Some observatory completion questions

Hi,


I live in N.J. and recently had a 10X10 roll off
observatory constructed by backyardobservatories.com.
They came all the way from Ohio, and did a great job.
I was wondering about a few things:

1) Is insulation reccomeded in the interior? Vapor
barrier?
2) Does anyone reccomend exterior paint on the
interior walls to keep out moisture?
3)What is the best way to keep humidity down?
De-humidifier? Light on?
4)Is an exhaust fan reccomended?
5)The floor is wood and I was wondering about the advantages, or
disadvantages of putting down some indoor-outdoor carpeting



Thanks,

Marc Zukoff

__________________________________

Marc Zukoff wrote:
Hi,


I live in N.J. and recently had a 10X10 roll off
observatory constructed by backyardobservatories.com.
They came all the way from Ohio, and did a great job.
I was wondering about a few things:

1) Is insulation reccomeded in the interior? Vapor
barrier?
2) Does anyone reccomend exterior paint on the
interior walls to keep out moisture?
3)What is the best way to keep humidity down?
De-humidifier? Light on?
4)Is an exhaust fan reccomended?
5)The floor is wood and I was wondering about the advantages, or
disadvantages of putting down some indoor-outdoor carpeting



Thanks,

Marc Zukoff

__________________________________

What does the builder/designer say to these questions?

Next, what temperature and humidity extremes do you get in NJ? Finally,
for what temperature and humidity extremes is your equipment rated?


I can't offer first hand advice, just a few educated opinions...

1) Insulation is good to limit heat gain during summer sun. Heat is bad
for optical cement and plastic parts. Also, if the interior gets too hot
it will radiate all night and interfere with your scopes cool down.
Vapor barriers need to be on the heat side of a wall in a house due to
house-hold water use; this not a factor in the "normal" amateur observatory.

2) paint on the inside will not keep water out, your siding, shingles
and caulking will do that. Paint sure looks nicer than bare wood though :-)

3) In order to de-humidify the air inside your observatory, I'd think
you'd need to seal it from outside air like a house. I can't see this
working in a roll off roof structure.

4) a thermostatically controlled fan (like in a greenhouse) sounds like
a good idea to me

5) carpet... pro = soft landing for dropped items con = hard to find
small dropped items


2 cents worth sir

-Guy