Venting in covered patio?

We are in the middle of converting part of our detached garage into a covered open patio; Two walls and the roof will remain, but two walls will be completely open.

Of course I am planning on building a brewing setup there! We're going to have NG, electrical, water, drain out there, so it will be perfect!

I'm lucky with my local climate that I will be able to brew year-around out there, even though two walls are permanently open.

My question has to do with venting for the burners and steam: Since I will be brewing under a roof, will I need any sort of venting to protect the roof structure from captured steam, and to prevent CO/CO2 buildup, even though the structure is open on two sides?

I will likely have a gas grill under the roof of the patio as well, so I'll probably be installing a hood over that to collect smoke. However, it might not be located close to the brewing setup, so I don't know if the same hood can be used for both purposes. I'd rather not buy two hood vents if I didn't have to.

Thanks for any advice, I'll be sure to post pictures as I put together the setup!

Your only problem with be steam condensing on the patio roof, and dripping back down. I don't have a good solution for you for that.

I don't think you need to do anything. I brew in my garage and have had no problems with condensation accumulating on the ceiling (or open garage door) from the boil.

Maybe just a fan to circulate the air to keep any condensation from collecting on the ceiling. Or if you brew next to one of the open walls that should be enough.

dcbc said:

I don't think you need to do anything. I brew in my garage and have had no problems with condensation accumulating on the ceiling (or open garage door) from the boil.

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I don't get condensation on the painted ceiling, but there is an alumnum trough that runs along the edge of the patio that does collect and drip. I guess it depends on the material.

I brew in my garage with the main door open and the back (standard 30" door) open for airflow. No problems at all. IF you're going to be doing a nice painted finish on the ceiling though, you MIGHT consider a hood or at least a vent fan somewhere above the brewing area...though I do not need that. I'm in Santa Barbara FWIW. A bit warmer, but similar coastal climate as you.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I'm pretty confident that, with the large openings, I'll be fine. Maybe I'll put in a roof vent to pull out excess condensation.

The whole thing is still a few months away from completion... the contractors should be knocking down the walls today.

I can't wait to get back to brewing, and I'm looking forward to showing off the setup.