Wilko220 Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 Hi chaps - looking for a bit of advice on the subject of garage heating. Living in a flat, as I do, I don't have the luxury of my own garage, so I rent one off the council to keep the Sceptre in. Unfortunately it is very damp - water runs down the walls and on to the floor when it rains and, not having any ventilation to speak of, it doesn't dry out very quickly at all. The obvious thing would be to get a dehumidifier - but there is no electricity supply. It is effectively just a concrete box. So I have been trying to think of some possible solutions and was wondering what would be the value of getting a paraffin greenhouse heater. Something like this... http://www.twowests.co.uk/TwoWestsSite/product/HEPTINY.htm Would this be a good idea - or would it just create moisture/condensation and make the problem worse? Grateful for any thoughts (or alternative suggestions). Thanks!
M'coli Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 I think the first port of call would be to get the council to fix the roof - it's their responsibility to make sure their property is sound etc., and water running down the walls says you're not getting value for money.
ashmicro Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 I think the first port of call would be to get the council to fix the roof - it's their responsibility to make sure their property is sound etc., and water running down the walls says you're not getting value for money. ^ This. Tell the fuckers to get their finger out. It's in their interest, as their property will be deteriorating.
pompei Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 Apparently for every unit of paraffin burned, the same amount of water vapour is released. Not to mention the fire risk!
dollywobbler Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 Aye. The last thing you want to do is heat a damp garage. That's likely to cause more corrosion. You can get non-powered dehumidifiers that are effectively larger versions of the bags of silica that come in some packaging I think. I'm sure I didn't dream that.
AeroNautiCal Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 As has been said, compel the Council to carry out repairs to prevent the water ingress, then perhaps consider fitting vents in order to get a cross flow ventilation which should help with drying out, and keeping dry. After the repairs are completed, it may be worth hiring a portable (gas powered) heater to assist drying out. You could also ask on Garage Journal, here; http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/
purplebargeken Posted January 7, 2012 Posted January 7, 2012 You can indeed get the bigger versions of the silica baggie. Ebay is your friend in that respect. How about this to start the search off: 350494957915 Give the council an earbashing too! Ken
Wilko220 Posted January 8, 2012 Author Posted January 8, 2012 Great - thanks for the advice guys. I will get on to the council but also really interesting to hear about the non-powered dehumidifiers - I had no idea they existed. Cheers all.
purplebargeken Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 This has ended but is another option: 170580552706 Ken
mattblack Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 Isn't cat litter supposed to be a good (and cheap) way to absorb moisture?
RobT Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 Is there a chance you could ask for an alternative garage, either in the same block or somewhere else nearby? You never know, they may have a few vacancies that are better than what you've got. But definitely contact them about getting it fixed. My advice is don't get shirty about it, they must get that all the time, but be firm that it needs to be fixed as it isn't fit for purpose. I did this with my council one that also had a leak and it was sorted within the week.
Wilko220 Posted January 8, 2012 Author Posted January 8, 2012 Thanks all. I will certainly speak to the council, Rob. Another possible option here, Ken: http://www.amazon.co.uk/TWIN-PACK-REUSABLE-DEHUMIDIFIER-EGG/dp/607454543X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326034014&sr=8-2
TagoraSX Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 The problem with those reusable ones is you would need A LOT of them to keep a damp garage dry. Drying them out in the oven every few days would become tiresome pretty quickly. Getting airflow through the space would be a good start.
Father Ted Posted January 8, 2012 Posted January 8, 2012 Ventilation over heating every day of the week when it comes to a garage.Try and get some decent through flow ventilation going bottom of one end to top of the opposing end if you can. Oh and +1 on getting the council to repair the roof - but good luck as my experience of getting SRBC to do anything was one of banging your head against the proverbial wall.
Wilko220 Posted January 13, 2012 Author Posted January 13, 2012 Thanks to all of you who told me to stop being a dick and complain to the council... I know have my new, dry-as-a-bone garage, complete with brand new roof. Remarkably quick and easy that was. Cheers guys!
Pete-M Posted January 13, 2012 Posted January 13, 2012 You want garage heating? Buy a Rover 800, park it outside, set fire to it. Repeat.
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