Our initial problem statement
We are here to address a moisture issue in a remote structure on Lake Superior: our goal is to reduce average moisture in the basement of the keeper’s dwelling at the Manitou Island Light Station, pictured below:
This light station has a rich history that begins in the 1850s, when the island’s easternmost section was reserved by the federal government for lighthouse purposes. This is noted on Douglass Houghton’s survey of the island, which was completed several years prior in 1845.
Having visited this light station several times, I feel motivated to help in any way that I reasonably can. Most of the time, when I visit, I find that the basement humidity is very high, with several surfaces feeling wet to the touch because of condensation. Some of these surfaces are metal ducting, but some are wood including the first floor’s joists. I have begun doing some research into possible solutions for this, and will detail these in future posts.
Apart from this, the building is urgently in need of a new roof and better grading/drainage, and the site in need of vegetation removal; these are not areas where I am as skilled. Because of this, I will start with trying to ventilate the basement.