If I had it to do over again, I would put styrofoam under but my garage
was built in 1985 and the floor is still solid so I don't think I want
to break it up and start over. My moisture problem is only a short term
issue a couple of times a year so not too bad. Just annoying when it
occurs. A vapour barrier and a wood floor over would maybe work but then
the wood would be a problem. The cars drip moisture etc. I doubt I could
keep the stuff coated in a manner that would prevent rot etc. Even
treated plywood would not likely last very long.
Randy
On 16/04/2012 6:04 PM, Dave Cavner wrote:
On Apr 16, 2012, at 6:33 PM, Randy Bennell<rbenn...@bennell.ca> wrote:
I doubt it. I don't think the water comes up through the concrete. I think it
condenses on the surface because the concrete is cold and the air is warmer and
humid.
Randy
Moisture definitely migrates upward through slabs. The floor covering industry
has used this test to quantify the amount for decades:
http://www.vaportest.com/Webpages/calcium_chloride_test.htm
Current thinking is rigid insulation before the pour is the best method to
eliminate the issue. The amount of insulation depends on your climate zone.
Current best practices outlined here:
http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-059-slab-happy/
Lots of good info on that site regarding moisture content in dwellings - and
how to solve the problem. Overkill for most retrofits.
My favorite annecdotal quote is an off-topic post from a wood& pellet stove
forum:
http://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/75919/P0/
" ...Somebody on here was advising under-slab insulation even for an unheated
garage, which sounded like a pretty good idea.
Reply from a guy in SW Maine
I have no heated slabs of the 5 on my property. I have styrofoam under
4-and-a-half of them. Guess where it's dark and damp in muggy or rainy weather. I
can stack bags of grain on the slab in my rodent-proof room (insulated but not
heated) and they never get mildewed against the floor. Whoever said it, I can agree
with conviction based on experience."
Dave
SoCal
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