DIY Installation of a Humidex in a Damp Old Church

[@HardcastleTowers]

This book though... www.fototripper.com/chasing-awe-landscape-photography-book-gavin-hardcastle/

[@anthonymara4533]

It's a really good book though. my signed copy is sitting right here. They would make a great holiday and birthday present for every level of photographer. I said that right, right Gavin?

[@HardcastleTowers]

@@anthonymara4533 It's right. Real right!

[@TheLDunn1]

I think every copy of ‘Chasing awe’ book should come beautifully presented in a hand bent aluminium box now ;-)

[@thomassteventon2088]

Gavin I am flabbergasted in fact my flabber has never been so gasted,in your workmanship. Yet another great episode 👍

[@SJodo]

As a craftsman, looking for your DIY-way of doing things gives me nightmares, but it is fascinating on the other hand. Like going to the zoo and seeing an orangutan that is learning how to use tools.

[@HardcastleTowers]

But are you a Master craftsman?

[@SJodo]

@@HardcastleTowersWell it's funny you should ask! If someone wants to have a company and staff in Germany, they must first prove that they are capable. This diploma is called a "master's certificate". So you could even say that i'm a "certified master craftsman". But my best friend giffted me one of my photos with the comment "I can do that better than you!" back. So I guess I'm a certified shit photographer too. And that bastard kept the picture frame!

[@roscot40]

I left your video running while making dinner for my Mum and partner. The conversation noticeably died down and both started avidly watching ALL of your Hardcastle Towers videos. Thanks for keeping them occupied squire. Just goes to show your broad range.

[@kramrevaew]

Gavin, Gavin, Gavin; you wonderful Northerner. As another commenter has said, the temptation to offer advice, tell you what else you could try and to give tips actually increases my anxiousness when watching these posts yet I know there is no point in doing so as we are probably quite a way behind the actual progress you are making. Despite this I am addicted to watching said posts which increases my concerns regarding my own sanity! What makes it worse is that I am a builder from a family of builders who have been in business since 1865 (yes that is "18" 65), so I can see the errors being made and it hurts me physically! $1000 for a pipe with a fan in it! What's more, I do not believe it will make a kit of difference to the dampness in that basement, and further still I read you are installing a dehumidifier (now this should help!!!). I do stress however that I greatly admire what you and Amanda are doing and all credit to you.

[@HardcastleTowers]

I too worry for your sanity but don't let that stop you watching. That being said, I may now deliberately increase the level of gross incompetence ;)

[@kramrevaew]

I greatly look forward to this and more posts despite the impact on my mental health! I think that is the definition of adiction!

[@villageblunder4787]

A grand for a shower fan. Wow!

[@allenbuyck7957]

you took on a project I would have given up on after a few minutes. You are a brave man. You must really have some hidden contractor skills . Great job !!! Maybe a new book is in the works? "Finding the hole, with Gavin Hardcastle"... 😀😀

[@graemedarling2852]

Anyone else just watched 25.5 minutes of Gavin installing a humidex which you will never do yourself.... As always appropriate foot ware keeps elf and safety at arms length

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Masterful DIY from the moon to Stonehenge !! Appropriate footwear once again for the win

[@melissawilcox5285]

What do you buy a man who has everything for Christmas? Why, Chasing Awe of course! ! He absolutely LOVES it! He said every time he reads about a photo he hears your voice. 😬 Thank You both for all you do to bring fun and joy into our “little” KZbin family. Merry Christmas to you both!

[@HardcastleTowers]

Awesome. So he's hearing voices now eh....

[@greatpix]

@@HardcastleTowers Being that people are buying the book as a Christmas present you should include a photo of you dressed in a jauntily cocked Santa hat. But make sure you don't mess up like last year and forget the hat. People were shocked. Well, maybe some of the ladies might have had a twitter or a giggle.

[@greatpix]

Your construction work is a piece of art, Gavin. Early caveman art.

[@astrojourneyuk]

I love how I’m watching you do DIY. A genius and entertaining channel!

