Hello everyone,
I have a problem.
I have an indoor fish tank with about 7m³ (247 cubic feet) of water. I heat the air inside to around 24°C (75°F). I know this is already quite good regarding humidity levels.
However, I have a severe condensation issue. I run a dehumidifier continuously, and according to the hygrometer, I can bring the humidity down to about 50 - 60%.
In my opinion, my roof construction is insufficient because I built it without proper research. I suspect that the air is leaking up to beneath the insulation and then condenses on the cold roof. The condensation then runs down the slope into the wall, where I have mold growth — it is visibly and clearly wet.
Roof structure:
My big question now is, how can I solve this?
1. Of course, eliminate the root cause as soon as possible
2. Counteract the mold problem and remove it properly
=> My idea was to create an inverted roof. That means gluing another 100mm (4 inch) XPS rigid foam insulation on top of the roofing felt and then laying an EPDM membrane on the insulation.
My question is, will this work? Are there other, better ideas?
I have no experience with this, so I’m curious to hear what the experts among you think.
Regards,
Patrick
I have a problem.
I have an indoor fish tank with about 7m³ (247 cubic feet) of water. I heat the air inside to around 24°C (75°F). I know this is already quite good regarding humidity levels.
However, I have a severe condensation issue. I run a dehumidifier continuously, and according to the hygrometer, I can bring the humidity down to about 50 - 60%.
In my opinion, my roof construction is insufficient because I built it without proper research. I suspect that the air is leaking up to beneath the insulation and then condenses on the cold roof. The condensation then runs down the slope into the wall, where I have mold growth — it is visibly and clearly wet.
Roof structure:
- Supporting frame: 100x60mm (4x2 inch) wooden beams placed upright, with 30mm (1.2 inch) laminated three-layer panel on top
- Insulation: 100mm (4 inch) XPS glued between the wooden beams
- Sealing: roofing felt on top of the three-layer panel
My big question now is, how can I solve this?
1. Of course, eliminate the root cause as soon as possible
2. Counteract the mold problem and remove it properly
=> My idea was to create an inverted roof. That means gluing another 100mm (4 inch) XPS rigid foam insulation on top of the roofing felt and then laying an EPDM membrane on the insulation.
My question is, will this work? Are there other, better ideas?
I have no experience with this, so I’m curious to hear what the experts among you think.
Regards,
Patrick
Well, I think I had a misconception and also forgot to mention something.
Under the roof, above the insulation, I didn’t have a vapor barrier. I installed one yesterday. Current humidity is 41% at 23°C (73°F).
What do you think, should I add extra insulation on top of the roof as originally planned?
Regards,
Patrick
Under the roof, above the insulation, I didn’t have a vapor barrier. I installed one yesterday. Current humidity is 41% at 23°C (73°F).
What do you think, should I add extra insulation on top of the roof as originally planned?
Regards,
Patrick
Why not tackle the problem at its root: seal the lid on the aquarium so that no water can evaporate, combined with an air hose that runs under the cover and connects to a (de)central ventilation system with heat recovery, which expels the moist air outside.
But on a completely different note: how do you manage to store 7 tons of water in the attic? What does the structural engineering say about that?
But on a completely different note: how do you manage to store 7 tons of water in the attic? What does the structural engineering say about that?
Hello
So, here’s the situation: it’s not an aquarium. Sealing from above is not possible for several reasons.
The fish have their own “house” measuring 3x7m (10x23 feet), meaning they are not in the attic but on the ground floor. Therefore, no structural issue.
Now regarding the humidity, 41% shouldn’t be a problem, right?
At the moment, I suspect that the only issue was the missing vapor barrier....
Regards
Patrick
So, here’s the situation: it’s not an aquarium. Sealing from above is not possible for several reasons.
The fish have their own “house” measuring 3x7m (10x23 feet), meaning they are not in the attic but on the ground floor. Therefore, no structural issue.
Now regarding the humidity, 41% shouldn’t be a problem, right?
At the moment, I suspect that the only issue was the missing vapor barrier....
Regards
Patrick
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