How do I change a ceiling-less damp room into gym?
 

Hi,

I'm new here, but really need some help. I have an outside room next to my garage that hasn't got a ceiling, no plasterboard covering the bricks and quite cold and damp. I'd like to change this room into a gym / damp-proof storeroom.

I don't want to spend too much money, as we are saving up to build a granny flat on top of the garage (probably in about 2 years). I do need to fix this problem first, as I just moved back from another country and need a place to store all sorts of quality stuff that'll end up in the granny flat.

Questions: Is there a membrane I can staple to the beams to keep the dust out and that will be effective as a temporary ceiling? What do I need to paint the masonary with to keep the dust and damp out? Is there anything else I need to know? I really hope to hear from you soon...

Welcome Rindy:
I apologize for the slow answer. We do want to help.
You could use 6mil black polyetheylene plastic for a ceiling in the shop; black is sunlight resistant and won't turn brittle. The walls could be painted with a block filler/primer and finished with latex enamel.
The room also needs some kind of small heat source to keep it dried out in winter and some ventilation in the summer.
Glenn