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Ventilation vs insulation?

Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2024 2:42 pm
by aforbes
Hi there - I am turning an old swimming pool into a shed. The room is about 45' x 20'.

Before I put on an opaque roof I thought I'd


1) try repairing the existing roof (twin wall polycarbonate sheeting, see photos attached) where it's letting water in and then add some vents at either end of the room to help with condensation/damp/humidity.


2) I had thought that putting on a 40mm composite roof might just solve the damp problem instantly but I think in any case I'd need vents (is this correct?).


3) I was literally going to whack 3 of those window vents in (you know, with the pull strings and windmill opening) but would welcome any advice to the contrary.


4) Also should they be high or low on the windows? Corners or centre of the wall?


5) Am I right in thinking ventilation is better than insulation especially as they are just breeze block walls (and no point doing the roof if I am not doing the walls?).


I just want it to be a DRY space for storage, workshop, games etc. Many thanks in advance.

Ventilation vs insulation?

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 7:33 am
by Rorschach
Insulation is useless without active heating/cooling. Ventilation is good but if you are in the UK you will be ventilating most of the year with cold, damp air. This is not great for storing anything to be honest.

Ventilation vs insulation?

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 7:34 am
by aforbes
ah I see - any clever ideas for helping with this? - understand it'll be cool/cold air most of the time - just so long as the damp is to a minimum

Ventilation vs insulation?

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 8:00 am
by aforbes
wondering if actually a ridge vent is the way to go, across the roof pitch

Ventilation vs insulation?

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 8:02 pm
by Rorschach
Air in the UK is damp pretty much year round, it's warm and damp in the summer and cold and damp in the winter. Personally if I wanted to store something properly I would put in a sealed space with a dehumidifier.