Condensation in Trailer
Rose66
Reg. Dec 2006
Posted 2009-04-13 7:54 PM (#103310)
Subject: Condensation in Trailer


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Location: Alabama		Some friends are starting their DIY LQ in a steel trailer and have all the insulation up between the braces (ceiling and walls) and furring strips up. The gooseneck floor and regular floor are also insulated and then have plywood wood on top. This past weekend, they used it for camping and it was just cool enough to use the heater during the night. They told me that condensation was forming on the roof metal braces and wanted to know how that condensation would affect the wood they were planning on putting up for the ceiling. So anyone know the answer? If I remember correctly, even though they have put up furring strips, the wood will still touch the metal braces. Will the roof metal braces still form condensation after the wood is attached to the furring strips? If yes, won't that condensation be absorbed by the wood ceiling and then cause problems?
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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2009-04-13 9:18 PM (#103318 - in reply to #103310)
Subject: RE: Condensation in Trailer


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Originally written by Rose66 on 2009-04-13 7:54 PM

Some friends are starting their DIY LQ in a steel trailer and have condensation  forming on the roof metal braces and wanted to know how that condensation would affect the wood they were planning on putting up. Will the roof metal braces still form condensation after the wood is attached to the furring strips?

YES it will form condensation. The inside ends of the ribs and studs have to be insulated as well.

If yes, won't that condensation be absorbed by the wood ceiling and then cause problems?

YES again. It can cause the wood to swell and warp. Mildew can form. It is an undesirable outcome.

If you are installing wood that is 3/4" thick, you will have some insulating qualities from it. Solid wood generally has an R factor of 2.5 per inch, so you would have an effective R value of about 1.8. I would install a vapour barrier.

Gard



Edited by gard 2009-04-13 9:29 PM
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