Polystyrene and Black Mould

[cumbriasteve]

Would like to know what members think before I go ahead with a project:

Well ventilated garage but the plasterboard ceiling has once again become unsightly with black condensation mould, big cold area attracting moisture, probably made worse by the local weather this year never sending dry air through the vents.

I have a project planned for some minor improved air circulation with 12v fans (thanks to a previous discussion here) but think I need a belt and braces approach.

So: Polystyrene sheet 10mm thick (or maybe greater) is the plan at the moment.

I don't think I have ever seen mould on polystyrene, anyone know differently?

It may transfer the mould to a wall area which would end up the coldest point if the ceiling was done but that's easier to wash down.

 

[gaz1]

the plasterboard ceiling is it where the walls meet the roof the worst part on any building out there

as to beat the problem is to solve the cause of the problem

? so whats above in that area

 

[cumbriasteve]

The black is over just about everywhere.

It is foil backed plasterboard, 9" rockwool and steel sheets.

The problem this year is probably down to the car being put away each night and just about every day has been rain, not leaving it out though.

 

[rosinante]

Hi ,I have just recently fitted 8 12v fans driven from a solar panel , these are in a shed built on to the side of my garage , they work with a modicum of sunlight and go like the clappers when the sun is on the panel, I am very pleased with the result and will fit another 6 to the garage, they were got from eBay for about six quid for the lot Inc delivery, the additional air changes have made a big difference to the space no more damp patches in the corners.
In your case much thicker insulation will help but put the fans in as well ,could float across a battery if using a solar panel for night time running.
Each fan is rated at 38 cu ft per min so even at half speed 8 of them are moving 6 - 8 cubic yards a min so getting v many air changes daily.
hth
Chris

 

[cumbriasteve]

Same idea Chris, have got a load of same fans.. Doing 4 banks of 3 with luck. Where did you get the solar panel.. We get some sun, usually second week of July for an hour

 

[rosinante]

Hi solar panel from eBay, I think it was from solar uk, although I had another reason for buying the panel as it was for keeping the caravan battery topped up when on sites without electric hook up, will still use it for that as and when required,
Cheers
Chris

 

[Kent]

You welding or grinding near this 10 mm polystyrene? If so very bad idea

If you have damp air inside - well. The plan should be to prevent it or allow enough to vent it. You can't make it disappear by putting more and more insulation in. Most likely it will be worse

If it helps think bathroom. Run the shower insulate the walls as much as you want you will still get mold and such if you don't vent it

 

[Moosevan]

If you can live with the thickness, try these: http://www.secondsandco.co.uk/#!shop/c1ouq Kooltherm is approx 1" thick high density board & AFAIK is flame retardent (please check yourself if interested). Good company to deal with & at £8.50 + vat for 8'x4' boards, it's not a bad price. Have used on workshop and barn myself. Will use again.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Not really after thick sheets for insulation, I think the thin sheets would do enough to provide a finish that mould would not discolour.

Tomorrow it's getting washed with bleach and repainted, a flat white ceiling makes a world of difference to light quality, then I will make a start with the fans project to hopefully just keep enough air movement.

 

[wookie]

Foil boards are great for reflecting the light back down, you just have to remember to be careful when welding as you'll otherwise cook the back of your neck because of all the reflected light.