[@banditalley9592]

2 Hardcastle videos in one day. What more could you want to end your weekend with a bag of crisps and a cuppa?

[@sander5086]

It's always good to see a Mastercraftsman at work, great job Gavin👍. Hope you will have a great Christmas time with Amanda 🌲

[@jeffbrinkman24]

Hey thanks for making me look like pro at home improvements to my wife. Now I can spend more time with my photos. LOL you two are good fun Thanks.

[@cuebj]

We had very damp rubble-filled void under house we bought in 2013. Spent days clearing of rubble, dust, loose material. High water table. Driveway slopes from pavement to house and met house along dpc! Cleared driveway down 70cm. Dug ditch across front of house, French drain and channel drain at surface. New driveway sloping steeper to 2 courses below dpc. Void now bone dry, warm, rubberised matting, pleasure to use for storage or work on wiring or plumbing. Venting just via original air bricks. Lesson - eliminate source of damp whether vapour or water seepage

[@robertgrenader858]

Boyo, please take it apart and put a fine metal screen between the vent and the hose. if you don't, next summer it will be a perfect location for a Hornet's or Bee's hive.

[@disprtim]

It's just like watching an episode of 'This Old House"!

[@firemarshal17]

Mad skills, brother! Regarding your basement: the best way to treat that dampness problem is to level it, lay down a layer of 2ml plastic material, and cover it with 2” of concrete.

[@HardcastleTowers]

Working on it ;)

[@dinsdalephotography]

As a landlocked prairie boy, I would guess that the proximity to the ocean would dramatically increase the humidity throughout the area and the air you suck into the church from outside would be bringing humidity into the building. Today the humidity in Halifax was 99% - hopefully it's drier in your town than that. Good work on the de-humidifier Gav! Much better than I could do for sure.

[@HardcastleTowers]

99% in December? Then it must have been 300% back in the summer.

[@JohnMayfield-NS]

I wouldn't worry about that janky line cut, just fix it in post. Maybe consider shoving a little of your caulk in the bottom corners of the tin to keep rain/moisture from getting in there. Probably not a big deal if you plan to replace all that though. :)

[@JB-rm1oc]

When is the next Video of the tower coming? Enjoy these and missing them.

[@JJPHAT777]

Good job on the install. You and Amanda are too cute together! Very entertaining!

[@tonyvaldivia7300]

Hardcastle Towers This Old House?? Great vid. I'm been really enjoying the work and humor Amanda has been doing...

[@jea6474]

Greetings from Nova Scotia ( as well) ! Great video - you have done a great job with this video - funny, new skills for me and authentic content. Restoring these building is a great contribution to our province. My neighbour loves the humidex in his basement.

[@anthonybostock4854]

Hopefully its not too noisy for when the mother in law comes to stay when she's trying to sleep in the basement. The noise from the motor should cover the sound of her snoring. 😉😊🤭

[@eze3572]

I’m impressed.. you two are the cutest.. ❤ the cooperation is couple goals.. you had so much fun you didn’t even have a chance to complain about your knees 😊

[@nsbhagwat]

Love his takes on pronunciation.

[@TeeJay18Fir]

To Gavin and Amanda do have a wonderful Christmas and the very best for the New Year so looking forward to the next episode of Hardcastle Towers.

[@psfphotography]

You probably already have a bunch of comments, but incase you haven't... I would recommend you (exterior grade) caulk all of the seams on the outside of the vent opening including where you folded the aluminum under the plate or sill area so you wont get rain water running under that - it will freeze or mold over. You might also try placing a box fan in the opposite corner of the basement facing the humidex so that it 'pushes' the damp air towards it. If you were to pour a new concrete floor that would fix a lot of your humidity issues but that would be pretty expensive. Do yourself a favor and use 'best' quality materials on your project. Going cheap or the Good Enough way means you will have to replace it in 3-5 years....

