Under cold weather conditions the interior surfaces of the rink enclosure will be at a temperature lower than that of the air. If these temperatures fall below the dew-point temperature condensation results. It is evident that any efforts to lower the humidity and hence the interior dew-point temperature will reduce the possibility of condensation. It is also apparent that raising the temperature of interior surfaces will serve a similar purpose. Consideration of these two principles is essential in any attempt to reduce or eliminate condensation.
Condensation normally occurs as frost in a curling rink because of the temperature levels involved.
The frost itself is not objectionable, as it might be in other buildings, nor is the subsequent melting of the frost of concern provided that it does not fall or drip onto the ice surface. The problem is in this way unique from the practical point of view, and suggests yet another solution involving proper control of condensed moisture during the curling season. Application of the foregoing principles may be undertaken using a number of different techniques, depending on the particular circumstances involved and the resources available. It is the purpose of this Digest to outline some of the various methods that may be used and to discuss their possible effectiveness. Some form of ventilating system is normally included in most curling rinks as a means of removing moisture.