ᐅ KALLAX and Energy-Efficient Renovation – Is Condensation a Problem?
Created on: 25 May 2024 08:47
T
ToryfloHello everyone,
I am currently facing the challenge of carrying out an energy-efficient renovation in my apartment. I definitely want to continue using the popular KALLAX shelving system, which is often used to divide rooms or as a flexible furniture wall. However, my main concern is the potential formation of condensation on or behind the KALLAX shelves, especially on the exterior walls that will be better insulated.
I understand that energy-efficient renovations often raise surface temperatures, but at the same time carry the risk that poorly ventilated areas in the wall/shelf area may accumulate moisture. Therefore, my questions to you are:
1. Do you have experience with the combination of the KALLAX shelving system and energy-efficient renovations? Have you encountered any condensation problems?
2. What preventive measures could help avoid the formation of condensation spots, even when walls are better insulated?
3. Is the risk generally higher due to the wood or air circulation within the shelving compared to a bare wall surface?
I look forward to your well-informed opinions and experiences, including any insights on moisture and temperature management with such furniture systems.
Thank you in advance!
I am currently facing the challenge of carrying out an energy-efficient renovation in my apartment. I definitely want to continue using the popular KALLAX shelving system, which is often used to divide rooms or as a flexible furniture wall. However, my main concern is the potential formation of condensation on or behind the KALLAX shelves, especially on the exterior walls that will be better insulated.
I understand that energy-efficient renovations often raise surface temperatures, but at the same time carry the risk that poorly ventilated areas in the wall/shelf area may accumulate moisture. Therefore, my questions to you are:
1. Do you have experience with the combination of the KALLAX shelving system and energy-efficient renovations? Have you encountered any condensation problems?
2. What preventive measures could help avoid the formation of condensation spots, even when walls are better insulated?
3. Is the risk generally higher due to the wood or air circulation within the shelving compared to a bare wall surface?
I look forward to your well-informed opinions and experiences, including any insights on moisture and temperature management with such furniture systems.
Thank you in advance!
P
PeoDaniel25 May 2024 09:36Hello Toryflo,
Thank you for your clearly formulated question; it makes providing targeted answers much easier. Basically, your suspicion is not unfounded: During energy-efficient renovation, condensation problems can indeed develop in cooler areas behind furniture. This is especially true for shelving systems like KALLAX, which are often partially open rather than fully enclosed, as it heavily depends on air circulation.
That is exactly the key point: If the indoor humidity is relatively high and the shelf essentially creates a small dead air space, condensation can occur on the cold exterior wall. It is important that the ventilated rooms are adequately aired and that there is some distance between the wall and the shelf. While KALLAX shelves are open, they are often placed (or the furniture itself is positioned) too close to the wall, which restricts air circulation.
To prevent this: I would recommend leaving at least 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of gap from the exterior wall, possibly adding small ventilation holes or a slight spacer beneath the shelf. Using dehumidifiers or controlled ventilation also helps.
The wood itself absorbs moisture but can also release it. It is important that the wood remains breathable and is not used as a sealant. Air circulation is the more critical factor. If the air behind the shelf does not circulate well, there is definitely a higher risk compared to an exposed wall.
I hope this helps you. I am happy to provide more information about effective ventilation or moisture measurement if you wish.
Thank you for your clearly formulated question; it makes providing targeted answers much easier. Basically, your suspicion is not unfounded: During energy-efficient renovation, condensation problems can indeed develop in cooler areas behind furniture. This is especially true for shelving systems like KALLAX, which are often partially open rather than fully enclosed, as it heavily depends on air circulation.
Toryflo schrieb:
I am aware that energy-efficient renovation often raises surface temperatures, but at the same time carries the risk that poorly ventilated areas around walls or shelves may accumulate moisture.
That is exactly the key point: If the indoor humidity is relatively high and the shelf essentially creates a small dead air space, condensation can occur on the cold exterior wall. It is important that the ventilated rooms are adequately aired and that there is some distance between the wall and the shelf. While KALLAX shelves are open, they are often placed (or the furniture itself is positioned) too close to the wall, which restricts air circulation.
To prevent this: I would recommend leaving at least 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of gap from the exterior wall, possibly adding small ventilation holes or a slight spacer beneath the shelf. Using dehumidifiers or controlled ventilation also helps.
Toryflo schrieb:
Is the risk due to the wood or the air circulation within the shelf generally higher than with an exposed wall surface?
The wood itself absorbs moisture but can also release it. It is important that the wood remains breathable and is not used as a sealant. Air circulation is the more critical factor. If the air behind the shelf does not circulate well, there is definitely a higher risk compared to an exposed wall.
I hope this helps you. I am happy to provide more information about effective ventilation or moisture measurement if you wish.
I would like to encourage a more nuanced discussion of the issue.
