Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions

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Offline Grasshopper

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Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« on: July 01, 2008 - 10:24:56 AM »
As per previous post. I bought an old victorian home built in 1870 with a garage that is almost as old. I move in at the end of this month. The garage foundation is solid but needs a lot of work (600 sq ft). Other owners have kept maintaining this structure for over a century so I am NOT going to tear it down......though I have felt like it a lot this week!!! So in your suggestions....be constructive....haha....get it?......get it??!!

The previous owners let the ground level get 1 ft higher than the cement foundation so it rotted all the wood at the base and water got in. I had all the earth moved from around the garage to start the repairs. See picture....yikes!



I am trying to get the garage "functional" for end of July when I must move in my cars. I am replacing all the rotten wood at the base and then putting a membrane and new siding on the outside so no more water will ever get in. New roof is happeneing next week. I am then putting in plastic and insulation on the inside of the walls and boarding them up. It should take car of any water infiltration.

Todays issue - the floor and moisture. Once the walls are done....I posted yesterday that I wanted to put down an epoxy floor but I did the moisture test (tapped a piece of plastic to the floor overnight) and the cement has moisture trapped inside. So the instructions say I can't epoxy the floor.

I don't have $2000 - $3000 for race deck products.

Questions -

1. Can I put down a plastic membrane on the floor and then put down large plywood planks. I would then get a couple of racing matts for extra security that no moisture would come up through the floors. OR should I just put down new cement instead? Is moisture ridden cement a lost cuase? The cement floor looks nice and dry and has no cracks at all.

Any other suggestions or options?

2. How do I get the humidity out of this garage???? It feels and smells like a basement that had a flood.

Long post but for anyone else that has been here......I REALLY need some help.

I know it doesn't look nice now but structure is full of huge old wood and beams and l think it will look amazing once I am done.




Offline 422STROKER

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2008 - 10:52:05 AM »
If you correct the problems of water getting in then a Nice Dehumidifier should pull the water out.  I ran a dehumidifier in my house when I first built it due to moisture trapped from platering and rain etc.  it ran quite a bit for 2 weeks.  it now only runs maybe 1 or 2 times per month.  The key for you is to correct your exterior and then add some ventilation along with a dehumidifier or AC.LOL

Tom

Glad to see you are giving your cars a safe home.

Tom
12.77 @ 108.87 15" Street Drag radial tires 3.23 gear

Offline matt63

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2008 - 11:28:17 AM »
Check out www.garagejournal.com.  It's a great site if you're into garages.

Matt in Edmonton

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Offline torredcuda

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2008 - 08:36:07 PM »
Open it up and get some ventilation in there(fans),should dry out in a couple days.
Jeff
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Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2008 - 10:36:56 PM »
John
Fix the  sides and yes  :iagree: get some air flowing try some fans Big ones pointing at the floor.

Keep us posted.  :chatting:
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Offline hooD

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2008 - 02:52:00 AM »
 :iagree: 

I also agree with getting some air movement via fans.  The air circulating along the floor and walls will get rid of most of the mositure smell. 

Make sure that your new roof has some air vents cut into it that will cross ventilate.  Good luck!

Your floor may not be as moist as you think it is after you "Air" it out.
-Larry
member since AUG 2007
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Offline Rare_T_A

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2008 - 10:55:54 AM »
Sounds like you go plenty of advice so I'll shut up. I would like to see the house, I just love those old houses. There is nothing like them today for sure!!!!!!!


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Offline IMNCARN82

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Re: Renovating very old garage - need help and suggestions
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2008 - 11:09:08 AM »
Needs a vent,Preferably with an electric fan.Best up high on a gable wall.Could be on a thermostatic switch. A dehumidifier would help for sure to keep it dry. How is the floor? Concrete? Sealed?  Is it insulated?Drywalled? How are the windows? They sure don't build 'em like they used to. I've been a top remodeler for 20 yrs.  Let me know if you need some help. I've seen alot.  Looks pretty good considering.
'73 340 5 speed,RMS,BAER,... "Supercuda" (O[   ]||||[   ]O)  
'69 Dodge Charger 383,Auto                  (OiiiiiiiiiiIiiiiiiiiiiO)
13' Challenger R/T BlacktoP  6spd. (OO________OO)
71' Demon
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Robert    "cuda bob"