Cold storage room converted to gun room

[AKMac]

I was wondering if anyone out there has some advice concerning converting a cold storage room into a walk in gun safe.

My house is 1 year old. Under the front porch I have a cold storage room that is approximately 95 sq ft and encased completely in concrete. A local company says that they can come in and install a vault door. Next I would frame and insulate the room just like any other room. However, HVAC will not be present unless I drill a large hole from the basement side to route it in. From the outside I have routed all rain gutters away from the porch to the front street, but I'm sure Mrs AKMac will have some flowers bordering the wall someday with a sprinkler system which might be an issue.

My concern lies in moisture and condensation. I live in northern Utah where it is extremely dry. It's not uncommon to have single digit humidity. I have never heard of moisture being a problem with anyone's firearms, but I don't want to risk my collection. I plan on putting some un-blued pieces of steel in the room this winter as a control to see how badly they rust just sitting there.

What would be the best way to ensure I don't have any mold or mildew problems in the future gun/reloading room?

 

[Sam1911]

Sounds like you are on the right path already, seeing as "No. 1: Move to Utah" is already checked off!

A dehumidifier triggered by a humidistat will take care of any real serious issues, but in your climate I'd wager it will never even come on.

A bit of airflow created by putting an HVAC line in through one opening and then letting air return back through a second opening will always be cheap and constant insurance, too. Just don't be blasting cold air down there Warm is good. A/C, not so good. Don't want to lower the dew point and promote condensation.

 

[AKMac]

I had considered that. I thought about adding a butterfly valve (or whatever HVAC people call them) so that I can regulate the airflow. Lots of heat in the winter, and shut it off in the summer.

 

[Sam1911]

Yes, those valves are pretty common these days, even powered ones that will work with a smart, efficient HVAC system to control flow where it is/isn't needed. A manual one would do it, though, if you remember...! Just don't want to come in there some August day and realize you've been chilling it to arctic temps while trying to keep up with hot air on the second floor. Home modifications of HVAC systems can have funny effects.