How do you guys prevent humidity problems?

[Gabriel_T]

Hi,

I want to know what steps you guys take to eliminate the possibility of humidity damage in your house. I am looking to install a large system with a lot of uncovered surface area in my garage so I need to figure out how I will eliminate any potential humidity problems.

From the research that I have all ready done I have found that I should paint the walls and ceilings with Dry-Lock which is made for high humidity applications. I have also been recommended to install an air-exchange ventilator. Other suggestions include positioning fans towards windows.

One question I have is regarding the exposed metal parts in my garage. Will the railings of the garge door possibly rust due to the evaporating saltwater? Is there a way to prevent this possibility?

 

[jhildebrand]

I'm working on this too. An exhaust fan and dehumidifier I think are the big ones. I drylocked my basement walls but there are metal concrete supports that are exposed that have a little rust on them. The only ones that are like that are in close proximity to the tank where they come into contact with salt mist. You could also enclose the "fish room" in the garage and vent just that area. I've heard of people's tools rusting, but if enough moist air is vented out it shouldn't be an issue. You can also try to cover as much open water as possible to prevent a little evaporation...

 

[Volcano1]

Lots of ideas here.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=640757

 

[pdfrogman]

I have a finished "open air" basement.
open air means it's under ground on three sides and the rear is above ground and walks out to my patio and back yard.

my central air is not ducted in basement and usually very cool down there even on hottest days.
my wife has been battling a sinus condition for quite sometime. I did some research about about mold ( was tested no mold problem)
and found a company called humidex

it's a whole house dehumidifier and it works great it creates a downward draft and pulled my a/c cooled air into basement. no tanks to empty very quiet
during the summer my basement humidity is at 50%
I have a 180 gallon tank down there too

cost was around 500.00 installed with a warranty.

dehumidifiers are just portable undersized A/C units use same wattage as a room a/c without the cooling benefit
makes no sense
check em out
http://www.humidexhome.com/jump/

 

[wmilas]

That Wave system is one half of a HRV or ERV. The problem with it is that in ultra modern homes there ARE no cracks and such for makeup air to be drawn into. If you have a 80% efficient combustion furnace, (not applicable for a 98%+ unit) you also run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in a newer home as you can literally suck the exhaust backwards down the flue.

What you need to do is contain the humid air first, then deal with it.

1) build a fishroom.
2) Install a HRV, ERV, or a set of dual fantac fans where one pulls in makeup air from outside, and one exhausts air to the outside. If you are lucky enough to be on an outside wall, you only need one fan exhausting BUT YOU MUST HAVE A REGISTER TO OUTSIDE THAT PROVIDES MAKEUP AIR.

That will control 95% of your humidity. If you live where its very warm and you end up with heat issues with your lighting in the summer and venting in warm humid makeup air, you may elect to install a split AC system.

Thats about it. There is really no reason to ever install a dehumidifier.