Garage Humidity Control - How to Prevent Excessive Moisture

Excessive humidity in your garage can affect your health negatively and damage your belongings. Luckily, there are straightforward and efficient methods to fight it. 

How can you reduce humidity in your garage and maintain a healthy environment? What are the best ways to prevent humidity-related damage? This article will outline the best tips and tricks to prevent humidity to preserve a healthy environment. Say goodbye to humidity-damaged storage areas for good!

Controlling Garage Humidity and Moisture Problems

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Humidity and condensation are frequent occurrences in enclosed spaces like garages, and as mentioned in our introduction, they can be rather detrimental. Why has this problem settled in your attached or detached garage and how can you spot the warning signs? We’ve got the answers to help you overcome a host of annoyances.

Is 70% Humidity Too High in a Garage? What Is Recommended?

In a garage, humidity levels shouldn’t exceed 45–50%. Otherwise, it can be quite risky, causing your tools to rust or deteriorate, while also posing as a health hazard due to potential mould growth. Using a hygrometer can help manage humidity levels, ensuring they’re kept at a healthy limit.

Indicators and Root Causes of Excessive Humidity in a Garage

The problem’s underlying causes and triggers are variable. Here’s what you need to know:

Humidity Indicators

If you notice any of the warning signs listed below, doubt no longer, you’re truly dealing with excessive humidity:

• Condensation  

• Moisture stains

• Foul smell

• Peeling wall, ceiling, or garage door coverings

• White substance coating your walls

Root Causes of the Problem

Before getting to the issue at hand—eradicating garage humidity—it’s important to know how to spot the potential causes. Many a source can be the root cause of the problem, including, but not limited, to the following:

• Water leaking in from the garage floor and walls

• Condensation, resulting from the temperature outside (especially during the rainy season and wintertime)

• Poor wall and garage door insulation

• Wet or snow-covered car parked inside the garage

• Obstructed dryer vent hose located in the garage

• Garage floor sealed with epoxy paint

• Wet fire logs stacked in your garage

How Best to Deal with or Reduce Humidity in a Garage

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Now that you’ve identified the root cause of humidity in your garage, the next step consists of getting rid of it. Luckily, we've got some foolproof solutions for you!

Garage Ventilation System or Exhaust Fan

First, we highly suggest ensuring your garage is properly ventilated, especially since it’s often an enclosed space, whether attached or detached. The more ventilated the space, the less likely humidity will linger.

Below are easy ways to ventilate your garage naturally or with the help of a fan:

• Install ventilation grilles or an exhaust fan in your garage to promote fresh air intake and remove humid indoor air.

• Opt for garage doors with a built-in ventilation system.

• Use a fan or climate control sensor and trigger the garage door panel to open automatically.

Garage Insulation

Aside from a ventilation system, we suggest assessing your garage's insulation. There are four crucial steps:

• Insulate the garage floor: Use highly resistant insulation material like a specific extruded polystyrene solution.

• Insulate the garage walls: You can either insulate the interior or exterior walls, but we suggest insulating the exterior walls since they’re exposed to the elements.

• Insulate the garage ceiling: To properly insulate the ceiling of your garage, you can use polystyrene panels, cork boards, or glass wool.

• Insulate the garage door: It’s super important to consider your garage door in terms of decent insulation. You can either opt to replace your current garage door or purchase a garage door insulation kit.

Alongside the above-mentioned, we suggest installing a vapour barrier. Adding this damp-proofing material or insulation with a built-in vapour barrier can significantly reduce the humidity in your garage.

Is It Worth Putting a Dehumidifier in a Garage?

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Installing a dehumidifier is another effective solution to reduce humidity in your garage. There are two types of dehumidifiers:

• Condensation dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air by transforming it into liquid form through condensation.

• Absorption dehumidifiers use a moisture-absorbing material to remove humidity from the air without requiring a compressor.

Be careful though, choosing a dehumidifier for your garage shouldn't be rushed. Each type has unique characteristics suited to specific environments.

Consider the following factors before purchasing a dehumidifier to sort the humidity issue in your garage:

• Size and surface area to treat

• Humidity level in the garage

• Room temperature

• Room’s noise level

• Hygrostat function

• Water collection container capacity, permanent drainage, etc.

In Canada, you can get yourself a dehumidifier for $200 to $500.

Garage Humidity Control: A Must to Preserve Your Space

Managing excessive humidity in a garage is essential to prevent material damage and maintain a healthy environment. Simple measures like enhancing ventilation and insulation can effectively control humidity levels. These actions not only protect your belongings from exposure and damage but also prevent mould growth and surface deterioration.

FAQ About Garage Humidity

How can I reduce the humidity in my garage?

To reduce humidity in your garage, start by assessing and sealing potential drafts and water leaks, such as cracks in the floor and walls. Use a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture, and consider adding absorbent mats or waterproof flooring to minimize condensation. Lastly, ensure your windows and doors are well insulated to limit temperature variations, which can contribute to humidity.

How can I air out my humid garage?

Decent ventilation is essential to eliminate humidity in a garage. Install ventilation grilles or an exhaust fan to promote airflow. You can also leave the garage door slightly open to air out the space, especially during periods of high humidity.

How can I insulate my garage to reduce humidity?

To reduce humidity in a garage, use moisture-resistant materials like rigid foam panels or vapour barrier rolls. Insulate the walls and ceiling to help maintain stable temperatures and prevent condensation. Also, consider sealing around window and door frames to keep humid air from seeping in.