Hello everyone!
So I've got a moisture problem. My shop is uninsulated, and unheated currently. Things have been fine, occasionally I find some surface rusting on my tools. However, recently I have been finding condensation build up under the safety guard and blades of my jointer. In efforts to combat the rust, I've used boeshield and pastewax, it has done its job for the most part but the condensation it too much for it.
My area isn't very humid, temps have been about 40s but the relative humidity in my shop has been over 80%. The air itself isnt "humid." I can see that the moisture is coming from the concrete. Whenever it rains for a few days, the concrete absorbs the water from the ground and it begins to appear dark. Now it has gotten to the point where it is moist to the touch and has stayed this way for a long time. The wood I have stored in the shop has raised in moisture content levels as well (I've made a few little things took them into the house to test, they shrunk).
With that said, Im working on solutions.
1. I will be insulating as soon as I can, however I fear that could make it worse as it may "trap" the humidity inside.
2. My concrete is unsealed, and have been considering sealing it. Would this prevent the moisture in the concrete from getting into the shop? Also, would the excessive moisture in the concrete become a problem to the concrete itself because of sealing it?
3. Dehumidifier is not something I really want to do, but will if I come up with no other solution.
Any suggestions? Things I have not consider? Comments on effectiveness of the above ideas would be greatly appreciated. Ultimately, I want the shop relative humidity to mimic my house.
Thanks ahead of time