ᐅ KALLAX and Moisture Issues in Older Buildings – How to Handle Them?
Created on: 14 Jul 2019 18:03
H
HugoloHello everyone, I have a question about the KALLAX shelving system from IKEA and moisture issues in older buildings. Specifically, I live in an older house where moisture sometimes appears on the walls – especially during cooler seasons or when humidity levels are high. I would like to place the KALLAX shelf against some exterior walls, but I’m concerned that the moisture might damage the furniture over time or even promote mold growth. Are there proven methods or materials to protect the KALLAX shelf from moisture without limiting its use or significantly changing its appearance? I am also interested in whether it is advisable to use some kind of moisture barrier or spacers between the shelf and the wall, or if that would just shift the problem elsewhere. What experiences do you have with moisture and KALLAX in older buildings? I would appreciate any helpful information or specific tips.
C
cassandra14 Jul 2019 18:27Hello Hugolo, as a general rule, I recommend avoiding direct contact between furniture like the KALLAX system, which is made of wood-based panels, and damp walls. Moisture can cause the panels to swell and also create a breeding ground for mold.
A practical solution is to place the shelving unit slightly away from the wall, for example using spacers or small risers under the feet of the shelf. This allows for air circulation, which helps moisture evaporate more quickly. Additionally, you can install a thin moisture barrier made of a special foil on the wall, but it must be breathable in order to prevent further damage.
It is also important to manage the indoor climate by regularly ventilating the room, as moisture levels in older apartments are generally critical.
A practical solution is to place the shelving unit slightly away from the wall, for example using spacers or small risers under the feet of the shelf. This allows for air circulation, which helps moisture evaporate more quickly. Additionally, you can install a thin moisture barrier made of a special foil on the wall, but it must be breathable in order to prevent further damage.
It is also important to manage the indoor climate by regularly ventilating the room, as moisture levels in older apartments are generally critical.
Hello Hugolo, your question deserves a detailed answer because moisture issues in older buildings need to be considered carefully.
First of all, you need to determine whether the moisture is primarily caused by rising damp (capillary action in the masonry), condensation, or driving rain. Only then can you take targeted countermeasures.
For the KALLAX, the most important thing is that the furniture unit should not stand directly against the wall! I recommend using a simple construction with spacers made of plastic or wood under the feet of the shelving unit, maintaining at least 2-3 cm (1 inch) distance from the wall. This promotes air circulation and prevents the surface of the furniture from remaining constantly damp.
Additionally, a vapor barrier or a vapor-permeable moisture barrier behind the shelving unit could be considered. For example, a special moisture protection coating that superficially protects the masonry without blocking the passage of water vapor is suitable here. It is important that this layer is applied professionally.
A frequently overlooked point: the indoor relative humidity should not remain above 60%, as this can cause problems. A dehumidifier can be helpful in this regard.
Finally, regarding material selection: since KALLAX is made of glued MDF, it can deform and swell when exposed to moisture, so maintaining the distance is essential.
First of all, you need to determine whether the moisture is primarily caused by rising damp (capillary action in the masonry), condensation, or driving rain. Only then can you take targeted countermeasures.
For the KALLAX, the most important thing is that the furniture unit should not stand directly against the wall! I recommend using a simple construction with spacers made of plastic or wood under the feet of the shelving unit, maintaining at least 2-3 cm (1 inch) distance from the wall. This promotes air circulation and prevents the surface of the furniture from remaining constantly damp.
Additionally, a vapor barrier or a vapor-permeable moisture barrier behind the shelving unit could be considered. For example, a special moisture protection coating that superficially protects the masonry without blocking the passage of water vapor is suitable here. It is important that this layer is applied professionally.
A frequently overlooked point: the indoor relative humidity should not remain above 60%, as this can cause problems. A dehumidifier can be helpful in this regard.
Finally, regarding material selection: since KALLAX is made of glued MDF, it can deform and swell when exposed to moisture, so maintaining the distance is essential.
Hey Hugolo, that sounds really interesting! 🙂 I also have my KALLAX in an older building and initially had concerns about moisture. What helped me a lot were wooden furniture feet – they raise the shelf slightly off the floor, allowing air to circulate underneath, which is really important!
Additionally, I sealed the back of the shelf with clear silicone to prevent moisture from passing directly through the back panel. I’m not sure if this is entirely technically correct, but so far it hasn’t caused any issues.
Very important: regularly tilt open the windows, even if it’s annoying! 🙂 I think especially in older buildings, ventilation is crucial. So don’t get discouraged, I felt the same way at the beginning!
Additionally, I sealed the back of the shelf with clear silicone to prevent moisture from passing directly through the back panel. I’m not sure if this is entirely technically correct, but so far it hasn’t caused any issues.
Very important: regularly tilt open the windows, even if it’s annoying! 🙂 I think especially in older buildings, ventilation is crucial. So don’t get discouraged, I felt the same way at the beginning!
Hello Hugolo, to address the problem comprehensively, it is first important to understand the cause of the moisture. As already mentioned, there are different types of moisture that each require different measures.
I recommend initially checking the walls for moisture with a suitable measuring device. In cases of severe moisture damage, it is advisable to contact professionals, as construction measures such as horizontal damp proof courses or interior waterproofing may be necessary.
Regarding the KALLAX: a combination of spacers and a breathable membrane behind the shelf usually works well. Additionally, you can treat shelves with a glazed or water-repellent finish to protect the wood-based material.
Also, use hygrometers to monitor indoor humidity and employ dehumidifiers as needed. All these measures together prevent long-term damage and improve living comfort.
I recommend initially checking the walls for moisture with a suitable measuring device. In cases of severe moisture damage, it is advisable to contact professionals, as construction measures such as horizontal damp proof courses or interior waterproofing may be necessary.
Regarding the KALLAX: a combination of spacers and a breathable membrane behind the shelf usually works well. Additionally, you can treat shelves with a glazed or water-repellent finish to protect the wood-based material.
Also, use hygrometers to monitor indoor humidity and employ dehumidifiers as needed. All these measures together prevent long-term damage and improve living comfort.
N
NoValentin15 Jul 2019 08:15Do not place KALLAX directly against a damp wall. Maintain a gap of 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) using feet or strips. Ventilate rooms regularly. In case of high humidity, consult a construction specialist.
Similar topics