Prevent Workshop floor rotting?

[dsc]

Hi
I have a shed/workshop that I want to reinforce the exiisting floor. I intend laying on top of the existing floor (T&G 11mm shiplap) some 18mm moisture resistant chipboard. I may also insulate with some polystyrene.

Question is, is there a chance that damp will accumulate between the two floors, and if so is there any way to help prevent this?
Thanks
Dan

 

[Woody2Shoes]

Hi,

there are two basic techniques for stopping moisture getting trapped where it could cause damage:

1) Vapour barriers - e.g. a plastic sheet to stop warm air finding its way into a cooler part of the structure and depositing moisture as condensation.
2) Ventilation - keeping areas where cold air is unavoidable, well ventilated to outside air so that any excess moisture condensing there can be carried away. You obviously need to provide ventilation in a way that doesn't provide a home for vermin (DAHIKT!).

You can use one or both techniques in a given situation. More here and elsewhere: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstitial_condensation

Cheers, W2S

PS I forgot to add that as a defensive measure, it would be worth using only preservative-treated materials.

 

[dsc]

Thanks for this. So for the floor it should it suffice to just lay a vapour barrier between the existing floor and new chipboard floor? I was originally worried that any rising damp from the bearers and existing floor would be trapped between the two floors and rot the original floor (which would I guess be affected more so than the new chipboard floor).
Cheers
Dan