[@warrenevan270]

Gav, although a photographer I'm also a commercial manager for one of the UK's leading ventilation companies. If you want any advice drop me a line. But I would definitely consider MVHR especially where you are located and recovery of the heat you are throwing away is vital

[@qlogic74]

I get what your trying to achieve for the basement, needing to get the moist air out of the basement is a very good idea, but…..(theres always a but isnt there)…..air will be drafted from elsewhere….assuming you have cross ventilation (multiple air vents around the foundation) its going to pull air from the outside through those vents. If you live in a dry climate as I do, I believe it will beat buying a crawlspace de-humidifier. Where you live I am assuming its humid (i live in the desert so everyplace is humid compared to me) I would place a humidity gauge in there and measuring a before and after….my last house had a crawl space and it doesnt take but a day or so to “refill” the normal level the crawlspace will hold. I do have a feeling to get that big of an area dry in the end you will need a crawlspace de-humidifier as with that it is drawing the moist air from the bottom but when you live in a humid place all the air is moist and with the cross ventilation your going to replace that air immediately with this outside air. Whatever the humidity level is outside will more than likely be the same humidity you will have in the crawlspace. Easy way to know is get a humidity gauge and place it in the crawlspace and see what the weather says the humidity outside is and compare

[@glensumner3425]

I must say watching some one hammering is much handier than having to hammer yourself! Happy Xmas to you Both!

[@buggergut]

That's a pro job Gavin! I hope it does the job for you. If there's open earth areas in the basement it may have to run 24/7 to keep the humidity low. If I could make just one suggestion, I'd suggest running a bead of caulk along the seam where the sides tuck under the bottom sill part of the flashing you made for the outside of the window frame so water doesn't get underneath. Looks super!

[@richardpesce5325]

Yes Gavin, I bought a copy of the book -AWESOME! Merry Christmas to you and Amanda.!

[@emperorofrats]

that´s the funniest video in KZbin about installing a humidex ... :-) Great !! Hopefully it works afterwards in the way you want ... Merry christmas from Germany :-)

[@brianmckeever5280]

Look out Bob Vila! Or is it more Tim Taylor? Nicely done.

[@martinhild]

Seriously tho, I think you did a pretty good job. It is pretty fun to watch too.

[@paulferguson1921]

Now I know what it must've been like watching Michelangelo at work - thanks.

[@westcoastbald8655]

Great work and video Gavin. (As always) I would have suggested filling the old window out so it’s flush to the exterior foundation wall. Then you wouldn’t had to do all that metal bending. Adding insulation to the space would help. Thx for the laughs

[@pc1189]

Masterfully done Gavin 👍🏼 Inch by inch Merry Christmas to you and Amanda stay happy stay healthy

[@calieeldalie2547]

Fantastic hammering and drilling skills !! I remember when I had to deal with all this during the renovation of my old flat (2.5 years later, I'm still on it though 😶), and how good it felt when I finished one part. Great job Gavin and Amanda, curious to see how the project unfolds 😄

[@TomSkulander]

Hi Gavin, you will need to provide an opening, probably at a point on an opposing wall so fresh air can come in,,assuming you close the basement access hatch normally and that there’s no other gaps where outside can get in. If you have an airtight enclosure the exhaust won’t be capable of sucking out the current damp air or provide enough air movement over the damp ground surfaces to dry them. Basically another louvred 6” entry point on the other side of the building.

[@HardcastleTowers]

Makes total sense. The Humidex us designed to get its air intake from upstairs. There are currently many vents that feed that but it wouldn't hurt to have another external vent.

[@greatpix]

Gavin and Amanda I wish you both a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year. (and pardon the jokes. I have mad respect for your work, photography and renovation.)

[@phynx2006]

OMG that is one hell of a hammer job, well done, will be interested to see how well it works 👍😎

[@kevinhumphries763]

Loving these videos. Makes a welcome change from another Photographer’s van build. Can’t wait for the next one 👍. Oh and Merry Christmas from Liverpool

[@MSmith-Photography]

The metalwork is tres-mendous. 👍

[@MAttWDroneVids]

Mate you should have a tv programme. Your a natural on camera!

[@HardcastleTowers]

I do, you just watched it...

