Storage under stoop

I would like to be able to store bikes under the stoop/stairs. However, when I tried to do this a few years ago they started to rust. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make/build a better environment for storage? We have the garden apartment so our entryway is also under the stoop, so removing the door would look awkward. Thanks for the ideas.

bdz

in General Discussion 8 years and 10 months ago

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shira.winget | 8 years and 10 months ago

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Suggest you drill numerous medium to large holes through the under-stoop door (i’m assuming that it’s a solid wood door) to allow for plenty of air circulation. Doing this, combined with sealing the stairs above so no water comes through should be enough to keep the humidity low enough so rust doesn’t develop. If you really want to get clever, in addition to the above you can drill 2 large side air holes on either side of the stoop as well (get your next door neighbor’s permission first) and cover them with vent covers to get a nice cross draft going.

Then you’ll be golden.

shira.winget | 8 years and 10 months ago

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Suggest you drill numerous medium to large holes through the under-stoop door (i’m assuming that it’s a solid wood door) to allow for plenty of air circulation. Doing this, combined with sealing the stairs above so no water comes through should be enough to keep the humidity low enough so rust doesn’t develop. If you really want to get clever, in addition to the above you can drill 2 large side air holes on either side of the stoop as well (get your next door neighbor’s permission first) and cover them with vent covers to get a nice cross draft going.

Then you’ll be golden.

leah | 8 years and 10 months ago

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we had trouble with this too. i coated the concrete steps with sealer and it really helped prevent moisture from leaching through the steps under the stoop!

Arkady | 8 years and 10 months ago

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It could also be that there’s leakage from the stoop. After I had my stoop redone bikes were fine under there even though it’s not at all insulated & door isn’t tightly fitted.

eileengray | 8 years and 10 months ago

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If the space under the stoop is enclosed with a solid door vs. a wrought iron gate, you may have humidity problems. The enclosure is masonry and will absorb moisture or give off moisture depending upon outside temperature and humidity. If the area is enclosed, the humidity is trapped, hence the rusting. You should have less problems with an open gate.

anotherposter | 8 years and 10 months ago

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I’ve stored my bike in the stoop at our current place (6 years) and previous place (2 years) and haven’t had any rust problems. It’s definitely humid in there in the summer as the mosquitos flock to the area, but our bikes have been holding up well out of the rain and snow. My point being that perhaps your bikes are prone to rust and could use a paint job?

I’m curious to see if others have similar problems to yours.