We have a small room (6'x8') which is in the NW corner of our barn, at the basement level. Two walls are concrete foundation in direct earth contact (with moisture barrier on the outside), the other two are insulate 2x6 stud construction. Ceiling is insulated 2x joist construction. We have been using this room to store root crops for a few years before it was finished, and it has worked somewhat. There were issues of it getting below freezing when it was very cold out, and it tends to be drier than one would like for storing many root crops. I expect the temp thing to be solved once all the insulation is up. But before I do insulate, I need to run some vents.
I've read a few articles/books on root cellar design, and l am planning an intake vent at the floor in the NE corner and an exit vent at the ceiling in the SW corner. Most of the books suggest a 3-4" diameter size for these vents. However I am wondering if I can/should perhaps use something smaller, like 2" diameter pipe. We are located in the foothills W of Denver-Boulder CO. Climate here is ag zone 5a (-20F min temps) and it is quite dry and windy most of the winter. I am less concerned with exiting excess moisture than I am over venting and pulling in too much cold air and freezing the vegies. The only downside I have thought of for the smaller vent size is a slower cool down of the cellar in the fall, which I think I can compensate for by running a small fan on select cold nights.
What do folks think?
The next question will be what to use for covering the stud walls and ceiling once the insulation (fiberglass) is in? Sheet rock is cheap and easy to install, but likely will not hold up well to moisture (not that it will be that wet in there in our climate). Does anyone have anysuggestions for material that will hold up to moisture and be cleanable?
Thanks.
I've read a few articles/books on root cellar design, and l am planning an intake vent at the floor in the NE corner and an exit vent at the ceiling in the SW corner. Most of the books suggest a 3-4" diameter size for these vents. However I am wondering if I can/should perhaps use something smaller, like 2" diameter pipe. We are located in the foothills W of Denver-Boulder CO. Climate here is ag zone 5a (-20F min temps) and it is quite dry and windy most of the winter. I am less concerned with exiting excess moisture than I am over venting and pulling in too much cold air and freezing the vegies. The only downside I have thought of for the smaller vent size is a slower cool down of the cellar in the fall, which I think I can compensate for by running a small fan on select cold nights.
What do folks think?
The next question will be what to use for covering the stud walls and ceiling once the insulation (fiberglass) is in? Sheet rock is cheap and easy to install, but likely will not hold up well to moisture (not that it will be that wet in there in our climate). Does anyone have anysuggestions for material that will hold up to moisture and be cleanable?
Thanks.