Expert: James Yee - 6/26/2007

Question
Mr. Yee,

First off, thanks for the hours of research you have saved me. I know this because I spent a couple of hours looking for answers to the first two questions I asked you before actually finding you. Over the past few weeks, I have really enjoyed viewing your past answers as well.

And having used your past advice given to others concerning their humidors, I have not be able to solve my problem. The hygrometer floats around 55-60% regardless of what I do. I have seasoned the humidor four times, and currently have a dish of distilled water, two water pillows, AND the humidity device that came with the humidor filled with distilled water as well.

I have ordered a PG solution and plan to add it 50/50 to the humidor as well, but my fears are that with all the distilled water currently in use that my problem is beyond mere balance.

The really hard part here is that the 50 cigar humidor was a gift from my wife, and is absolutely beautiful. I really don't want to get rid of it if I don't have to.

And so here is my question:

The analog hygrometer (which I have calibrated, so I am certain that is not the issue) pops out so it can be easily calibrated, I assume. Is it possible that my humidor is being compromised there? Is there a sealant that I can use there safely? I have ordered a digital hygrometer so I don't care if I somehow ruin the hygrometer in the process by not being able to remove it.  

Answer
Hi Chris,

Thanks for the kind words.  I enjoy hearing from fellow cigar smokers and it’s comments like yours that makes my day.

In regards to your humidor, it sounds like there is definitely a humidity leak somewhere in your humidor.  Humidity leaks often occur at the corner joints (due to poor/faulty construction), the lid (poor seal) or the hygrometer if it is faceted to the exterior of the humidor (again, a poor seal between the hygrometer and the humidor).  Some humidors that are covered in leather are also susceptible to humidity leaks because there is no vapor barrier between the interior cedar wood and the leather.  As a result, the leather can absorb all the moisture in your humidor.  If your humidor has a leather exterior, this could be the problem and there is no way to fix it.  (Some low-end leather-covered humidors are only designed with style and presentation in mind and lack functionality.)

If your humidor is not leather wrapped, then what you should first check is the humidor lid.  Make sure that it closes firmly and evenly.  When the lid closes, it should have a heavy but natural “vacuum” seal.  If the lid opens and closes too loosely, then the humidity could possibly escape from there.  

For the hygrometer, I’m guessing this humidor has the hygrometer face fixed on the outside of your humidor with the hygrometer back and mechanism on the inside of your humidor.  If this is the case, what you can do is purchase a rubber gasket or rubber “o-ring” at any major hardware store that can fit snuggly around the rim of your hygrometer before reinstalling it back into the humidor.  This should eliminate any gaps and create a very tight, snug fit and prevent humidity from leaking out.  I wouldn’t recommend any chemical sealants as they can damage your humidor and further reduce its performance.

For construction flaws such as a loose lid or damaged corner joint, what you would have to do is first check if the humidor is under warranty and try to contact the manufacturer and see what options they have for you (if any).  If the humidor is no longer under warranty, what you could do is speak with an experienced carpenter/cabinet maker that specializes in humidors and see if the humidor can be repaired.  In most cases, it’s a simple patch job but it’s best to have the humidor looked at and repaired professionally.

Hopes this answers your question.  Again, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I’ll be glad to help.

Regards,
James