Motorcycle Storage in damp garage
Discussion
Hi All. I've a large double garage in a Cotswold location which has a Cotswold slate roof. I also live in a conservation area so changing this roof is not really feasible nor cost effective.
It does keep the water out most of the time, but when we have heavy rain there are some patches in the inner roof membrane which are holed and water drops in. I also believe the membrane becomes saturated holding moisture for a while until the sun bakes the roof dry.
On the coldest wettest winter days when I go in the garage there is condensation on many of the metal surfaces, like tools, racking, concrete floor even etc.
The garage is decently ventilated due to the large barn doors which have large gaps around to allow air around the door but it does take a while to dry out.
I've been storing a KTM EXC in there neglected for about 10 years and there was some corrosion on the wheel spokes of the wheels. I've also got a couple of Honda XR bikes, one of which has been recently fully restored.
I want to keep the Honda bikes from deteriorating. The KTM is now sold.
I want to to be riding the bikes periodically through the winter but I'm also aware this might well not happen due to life getting in the way. My question is what would be the best way to store the bikes? I'm debating a cover. I've also drowned the bikes in 'Maintenance spray' from Eurocarparts which smells like it's PTFE and silicon spray. I don't love WD40 for the smell when it bakes on.
Fixing the garage is just not a realistic option though I know it's a good idea.
Many thanks in advance.
It does keep the water out most of the time, but when we have heavy rain there are some patches in the inner roof membrane which are holed and water drops in. I also believe the membrane becomes saturated holding moisture for a while until the sun bakes the roof dry.
On the coldest wettest winter days when I go in the garage there is condensation on many of the metal surfaces, like tools, racking, concrete floor even etc.
The garage is decently ventilated due to the large barn doors which have large gaps around to allow air around the door but it does take a while to dry out.
I've been storing a KTM EXC in there neglected for about 10 years and there was some corrosion on the wheel spokes of the wheels. I've also got a couple of Honda XR bikes, one of which has been recently fully restored.
I want to keep the Honda bikes from deteriorating. The KTM is now sold.
I want to to be riding the bikes periodically through the winter but I'm also aware this might well not happen due to life getting in the way. My question is what would be the best way to store the bikes? I'm debating a cover. I've also drowned the bikes in 'Maintenance spray' from Eurocarparts which smells like it's PTFE and silicon spray. I don't love WD40 for the smell when it bakes on.
Fixing the garage is just not a realistic option though I know it's a good idea.
Many thanks in advance.
Edited by Rawhide on Monday 30th September 15:51
Depends on how much you're willing to spend.
Sounds like you've already gone with some weather proofing spray. Can't recommend ACF50 enough, drown the bike in it and it should keep the worst off the bike.
A more pricey solution would be a Carcoon or similar.
Essentially a self contained plastic bubble that you can roll the bike into and inflate. Keeps the moisture and any other crap out and you can more closely control moisture levels.
Sounds like you've already gone with some weather proofing spray. Can't recommend ACF50 enough, drown the bike in it and it should keep the worst off the bike.
A more pricey solution would be a Carcoon or similar.
Essentially a self contained plastic bubble that you can roll the bike into and inflate. Keeps the moisture and any other crap out and you can more closely control moisture levels.
Assuming you have power and can place the bike where it will not actually be dripped on.
Cover with an indoor cover.
Obtain a 100 watt greenhouse heater, the short metal tubular type, mount this on a piece of ply on some 2x2 to keep it off the ground. Cover the ply in tin foil to reflect heat up. Place heater under bike.
This will keep all condensation off and is far cheaper to run than anything else and means it’s very easy to still use the bike.
Cover with an indoor cover.
Obtain a 100 watt greenhouse heater, the short metal tubular type, mount this on a piece of ply on some 2x2 to keep it off the ground. Cover the ply in tin foil to reflect heat up. Place heater under bike.
This will keep all condensation off and is far cheaper to run than anything else and means it’s very easy to still use the bike.
Thanks for the ideas so far. To give an idea see the pics.
I don't want to use Carcoon sort of approach due to loss of space and the bike are not that special. It would also stop me just taking one out from time to time.
It's mostly the cover I'm debating. I was worried it might trap moisture in the cover rather than allow evaporation.
I will look info ACF50 spray.
Is it just the roof and loose doors that mean it gets damp, or does it come through the walls or floor too?
As above, make it less draughty and line the roof (and walls?) with plastic sheeting and then run a dehumidifier. Get a desiccant based one as they work the same even at low temps, and make sure it had a humidistat so you can set and forget (assuming you can run a drain tube somewhere).
I have a draughty garage and even with no leaks , the changes in weather humidity and temp means I get condensation and rust.
As above, make it less draughty and line the roof (and walls?) with plastic sheeting and then run a dehumidifier. Get a desiccant based one as they work the same even at low temps, and make sure it had a humidistat so you can set and forget (assuming you can run a drain tube somewhere).
I have a draughty garage and even with no leaks , the changes in weather humidity and temp means I get condensation and rust.
Adamantia said:
Is it just the roof and loose doors that mean it gets damp, or does it come through the walls or floor too?
As above, make it less draughty and line the roof (and walls?) with plastic sheeting and then run a dehumidifier. Get a desiccant based one as they work the same even at low temps, and make sure it had a humidistat so you can set and forget (assuming you can run a drain tube somewhere).
