Causes of Condensation in Metal Buildings

Metal buildings may not experience wood rotting and termites, but you may still have to deal with various problems. Damp insulation can lead to excessive moisture, causing mold or mildew to develop over time. Constant exposure to moisture can also cause corrosion, even for surface-treated metals. Over time, some of your materials may start to rust, leading to premature failure.  

Fortunately, condensation can easily be avoided by following the proper precautions. 

Inadequate Insulation 

An adequate insulation system prevents condensation from developing by keeping surface temperatures inside the entire building above the dew point. When it comes to metal buildings, insulation suppresses any contact between humid air and the colder metal surfaces and walls. As such, insulation has to be continuous to prevent exposed metal from experiencing heat transfer that may cause condensation. Keep in mind that insulation should be included not only in the ceilings and walls, but also around cold pipes, doors and ductwork. 

Insufficient Ventilation 

Another thing to consider is your ventilation system. Ventilation protects your metal building from condensation by promoting a healthy circulation of air and encouraging evaporation. Sufficient ventilation is important to prevent condensation in metal buildings, especially those with heating elements, such as gas or oil heaters. These heaters should be vented to the outside to avoid the air from becoming excessively hot and moist. 

Improper Drainage

Blocked or clogged drainage systems can lead to moisture buildup. Moisture can cause extensive damage to your metal panels and other building materials. For this reason, a proper drainage system is necessary to prevent ground-level condensation. Make sure that rainwater or other sources of water is diverted away from the building’s foundation through the gutters and downspouts. You may also want to consider installing a vapor retarder between a subfloor and the ground slab. 

Lack of Vapor Barriers

Vapor barriers protect your property and prevent condensation by keeping moisture from penetrating the metal building. By properly sealing the building envelope, it’s important to keep moisture to a minimum. Windows, doors and foundation sills need proper and thorough sealing to prevent moisture from entering your building. Vapor barriers are also used as radiant heat barriers in some situations. 

If you’re looking for quality metal supplies for your construction, talk to our experts at Metal Warehouse Inc. Call us today at (903) 465-6699, or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.