ᐅ Condensation Water on Walls – What Measures Should Be Taken?

Hello everyone,

After renovating an old building, I have a problem with moisture on an exterior wall – in one interior corner, the wall is partially damp (meaning that depending on the surrounding conditions, wipeable moisture forms in this corner). I have done some measurements within my possibilities (i.e., room temperature and humidity versus moisture level of the wall) and assume the following:

- The wall is poorly insulated, and the moisture is caused by condensation.

The issue did not occur in summer; I first noticed it about a month ago, and the wall is indeed cold.

Of course, it would be best to hire a professional now and insulate the wall, but currently, I cannot afford that.

My question:

Does it make sense to try the following:

- Place a dehumidifier in the affected area
- Direct an infrared lamp specifically onto this area and then test how often and how long it needs to be heated

The goal is to get through the winter; we can reassess next year. Does anyone have experience with this approach?

Thanks!

MFJ

What was the original condition? What changes have you made? The problem did not seem to exist before, right? At first glance, it sounds like you may have made things worse in an attempt to improve them.

MFJFRFMF schrieb:

- The wall is poorly insulated; the moisture is caused by condensation

This is quite common in older buildings, especially when windows have been replaced (and thus made more airtight).
Is the wall insulated at all?

MFJFRFMF schrieb:

The problem did not exist in summer; I noticed it for the first time about 1 month ago, and the wall is really cold.

Moisture and warm air simply condense on cold surfaces.

MFJFRFMF schrieb:

Does it make sense to do the following:
- Place a dehumidifier in the affected area
- Aim an infrared lamp specifically at this area to see how often and how long it needs to be used

You will achieve some effect with this. In addition, make sure to heat the room properly and ventilate frequently by briefly opening the windows.

Damp walls are neither common nor normal in older buildings. Something was done incorrectly during the renovation. Most likely, part of the building envelope was sealed, but not everything. This is a frequent mistake in renovating older buildings. Heating and ventilation are certainly important, but wipeable moisture is by no means normal and has an underlying cause. Dehumidifiers are definitely useful as an initial measure.

Winniefred schrieb:

Damp walls are neither common nor normal in older buildings. Something was done incorrectly during the renovation.

Exactly my point. Often made airtight with new windows.

Heat, ventilate, and keep the space as free of furniture as possible to allow the warm air to circulate.