That is certainly true, but I would not attribute the cause solely to high humidity or poor air circulation. Rather, the key question is whether vapor barriers and new insulation materials were properly installed during the energy retrofit to prevent condensation in critical areas. In many cases, improper renovation creates moisture-sensitive zones, for example if the vapor retarder and insulation are not properly matched or necessary ventilation concepts are missing.
Therefore, my advice to everyone here is: when dealing with condensation issues, don’t just focus on the furniture but primarily consider the overall renovation concept. What are the exact dew point temperatures? Have so-called moisture-active materials been used?
The construction of the KALLAX shelf itself is secondary if poor conditions exist behind the wall.
Furthermore, I believe the occupants’ habits should also be taken into account. How often is the space ventilated, and what kind of heating behavior is common?
A completely dry shelf behind an exterior wall without ventilation is technically difficult to achieve without additional measures. For example, air vents or thin thermal insulation layers between the shelf and the wall could help improve the situation.
Ultimately, I would avoid general recommendations and prefer to assess each case individually.
PeoDaniel schrieb:
If the indoor humidity is relatively high and the shelf essentially creates a small air pocket, then condensation can actually occur on the cold exterior wall.
That is certainly true, but I would not attribute the cause solely to high humidity or poor air circulation. Rather, the key question is whether vapor barriers and new insulation materials were properly installed during the energy retrofit to prevent condensation in critical areas. In many cases, improper renovation creates moisture-sensitive zones, for example if the vapor retarder and insulation are not properly matched or necessary ventilation concepts are missing.
Therefore, my advice to everyone here is: when dealing with condensation issues, don’t just focus on the furniture but primarily consider the overall renovation concept. What are the exact dew point temperatures? Have so-called moisture-active materials been used?
The construction of the KALLAX shelf itself is secondary if poor conditions exist behind the wall.
Furthermore, I believe the occupants’ habits should also be taken into account. How often is the space ventilated, and what kind of heating behavior is common?
A completely dry shelf behind an exterior wall without ventilation is technically difficult to achieve without additional measures. For example, air vents or thin thermal insulation layers between the shelf and the wall could help improve the situation.
Ultimately, I would avoid general recommendations and prefer to assess each case individually.
Hello everyone,
as a brief addition to the previous posts, here is a structured approach that could also be helpful for Toryflo.
1. Assessment: Measure the indoor air humidity and surface temperatures on the wall behind the KALLAX. A simple hygrometer plus an infrared thermometer is often sufficient.
2. Maintain distance: As already mentioned, the shelf should not be placed directly against the exterior wall. At least 5 cm (2 inches) of space should be left to allow air circulation.
3. Promote air circulation: If possible, instead of one complete shelf back panel, use open units or fit the shelf with thin spacers.
4. Choice of material: KALLAX is made of wood-based panels with melamine foil, which are usually moderately vapor-permeable. This can temporarily store moisture but will release it again later. It is important not to seal the shelf completely airtight.
5. Ventilation: Regular airing by opening windows briefly or, in renovated buildings with modern technology, planning for controlled ventilation is advisable.
6. Additional insulation: If the shelf feels particularly cold, a thin layer between the shelf back and the wall can help. For example, an air gap with slightly vapor-permeable insulation material to prevent condensation.
I fully agree. Dew point temperatures are particularly important. When condensation forms behind a piece of furniture, it is often due to cold surfaces – this should be addressed directly.
In conclusion: The KALLAX itself is not the problem, but the combination with the wall and how well the area is ventilated. Everyone should carefully check how these factors interact before renovation and take appropriate measures if necessary.
I hope this structured list is helpful.
as a brief addition to the previous posts, here is a structured approach that could also be helpful for Toryflo.
1. Assessment: Measure the indoor air humidity and surface temperatures on the wall behind the KALLAX. A simple hygrometer plus an infrared thermometer is often sufficient.
2. Maintain distance: As already mentioned, the shelf should not be placed directly against the exterior wall. At least 5 cm (2 inches) of space should be left to allow air circulation.
3. Promote air circulation: If possible, instead of one complete shelf back panel, use open units or fit the shelf with thin spacers.
4. Choice of material: KALLAX is made of wood-based panels with melamine foil, which are usually moderately vapor-permeable. This can temporarily store moisture but will release it again later. It is important not to seal the shelf completely airtight.
5. Ventilation: Regular airing by opening windows briefly or, in renovated buildings with modern technology, planning for controlled ventilation is advisable.
6. Additional insulation: If the shelf feels particularly cold, a thin layer between the shelf back and the wall can help. For example, an air gap with slightly vapor-permeable insulation material to prevent condensation.
Josefane schrieb:
Do not question only the furniture when dealing with condensation problems, but especially the overall renovation concept.
I fully agree. Dew point temperatures are particularly important. When condensation forms behind a piece of furniture, it is often due to cold surfaces – this should be addressed directly.
In conclusion: The KALLAX itself is not the problem, but the combination with the wall and how well the area is ventilated. Everyone should carefully check how these factors interact before renovation and take appropriate measures if necessary.
I hope this structured list is helpful.
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