[@MAttWDroneVids]

@@HardcastleTowers ha ha. Yeh i guess I did.. Don't ever stop posting vids then:)

[@Hirsutechin]

One loves watching a master craftsman at work, so before going to look for an example on KZbin, might one express disbelief at your assertion "I'll probably end up making violins" - one is not convinced your good self knows which end of a violin to blow into. One is of course sorrowful at expressing such sentiments, but there they are. Merry Christmas, you pair of nutters, see you in the new year! 😂

[@HardcastleTowers]

You plug em in don't you?

[@Hirsutechin]

@@HardcastleTowers No no no, you wind 'em up. Unless you get the petrol-driven versions.

[@TheEmulsufiedEye]

Loving these videos! Coming from an avid and early subscriber of fototripper. I’m no expert, but I’ve been building recording studios for many years and when it comes to keeping basements dehumidified always make sure you’ve sealed as many gaps from the exterior as possible, I think someone has already mentioned you have good air flow, but make sure that’s controlled airflow and not gaps that leaks and moisture can get into!

[@HardcastleTowers]

Do you use air exchangers in recording studios to deal with air in/air out?

[@TheEmulsufiedEye]

@@HardcastleTowers for home builds and smaller project studios yes mvhr units can work, the problem is the noise, so generally a proper HVAC system is preferred but obvs much more expensive and you still have to consider acoustic decoupling. If you’re looking to build an acoustic space on this build I’m sure I could get our acousticians and HVAC guys to give you some good properly informed advice!

[@HardcastleTowers]

@@TheEmulsufiedEye I just need a bit of acoustic treatment in my office/studio room which I've done before. HVAC noise is unacceptable but I've bee nin homes with an air exchange unit that was almost silent.. There must be a way to get good ventilation/air movement without noise.

[@TheEmulsufiedEye]

@@HardcastleTowers yeah it depends on your definition of quiet, if you’re trying to reach commercial studio levels of nc15 and below then properly isolated ducted systems are the only way really. “Silent” MVHR units will get you NC25, which is perfectly acceptable for a project studio, the truth is, you could probably get away with louder - like with any profession the pursuit of perfection is often the root cause of failure. There are probably far more important and less expensive things to worry about when building a creative space like vibe and how it makes you feel (I think these are the most important things).

[@HardcastleTowers]

@@TheEmulsufiedEye Well said.

[@bryanellis2927]

What a project you have taken on I have been in the construction industry for 32 years and I can see you have your work cut out Book me in for the decorating in a couple of years time Just pay for my flights from the UK and I will be there Great video by the way You even bring a comedic vibe to something like this

[@HardcastleTowers]

That's the fun part.

[@dragonmediaxl]

Another great video, Im really enjoying these, look forward to what comes next, Hope you all have a good Christmas .

[@SimonLewis_photography]

Not only have I chosen to spend my evening watching someone hammer nails, I have chosen to watch someone hammer nails whilst they wearing appropriate footwear! Maybe you could launch a building site footwear business? If you like the idea….get in touch!

[@HardcastleTowers]

I'd buy that!

[@JasonLorette]

Damn dude, that's an expensive fan! Good job on the install!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

During the hammering scene, you should have looked at the camera and asked, rhetorically, "Is this good content?" as Camera Conspiracies would. As the least handy person you've never met, I salute hands-on guys like you and Tom. My idea of manual labor is installing a set of window blinds.

[@HardcastleTowers]

We will need a window blind installer next year. Bring yer tools.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@HardcastleTowers 😂👍🏿

[@Tom_Graham]

It's a wonder you have all your arms and fingers still attached. We have a saying here in the Midwest called, Office Trash. Meaning, stick to your day job. I almost had 3 heart attacks watching you cut that aluminum. Ha ha. Great job Gavin!

[@timmorrow8909]

Gavin has skills!

[@greatpix]

I know nothing about building other than what I've seen on TV but I think you should put a waterproof membrane around the opening that covers part of the outside edge then frame around that (for looks). I also would consider building something with an air gap you can shove some rock wool insulation into.

