Condensation

[Daniel11]

Thanks.

Check your water tank is wrapped as suggested.

Ventilation is also a good idea. Lastly, do you run any hot showers and extract into the loft?

Paul

Yes there is a shower extraction pipe that goes out through the loft. Not sure where the water tank is though.

The cost of insulating the loft will be less than the cost
of your damaged loco's, stock and track. Not to mention
the time spent building the baseboards, etc.
Also the hassle of trying to work round the problem and
enjoying your layout, eventually you will probably give
up!
Jeff

Thanks. I might make the investment but I am still not sure. The condensation problem seems to have stopped at the moment but I think it is because the weather is slightly warmer.
Thanks Daniel11

[TheOne]

I think my water tanks might be part of the problem. It seems they are merely draped in lightly stuffed bags!

[jcm@gwr]

The lagging around the tank(s) is there to protect it from freezing.
The water in either/both tanks should be cold and not contributing
to the condensation problem.

The large tank (cistern, 50 gall/225l) is your domestic water storage
tank to feed the hot water cylinder and various cold taps (not the
kitchen cold tap). It should have a proper fitting plastic lid (to stop
the dirt/insects getting in) and therefore any condensation will fall
back into the tank, if this water is getting warm/hot you need to
get the cylinder/immersion checked.

The small tank (cistern, 5 gall/22:5l) is the F&E (feed + expansion)
tank to top up your rads/htg. system, this also should have a plastic
lid and not add to the codensation problem. If this one is getting hot
it also needs sorting, but could be simpler to sort out.

You could have either, both or neither tanks depending on your cyl.
or boiler arrangements. But if they both have lids and are properly
lagged they will not be causing a problem. To fit lids and lagging is
a relatively cheap and easy job, it is well worth doing as it protects
your property from water damage, etc.

Jeff

[Daniel11]

Hi,
The problem has returned. It seems to be when the weather is really cold. I think I will insulate the railway end of the roof but I was wondering if there is any way to make an insulating wall between this and the other end of the loft. Say out of wood and covered in insulation??
Urgent Help Please.
Thanks Daniel11

[Daniel11]

Also would just insulating the railway end of the roof stop the condensation even if it didn't help make the temperature more steady?
Thanks Daniel11

[jcm@gwr]

Hi,
The problem has returned. It seems to be when the weather is really cold. I think I will insulate the railway end of the roof but I was wondering if there is any way to make an insulating wall between this and the other end of the loft. Say out of wood and covered in insulation??
Urgent Help Please.
Thanks Daniel11

Yes, of course you can put up a stud wall with insulation, but, unless you have a very small space in a very big loft,
it will probably take more time and effort, and cost more than insulating the whole loft.
Jeff

[Daniel11]

Thanks.
If I just insulated one end of the loft would the condensation move to the inside of the insulation.Another suggestion I have had is polystyrene tiles to stop it dripping on the layout.
Thanks Daniel11

[jcm@gwr]

Firstly, if you insulate, you should cure the problem of the condensation.
Condensation occours when humid air hits a much colder surface, this is
what causes the moisture in the air to deposit itself on the surface. If you
insulate, you are stopping the humid air hitting that cold surface, thereby
eliminating the condensation problem.

Secondly, polystyrene tiles will not be easy to fix to the rafters and they
are a major fire risk, unlike the insulation that has already been
suggested to you.

Jeff

[Daniel11]

Hi,
I think I will use insulation but only on one end. Would this mean the condensation would just happen on top of the insulation?
Thanks Daniel11

[jcm@gwr]

Daniel,
Please re-read my previous post!
When you insulate you (should) eliminate the codensation in that area.
Jeff

[b308]

Considering the cost of insulation I think you'd be better just doing the whole loft unless you are living in a mansion... Apart from anything else it will save you money on the heating bills if all of it was done!! The cost of a stud wall would be as much if not more than the extra insulation and it would also have to be insulated for it to be of any use!!!

Just out of interest have you actually costed it yet?

[Daniel11]

Thanks.
The whole loft is quite big with probably approx 50 600mm wide eaves in all.
Say 4 eaves to the roll - each roll = £11.
50 divided by 4 = 12.5
12.5 x 11 = £132.50
Including tape for each joint - £20??
Comes to about £150
Not too bad I suppose but the trouble is that it is not my money!! I myself can't source £150 (being only 13) so I suppose I have to let Dad make the descision.
I might just go with insulating the railway end and leaving it without a wall. This would hopefully clear the condensation if not improve the environment up there.
Thanks Daniel11

[Daniel11]

Quote from email to friend about problem:
The cheapest easiest option is probably to buy some of this http://www.wickes.co.uk/invt/154962/?source=123_75 and put it above the layout. Only concern is that it might not be waterproof and the condensation might also build up on it as well. Though it might not because it doesn't insulate so the warm air won't stop when it reaches is?? Hopefully.

Also invest in a Wilkinsons staple gun http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/spray-nail ... t/0209114/ to fix it up and you have the problem solved for £15!! Not bad. It's not the most ideal solution but it is the most cost effective. Will I need to fix it up so that the water is channeled down the air vents rather than onto the insulation causing a another problem?

Will this work?
Thanks Daniel11

[b308]

Try speaking to your Dad and tell him that you've been looking into things and this is what you've found out... You never know!

(I assume that the loft is already insulated on the floor? Otherwise you may be entitled to a grant...

[jcm@gwr]

Once again I would be very careful of the grant system, it tends to
be implemented by muppets who have no understanding of airflow,
etc. This can cause more problems with condensation than it cures!
Jeff