5-Step Solution To Reduce Condensation In Your Garage • Garex

How to

26 November 2020

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Condensation In Your Garage

The onset of winter brings with it some challenges for homeowners. For instance, the appearance of condensation in your garage can be a common issue because it is the least-heated room in a home and the most conducive space to humidity.

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When the snow and ice on vehicles melt in the garage, the humidity level rises. Condensation then appears on large cold surfaces, such as windows and doors, and can sometimes cause ice to form on the threshold. Mold growth then becomes a real threat to your garage.

To protect your garage against frequent episodes of condensation, it is necessary to know the humidity level in the room, which should never exceed 40% when the temperature is between 4 °C and -7 °C. Equip yourself with a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level in your garage. A dehumidifier is also a requisite to reduce the humidity level. In addition, ensuring proper air circulation in a room stops moisture from sticking to colder surfaces by preventing a difference in temperatures between surfaces. Note that the ideal indoor humidity level for avoiding condensation is relative to the temperature outside, as described in the table below.

Outdoor TemperatureIndoor Relative Humidity
-29 °C and below  (-20 °F and below)At most 15%
-29 °C to -23 °C (-20 °F to -10 °F)At most 20%
-23 °C to -18 °C (-10 °F to 0 °F)At most 25%
-18 °C to -12 °C (0 °F to 10 °F)At most 30%
-12 °C to -7 °C (10 °F to 20 °F)At most 35%
-7 °C to 4 °C (20 °F to 40 °F)At most 40%
Recommended indoor relative humidity rate to avoid condensation on windows

The Role of a Garage Door in Condensation

To solve your condensation problem in the garage, Garex offers a solution that both helps reduce moisture and warm an imposing cold surface.

First, it is important to understand that even if Garex garage doors are tested according to the ASTME283-73 standard  (Rate of air leaks through exterior windows, curtain walls, and doors under a pressure difference determined in the sample) thus taking all possible measures to create sealed garage doors, like injecting polyurethane into its R-16 and R-12 insulated models, putting seal joints between panels, installing perimeter weather-stripping all around the door, installing flexible weather-stripping at the bottom of the door that adjusts to the floor, and much more, a garage door remains the largest moving element in the home, which allows a lot of heat to escape with each opening.

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Indeed, the surface area of a garage door is 3 to 4 times larger than that of a front door, which means that it faces different phenomena, including sudden increases in humidity due to the melting snow and ice on the cars.

To get rid of moisture and warm the surface of the door, Garex has an inexpensive and easy-to-do solution for you that relies on air circulation to stop humidity from sticking to colder surfaces such as the bottom and top of the panels near the joints. By sending heated air on your garage door using a household fan, you can effectively limit the occurrence of condensation. There are many different ways to install a fan on your garage door track, but we have chosen to present this one because it is easy and convenient to do at home.


5 Steps To Add a Fan To Your Garage Door Track

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1. Attach the fan bracket to the track

Locate the holes in the horizontal track and align them with the fan bracket. Then, secure the fan bracket in place with the locking pliers.

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2. Screw the fan bracket to the track

If required, drill holes in the horizontal track to be able to secure the fan bracket. Next, insert the rail screws with the flat head on the inner side of the track, and secure with the nuts. 

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3. Install the fan rod

Insert the clip that holds the fan rod into the bracket.

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4. Adjust the height of the fan

Adjust the length of the rod so that the fan is at the height of the 3rd door panel from the ground. This setup will allow air to flow on the inside of your door.

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5. Secure the installation

Tighten the nuts to secure the installation.

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fin install ventilateur bonne version 1 scaled

If In Doubt, Call On a Garex Expert

GAREX is pleased to have offered you this simple and affordable solution that is easy to do to reduce condensation in your garage. However, do not attempt to do this yourself if you are not equipped to do so. Also, if the problem persists even after having installed a fan, improper installation, a damaged door or weather stripping could be possible causes. If you suspect that the problem is related to the weather-stripping, check out our next blog post on maintenance instructions for perimeter weather-stripping.

Otherwise, we strongly recommend that you call on one of our professionals. By doing so, you will have the support of experts who will guide you in your steps towards a comfortable and optimal garage. Don’t hesitate, get an online quote today!

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