[@felicityrostron9406]

Well done 😊

[@duncanmeechan5694]

Great work Gavin 😁👍

[@MsDonnamurray]

Job well done. Merry Christmas to you both.

[@merkin22]

Nice work. Too many gems in this video to call out individually, but the reverse trolling re appropriate footwear was fab, as always. And my disappointment huge when the use of 'caulk' was left to barely a double entendre wink LOL Cheers!

[@avacascio9636]

This Old House would be awesome too app for that caulking.

[@erikswenson2659]

Enjoyed your video, as always. You should need to tape the back of your gadget below the fan, as anything lower would be a low pressure area and air would be drawn in. I assume everything past (on the high pressure end of) the fan is properly sealed already. Hopefully you taped where your flexible pipe joins the fan outlet and the vent louvers, as that is where you would be likely to get leakage -- though they may have a good clamp that already does the job of sealing. good luck with your project

[@HardcastleTowers]

It's sealed on with a industrial zip tie which is preferable if I need to adjust it. Once I've done some other work in there I'll lock it down tight for sure.

[@hoosierdome8698]

We weren't so much watching you hammer nails as watching to see if you nailed a finger or two! lol

[@ivanwhitehall3899]

I assume this has nothing to do with the building trade, it is just great comedy.

[@ronboe6325]

So tempted to give you some advise; but it would be several months too late and in any event - you just have to go for it. You'll learn a lot more that way.

[@rbmphotographics1270]

Hilarious vlog on the church 😂

[@pattymattes7124]

My husband laughed a bit when he heard you say aluminium. When you live on the North American continent you have to say aluminum. LOL. That's just the way it is. I shared that with Adam Gibbs too. Glad you got this installed. Let us know how it's working.

[@greatpix]

My sister has never been able to say aluminum with either pronunciation.

[@pattymattes7124]

@@greatpix It's not an easy thing to say with either one.

[@SeanHenryLuvsDaDub]

Great work!! Merry Christmas!!!!

[@pjf4266]

I love watching and learning from your photography vids, your handyman skills however make me laugh my butt off. As a professional renovator I have written a book on how to. Link in the description!

[@milenasikstel140]

Hello . Do you have any updates on this device ?

[@esperoutdoors9421]

nice vid. i'll like to know your thoughts on this after a week or two...

[@deanwilson7373]

A great start for learning how to install a Radon mitigater. Is that in next weeks episode?

[@AltaHangman]

What’s happening at Hardcastle Towers? It’s three months without an update. Come on Gav, we need our reno fix.

[@HardcastleTowers]

There's an episode coming this week

[@raycarter4030]

i love your videos.

[@kensalome483]

How do you spell vapor barrier?

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Whenever you're installing flashing to keep water off of wood; You must "think like a drip." Did you caulk the bottom left and right side where the folded aluminum meet?

[@PhotoDude801]

DIY Mastercraftsman! There's a link.........in the description😝

[@heathermtaylor7683]

Just had to subscribe - You are an absolute scream!

[@PaulNewberyPhotography]

We have damp in our old cottage, we had to go down a dehumidifier to get on top of it.

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Gavin, you might want to use mesh between the louvers and the vent pipe. Birds tend to like to make nests in those types of vents. Not that I know firsthand or anything like that.😂. Great DIY video. Thank you for sharing. Peace and Safe Travels

[@HardcastleTowers]

I don't think they'd appreciate the noise but I'll keep an eye on it. Ants might be a concern.

[@lukeybaby45]

@@HardcastleTowers Definitely put a bird/rodent mesh behind that backdraft damper. Dont bother with a mesh thats fine enough to stop ants. it will just get clogged with dust/debris and stop the system from working properly unless you make or buy some sort of slide out filter. I'm still wincing at the cost of that too. I'm in the HVAC business and am seriously going to look in to manufacturing these if I can sell a fan and a bit of bent steel for a grand a piece...

[@HardcastleTowers]

@@lukeybaby45 Good tip. I'd buy that.

[@lukeybaby45]

@@HardcastleTowers here to help! Wish I knew about these before you bought it, I reckon I could have made a kit and shipped it to you from the UK for about 300 quid. Sorry...