I have a draughty garage and even with no leaks , the changes in weather humidity and temp means I get condensation and rust.
This is interesting, I've been using a dehumidifier in the garage but its one that works with a condenser, I didn't know these existed and it might explain why I'm always disappointed by the levels of water collected in it after days of use compared to when I used it in my old flat. I might have to buy one of these for the garage. As above, make it less draughty and line the roof (and walls?) with plastic sheeting and then run a dehumidifier. Get a desiccant based one as they work the same even at low temps, and make sure it had a humidistat so you can set and forget (assuming you can run a drain tube somewhere).
I have a draughty garage and even with no leaks , the changes in weather humidity and temp means I get condensation and rust.
I'd suggest a carpet for the flooring or some matts. I got a cheap gel backed carpet it was only a few hundred quid or so fitted (looks like an office carpet you wouldn't want it in your house) but certainly took the chill of the room. 4 years later and it still looks fine, could do with a shampoo in places but incredibly hard wearing. Also, when there is a sudden shift in temperatures, or basically when it might be warm and dry enough to hang my washing out, I tend to let my garage air for a bit by just opening the doors and such.
In regards to heating, how big or how many tubular heaters would you require? I cannot imagine it being cheap trying to heat this space even to take the chill of it. I've done a few projects at work with cabinets or kiosks with instrumentation inside them that are prone to temp shifts, so I've supplied domestic heating inside with this in mind but I've never thought about how much it'd cost to actually run during the winter.
Edited by moanthebairns on Wednesday 2nd October 12:25
Hi All, I've bought a cheap indoor cover (from Temu) and I'm looking for a cheap greenhouse heater as per the suggestions. I don't want a dehumidifier as the area is pretty large and with the amount of holes in the roof, and around the doors getting it air tight is just not realistic. I would just be dehumidifying the world!
When I originally installed the doors I installed a Chinese diesel air heater but it had to run for ages to increase the temp by a few degrees due to the pent roof and air gaps.
I've since embraced the air gaps and might even try to ventilate the far end better to allow more through draft. If the roof was intact I might try to seal the room better but it's not so I take the opposite approach.
At the end of the day it's a first world issue. I don't have a car to store in there for now, but do have a nice enough older bike which would benefit from some local warmth to prevent condensation.
When I originally installed the doors I installed a Chinese diesel air heater but it had to run for ages to increase the temp by a few degrees due to the pent roof and air gaps.
I've since embraced the air gaps and might even try to ventilate the far end better to allow more through draft. If the roof was intact I might try to seal the room better but it's not so I take the opposite approach.
At the end of the day it's a first world issue. I don't have a car to store in there for now, but do have a nice enough older bike which would benefit from some local warmth to prevent condensation.
Edited by Rawhide on Wednesday 2nd October 15:52
2ndclasscitizen said:
Rawhide said:
Are you allowed to change the inside? Sheeting in the and insulating the ceiling would probably help a lot.Seems like a good but not ideal place for the bikes! But you're not in the worst place ever!
ACF50 is a good solution however, can I make a suggestion that has worked for me and a few others.
Avoid motorcycle covers, I have seen some bad cases where these really trap dampness and exacerbate the corrosion issue. Wiring looms suffer really badly too. ACF is a bit of a mess and is really not permanent.
A really really high level detail (if done correctly) will be far more long lasting and appropriate than a quick WD40 and ACF50 application.
An extensive deep clean and dry off before coating with a Ceramic (preferred) or a high quality wax would be (from experience) best for this. A really experienced detailer will disconnect any electrical connections and apply a silicone or similar sealant too. Coat the spokes, frame, wheels, tank and mudgaurds getting as deep into the intricate parts as possible. Added bonus of enhancing the look too.
A couple of my bikes sit in our work unit in the damp and are free of corrosion thanks to spending some proper time detailing them before storage.
Hopefully another AOA for you.
ACF50 is a good solution however, can I make a suggestion that has worked for me and a few others.
Avoid motorcycle covers, I have seen some bad cases where these really trap dampness and exacerbate the corrosion issue. Wiring looms suffer really badly too. ACF is a bit of a mess and is really not permanent.
A really really high level detail (if done correctly) will be far more long lasting and appropriate than a quick WD40 and ACF50 application.
An extensive deep clean and dry off before coating with a Ceramic (preferred) or a high quality wax would be (from experience) best for this. A really experienced detailer will disconnect any electrical connections and apply a silicone or similar sealant too. Coat the spokes, frame, wheels, tank and mudgaurds getting as deep into the intricate parts as possible. Added bonus of enhancing the look too.
A couple of my bikes sit in our work unit in the damp and are free of corrosion thanks to spending some proper time detailing them before storage.
Hopefully another AOA for you.
My garage can get damp in the winter. Vented tiles in the roof didn’t help with the moisture, so I bought a de-humidifier last year. It collects 3 litres a day in the winter. I just empty it daily. There is an option to put a pipe out the back of it for greater water removal.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D8SZJGM?ref=ppx_yo2...
The bikes remained dry and where the metal parts had previously shown signs of moisture, there was none. XCP rust blocker is also excellent if required.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D8SZJGM?ref=ppx_yo2...
The bikes remained dry and where the metal parts had previously shown signs of moisture, there was none. XCP rust blocker is also excellent if required.
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