The document discusses common condensation problems that occur in metal buildings due to humidity, and provides tips to address this issue, including using proper insulation to regulate temperature; ensuring a strong, waterproof foundation; installing a vapor barrier between floors; using good sealants on joints and seams; including vents for air circulation; and using a dehumidifier as a last resort solution. The main causes of condensation are humidity building up inside due to improper construction or heating systems, and it commonly appears as visible condensation on surfaces or concealed condensation in wall and roof cavities.

1. How to Curb the Condensation
Problems in Metal Buildings?

2. Why does anyone want to own a metal building?
The main reason for most of the building owners is to have a shelter for their belongings like recreational vehicles, cars,
horses, etc. Whether it is being used as a metal farm building, metal sheds or any other steel structure, you will always
expect to keep your essentials protected from severe climate conditions, but because of some construction flaws, you
might face problems in your building. Moisture and condensation are two of those issues which affect most of the steel
structures. So, how can you curb these problems and maintain the durability & strength of your metal building?
Before we learn about some common curatives to condensation, first you should know what causes this problem in your
steel building. Humidity is the main reason that is often built due to improper building construction, a heating system
within the building, etc. Two types of condensation are commonly known:
● Visible Condensation
● Concealed Condensation

3. types of condensation:
Visible Condensation: It is widely known as surface condensation as it condenses on the
visible surface, which has a temperature below dew point temperature. It is commonly seen
on windows, walls and even wall corners of the building. When the air temperature gets
saturated with moisture, it starts condensing on the surface.
Concealed Condensation: Concealed condensation is more problematic than the visible
condensation which is commonly found in the wall and roof cavities. It occurs when moist air
passes within a metal structure and condenses on its surface.

4. How can you address condensation
issues and make your metal building
safe from such attacks?

5. Use Proper Insulation:
Significance of insulation is to regulate
building temperature that dispels
condensation occurrence. Apart from this,
insulation is also crucial to maintain the
inner temperature of the building when the
outside temperature fluctuates during day
and night. It is also beneficial to prevent
moisture to seep in a building, causing
damage to its inner structure as well as
develop condensation.

6. Ensure Strong Foundation:
In your steel structure, if you have a loose
foundation, or it is not waterproof, there
are chances that your building will be
affected by the condensation problem.
When you are using cement to strengthen
your building foundation, make sure it isn’t
more than 1-2 inch wider than the shed.
You should also take care of proper
cement curing as too early installation
may transfer the water from cement to
your metal workshops, and condensation
process will start affecting your building
structure.

7. Put Under Staging Vapor Barrier:
Vapor Barrier is a form of an impermeable
layer which is placed between two layers
to build a barrier within. In places where
moisture transfer from the ground, you
need under staging vapor barrier between
the ground slab and subfloor. This is a
common way to retard vapors from
entering your metal structure through the
surface and cause condensation issues.

8. Use Good Sealant:
Metal structure joints and seams are two
points where sealant must be applied to
halt inlet of moist or condense air. Instead
of entering your building, it will roll over
metal surface and won’t hamper your
building from inside. Similarly, during rainy
season sealant ensure easy water runoff
from the roof. Silicon and Mastic are
commonly used sealants in the metal
industry.

9. Don’t Forget to Include Vents:
Air circulation is always essential to
regulate internal building temperature
with outside. In case when moisture
enters from one end of your building,
it will be easily moved out of installed
air vents. This will facilitate your
building with proper air circulation that
will keep it natural and healthy inside.

10. Use Dehumidifier:
When you don’t want to invest more in
building renovation, a dehumidifier is the
recommended solution. Dehumidifier
works more like an Air Conditioner that
absorbs moisture from the air and emits
clean air, but you should try previous
points before installing a dehumidifier in
your building. Reason being, it runs on
electricity, which will cost you more than
other solutions.

11. So, which of these options have you
used to secure a metal structure from
moist or condense air?