[@HardcastleTowers]

@@lukeybaby45 It's the nature of this channel. Hundreds of solutions to problems I had months ago 🤣

[@joewelsh1804]

As everyone knows, a good guesser beats a good measurer every day of the week. 🤣🤣

[@vproven]

You could always pour 3” slab floor. That should work. 😅

[@ryanbellaandgoose9350]

Hello from port alberni next time you bend metal most hardware stores have a brake where u Can make clean cuts and proper bends just ask maybe the one you went to didn't but I'd ask! Love the channels

[@HardcastleTowers]

What's the tool called?

[@TheThomasites]

Sheet metal brake. There are also hand tools call metal seamers.

[@greatpix]

Gavin, is there some sort of screen material over the hole into the house to keep bugs and critters out?

[@HardcastleTowers]

not yet...

[@composedlight6850]

Looks a good idea ------ but without the floor sealed i dont think it has much chance of lowering the RH by much. Need to lay a concrete floor with a DPM within . Have a Great Christmas - dont work to hard ;)

[@dalestokes2789]

That or at least a good, old plastic barrier. Ideally a concrete floor would be nice, but a cheaper encapsulation or just a plastic barrier would help control the humidity a lot as well!

[@qwertyatoz]

DPM?

[@allangault9500]

You two are doing great! Basements can be damp- and cool, great place to store wine. Curious though- what are you recording on? It's very good videos

[@fredbrackely]

Or bodies

[@fredbrackely]

Yeah Gavin, How is the damp issue going in the basement?

[@antonoat]

Hoping you don't end up with lots of dehydrated rodents, lol. Hope the pair of you have a spanking good Xmas and that 2023 brings all you wish for ! Cheers from a cold wet North Yorks.

[@HardcastleTowers]

Just add water and salt.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

You could have a whole new "How to" channel on DIY tips...... You could be the new "Tommy Walsh"

[@HardcastleTowers]

I do. It's called 'Hardcastle Towers'.

[@TheMadmacs]

spray the place with a weak vinegar solution for mould and as it dries out it'll be a good un.

[@johnlenhart1460]

I was wondering are the the back of the old pews made up of three separate pieces if so u could separate the pieces to make your wainscoting and u can u use the cap piece of the pew to cap your wainscoting

[@michellewhite8445]

Did the humidex work? I'm thinking about purchasing one too.

[@HardcastleTowers]

It didn't really do much. If your basement is sealed then it should do plenty. Mine has a dirt floor so there's only so much it can do.

[@J4060]

I cannot believe I've watched the full episode with no fastforwarding at all. Consider quitting photography, mate. You have skills. 😉 🍸✌ Cheers.

[@KenToney]

Oh and another thing, if Simon was a good mate he would come and help. After seeing him on TedX I’m positive he can do anything.

[@HardcastleTowers]

He treid to tell me he was not good on the tools. I don't believe him.

[@KenToney]

@@HardcastleTowers like I said, he’s smart 😂

[@yokeshs8140]

🥰

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

the correct equation for installing anything is x=the angle of the dangle + the throb of the knob

[@HardcastleTowers]

Sounds legit.

[@fredbrackely]

I hate to say this mate, but I installed one of these in my damp basement in Maryland. It made absolutely no difference. It took me a French drain and a large (400CFM) dehumidifier to rectify the problem.

[@HardcastleTowers]

I'm right there. Did you have the right 'replenishment air' source they talk about in the instructions?

[@fredbrackely]

@@HardcastleTowers Yes I did mate, I had vents pushing air down into the basement from the first floor.

[@HardcastleTowers]

@@fredbrackely What kind of square footage and where the vents big enough?

[@fredbrackely]

@@HardcastleTowers Oh, it was about 1200 Sq.Ft. of area, and the vents were at each end, pushing air (or so I thought) to the Humidex in the middle. I used bathroom fans to pull the air down. First, I used 100CFM ea., that didn't work, so I moved up to 290CFM, which turned out to be noisy, ridiculous, and still didn't work.