Equipmet storage in hot shed

[EddieWalker]

Nice looking shed!!!

Air flow is to keep things dry, it does nothing to cool or lower the temperature.

Insulation will help slow down the amount of heat you get inside the shed, especially attic insulation.

Planting a shade tree that blocks the afternoon sun is going to be the best, most cost effective way to reduce the temperature of the shed.

I store just about everything out in my storage sheds without too much worry. Things that can melt, and things with sentimental value, like photographs, stay in the house.

Eddie

 

[GLyford]

I second the vents down low suggestion. One way to do that is to get one or two of the automatic foundation vents, made to go through a block foundation. Has a bug screen and a louver controlled by a thermostat spring. Too hot, it opens. Cools off, it closes. It's not going to keep out the freezing cold, but it will help regulate the temps.

Built the wife a small greenhouse, we put two of these up high, and one down low, and seems to work fairly well. But we also put in a regular sash window which stays open most of the summer, and it's in the shade of a tree (that has no leaves yet when she uses the greenhouse for starting plants). Vents do the most work in the spring/fall, when you get cold nights and hot days.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Have to disagree with that. Air expands and rises as it's heated. When the equipment is out in the open, the surface heat from absorbed direct solar energy can be dissipated by convection as the surrounding air rises and creates circulation around it. In an airtight shed, the air surrounding the equipment is trapped. If the shed has windows, the effect is magnified, much as the temperature in a closed vehicle on a sunny day can exceed ambient temperature by 50+ degrees.

I guess you never sat under a shade tree in the summer. It is much cooler for everything when shaded compared to direct sunlight.
Touch a car hood when setting in the sunlight vs one in the shade. Be careful and don't burn your hand.

Heck even something as dumb as a cow knows to get in the shade for cooling.

 

[Threepoint]

I guess you never sat under a shade tree in the summer.[snip]

:laughing: Naah, Gary, who does something like that? Actually, my point was to contrast heat build-up in a small airtight shed that has no air circulation vs. heat build-up in the open air, even in direct sun, where heat of the items can convect upward and away as surface air is exchanged with cooler surrounding air. Sure, on a 90 degree day, I'd rather be sitting under a shade tree than in direct sunlight. I would not rather sit in a small, airtight shed that's been exposed to the direct sun for a few hours. Of course, the reflective vs. absorptive characteristics of the shed's roof and siding materials, and the presence of insulating materials, if any, make a difference. But air exchange can and does help dissipate heat build-up in a small shed. Convection alone can do some of that from the placement of vents as well as louvers on the cupola. Another thought for the OP might be to install a couple of small 12v fans in the gable ends of the shed and power them with solar cells on the roof. I'm guessing there are TBN'rs who've actually done that, and even kits available online. Would also help with off-gassing of stored chemicals, gas and diesel equipment and vented fuel cans. Also adds an ignition source, though. :confused3:

 

[clemsonfor]

No, wait, hold on. Leave your vents open on your fuel containers inside a shop? What? I am no expert but this is contrary to everything I have ever learned about fuel storage.

As for the other comments, yeah, cold is my issue, yes it gets hot in a shed, you can put a gable vent but I would not cut into the roof. One on either end. But somehow or other I get lax about winter (cause I am putting my machine in a shop) and then I get damage from freezing up.

How hot is too hot? You storing your old albums in the top rafter? You got lots of plastics in there? If not, probably not going to ever get hot enough to do any damage no matter if you lock the shed up airtight or not. remember your gear sits in the direct sun without the shed, can't get much hotter than that.

If you dont vent a gas can it will blow up. Not like destroy the shed in flames but it will get so much pressure it blows out a seam or the top or vent anyway. Ever seen a round new no vent gas tank in the sun?

 

[clemsonfor]

I would check the labels of any pesticides that are to be stored without climate control. Many have recommendations for minimum and/or maximum storage temperatures; e.g., >32, < 100.

Steve

We think alike

 

[woodlandfarms]

Fuel storage - So are you saying crack the top of the gas can while it sits in your shop and not seal the gas can up?

Can you corroborate this advice? Website? Link? I am not trying to be difficult but keeping a container of gas cracked open for storage is against everything I have been to but that does not mean it is right.

 

[KennyG]

An insulated ceiling will eliminate most of the heat gain.

Otherwise, the roof turbine vents work very well. Much better than just gable vents.

Shop AIR VENT INC. 13-in x 19.1875-in Galvanized Steel Roof Turbine Vent at Lowes.com

 

[kebo]

Storing small engine eqmt such as weed eaters, chainsaws, blowers, etc will tend to shorten the lives of the fuel lines because they will be exposed to the constant heat & cold year round. Also, any battery powered equipment will also have decreased battery life for the same reason. But, that never stopped me from doing it anyway, you just learn to change the fuel lines yourself and replace batteries as needed lol.