Ventilation is a great idea, but unless automatic vents are used, like those available for use in greenhouses etc, you'd run the risk of getting rainwater in. If you have electricity in the summerhouse then your best bet would be a dehumidifier. This would get rid of any excess moisture which would result in getting rid of any condensation. It would also help preserve the summerhouse by stopping any excess moisture soaking into the timber over a period of time. If its low temperatures then you may be best with a desiccant dehumidifier as they work better at lower temperatures. If you're unsure then take at look at our website. We have a dehumidifier comparison page which compares the two main types. But…It all depends on you having electricity available in your summerhouse I suppose.

BTW, I work for Ebac Dehumidifiers but these are my views and opinions

Hope this helps

Ian

Yes, if the vents are under the overhang, you should be okay. Good ventilation will definitely reduce the condensation.

Ian

Post edited 6:32 pm – August 23, 2011 by Papillon
Post edited 6:41 pm – August 23, 2011 by Papillon

Thanks for the advice,Summerhouse sits on concrete foundation -area around foundation has drainage coil covered with drainage chips which exits into wooded area at rear of garden.The timber on floor and walls show no signs of water ingress,the summerhouse has been coated with preservative.The only real sign apart from damp cushion was the interior of ply roof looked wet and was actually damp to the touch during the bad winter, but the felt itself is not leaking ( I used hose on the roof for long period of time to check that it was leak-proof )As the summerhouse is less than year old, I contacted the manufacturer who suggested that apart from opening doors etc where is nothing that can be done,and that the inclement weather is causing the condensation- but I will certainly be looking for suitable louvre vents ( probably four at back, four at front )-but is it better to have the front and back vents at the same or different heights to maximise through ventilation ? I also have a timber hut which also sits on a concrete foundation and there is no condensation problem- but as there is a gap which allows for ventilation between walls and roof then it makes sense to ventilate.

Post edited 11:10 am – August 24, 2011 by Papillon
Post edited 4:05 pm – August 24, 2011 by Papillon
Post edited 4:09 pm – August 24, 2011 by Papillon

Thanks for great advice-guess I know what I'll be doing at the weekend then. If it works ( which I'm sure it will ),next job will be putting power into it. Bad News-contacted the supplier and was told that if I put vents into summerhouse then the 10 year warranty will be nullified and may affect summerhouse. I was told to keep salt by the windows and keep the doors open !!!!!!!

ArcherGardenBuildings said:

Biggest load of cobblers I've ever heard. "Keep bags of salt by the door" – as if! As for the 10 year warranty I doubt it's worth the paper it's written on. I'd put the vents in and be done with it.

Exactly- I do not think the warranty is worth it,considering the fact that the installers had to return on more than one occasion to fix the initial poor workmanship it appears the after sales leaves a lot to be desired-RUBBING SALT IN THE WOUND so to speak.

Post edited 11:35 pm – November 1, 2011 by Papillon

Thanks for feedback. The summerhouse has a wooden floor ( tongue and groove ) sitting on timber bearers which sits on top of concrete foundation which is raised above ground level and surrounded by drainage channels ( wavy coils and drainage chips )so no problem with rising damp-floor is perfectly sound and no signs of dampness there. Condensation only showed when summerhouse was not used for couple of days at a time and closed tight.Followed advice re vents and hope it works, thanks to all.