[Joclass]

I have a 12 x14 insulated shed in the Boston area that will house my start in classical guitar building. I know that humidity control is critical. Is temperature control as important? There is much temperature variation in New England.

[jsbguitars]

Temperature has an effect on humidity, and certainly humidity controlling devices, so you will more than likely you will need to get the space to some temperature and keep it there for stability.

[Joclass]

Thank you for you temp/humidity thoughts. The electrified shed is 30 yards away from my home and I am a little nervous about space heaters. I purchased a hygrometer and a desiccating de-humidifier that is purported to work in a 20F to 100F temperate range. I will try to figure out safe heating approaches after I get some data.

[jsbguitars]

Your shop is in Boston so you will probably be dealing with the place being too humid most of the time. The type of heater you use can directly effect the humidity levels, typically in the opposite way drying the place out. So if you plan it right you can use that to your advantage. The best thing you can do to help with humidity and temperature is to insulate the entire space, walls, floor and ceiling, with proper insulation and 6mil vapor barrier. This made a huge difference in my current shop. Since your space is small it won’t be prohibitively expensive to do.

[Joclass]

Walls are insulated and covered with sheetrock, but floor is not insulated. We have had some intense cold spells recently and during these periods shed relative humidity average roughly 70% with temp ranging between 20-30 degrees. Any suggestions for shop safe floor insulation?

[jsbguitars]

Again, my suggestion is 6 mil vapor barrier over the insulation on the walls and ceiling. It worked wonders for me. For the floor at the very least vapor barrier. My shop has insulation and vapor barrier everywhere. It helps with temperature fluctuations and humidity changes.

[Joclass]

Thank you again. I will put plastic sheeting on top of existing plywood floor and cover with thin plywood layer.

[Joclass]

I finally placed vapor barrier in my 12 x14 Boston area shed. Thanks for the advice. My dessicant type dehumidifier has kept humidity constant at around 45% with temperature swings from 30 to 65 so far. I think I am on the right track.

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