Heated garage or Dehumidifier

[][\/][ajor]

Not sure if anyone can help with this but does anyone have an idea which is the best way to keep the new Westy from rusting, heating the garage or running a dehumidifier?

[XTR2Turbo]

I spray mine with ACF50 and keep a dehmidifier in the garage.

I think heating a bit costly unless well insulated and sealed.

[carpetstu]

If the garage is damp a heater will cause condensation and ultimately rust. So you may need both.

If the garage is dry then a dehumidifier will not do anything. As for heating a dry garage no need IMHO unless you want your car to be  warm n snug lol

If you are looking for the ideal way of keeping the Westie comfy then you need a carcoon.

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Is the garage of a resonable constructing and well sealed to the outside to stop moisture getting in?  If it isn't then I'd start there and also maybe think about insulating the walls and roof.

IMO I wouldn't heat the garage without insulating it first as that could result in condensation forming on the inside surfaces of the building.  Likewise a dehumidifier would be pretty useless if it's being used in a building full of holes as it will draw in moisture from outside.

[carpetstu]

Plus dehumidifiers are darn expensive to run!  

[][\/][ajor]

Sod it! I'll put the wife and kids in garage and move the car into the house nothing in here rusts!

[carpetstu]

glad we got that one sorted  

[dhutch]

I'd say increase ventilation, and use acf on particularly susceptible parts.

[tex]

insulate the garage well then you wont waste heat or cost a lot.. Mines got 8 inches of insulation im the roof and 6 in the walls.. Oil filled radiator just free standing on low keeps things warm and cosy..

[pistonbroke]

Dry and Airy ( Oooo mother! ) is best dont waste money on heat .

[Hammy]

I'm with  piston broke.   Warmth will actually speed up rusting if there is any dampness about  and warm air will hold more moisture further promoting rust.

[carpetstu]

Dry and Airy ( Oooo mother! ) is best dont waste money on heat .

I already said that    

[][\/][ajor]

Thanks for all of your advice.

I fitted two 4' tubular heaters and guards yesterday as I can get them for little money through work. The garage is a good solid detached single brick garage but it just seems to feel damp inside. The previous owner of the house installed 4 airbricks at low level and further vents above the garage door. I'm not sure if this is a good idea and am tempted to seal them up. The door isn't that heavy duty and it has several areas where daylight can be seen from inside so some ventilation will come through these anyway. I think the main thing making it feel damp is the floor. It's concrete but is crumbling a little and it has had some cracks in it that have been repaired previously. In the areas that don't get walked on a lot, some white salt like crystals appear over time. I think I'll try putting some self-levelling floor screed on top of the existing concrete then painting it with some good quality floor paint.

After doing all this hopefully I'll find some time to drive the car!

[pistonbroke]

does the walls have a dpc ?

Also check the floor has a damp proof membrane fitted  

[Lurksalot]

If your garage has damp in the walls or floor ,then no amount of heating will help, even air vents wont reduce the humidity ,heating a damp garage will produce even more humidity, try knocking the back wall out and leave the door open , that should help.

ventilation is good