that the styrofoam would solve all your problems.
The cause of the problem is as you described and working with the doors wide open negates any of the conventional cures.
The styrofoam, is of various thicknesses 1/2" to 2" is standard and available in larger sizes on order. Commonly called SM and is blue extruded as opposed to bead.
Here we would install 2" under a slab to prevent frost damage or to insulate.
In your climate, I don't even think a poly under the slab would have much effect, but at least it would stop the moisture from ground below. It may be your cheapest answer.
Gabe
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Don't have an answer, but can add some concerns. The big problem I've always noticed in concrete floor shops that are unheated is that there always seems to be ambient moisture and tools and parts RUST. Not suh a problem with chromed automotive tools but awful on your woodworking tools or the tooling for your lathe or milling machine.
I'd guess some combination of air handling and dehumidifying (which might be done through heating and cooling) but you want that moisture level down all the time, not just when you're there and want it comfy.
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Planning to build my new shop this fall. I am in the humid south, southeast NC to be exact. The shop I'm in now has a problem if I work with the doors open on a humid day -- condensation forms heavily on the concrete floor. Last Saturday, it was real humid -- and some rain showers, and I actually had water beading up on the concrete. Makes it yucky laying on the floor under a car.
What would help eliminate this problem when I do my own shop? Maybe rigid foam insulation under the concrete? I think that the problem last week was cool (ground temp) concrete, on a 95 degree, 100% humidity day. Or maybe a climate-controlled shop (get that by the wife). ;)
Thanks for input,
elmo