ᐅ Mold Problem in a New Kitchen – How to Prevent It in the Future?
Created on: 14 Feb 2021 21:54
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Nanopixel
In our kitchen, which was completely renovated in mid-2020, we have a problem with mold:
It became noticeable when water suddenly started leaking from under the refrigerator. At first, I thought it was a device malfunction, but that does not seem to be the case. We have a built-in refrigerator, and after removing the cabinet where it was installed, we discovered the problem: mold in the lower corner of the room and on the wall next to the refrigerator (see picture). There was even mold between the refrigerator and the built-in cabinet (picture 2). The entire right side wall of the appliance was covered with water droplets (picture 3).
Trusted tradespeople (tiler and plasterer) examined the situation and said it is condensed water caused by humidity. The air cannot circulate properly around this cabinet, which leads to this problem. In addition, the refrigerator is placed directly in the corner of the room against two exterior walls (northeast).
How should this problem be addressed? Removing the mold and thoroughly drying everything first seems obvious.
The tiler suggested installing ventilation openings in the wall above the refrigerator to help regulate humidity. I find that reasonable, but I am concerned that, since the cabinet is placed right next to the wall on the right side with only about 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) of space, condensation might still form there despite ventilation.
Are there any additional measures that could be taken here—perhaps filling the small cavity somehow?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
N
It became noticeable when water suddenly started leaking from under the refrigerator. At first, I thought it was a device malfunction, but that does not seem to be the case. We have a built-in refrigerator, and after removing the cabinet where it was installed, we discovered the problem: mold in the lower corner of the room and on the wall next to the refrigerator (see picture). There was even mold between the refrigerator and the built-in cabinet (picture 2). The entire right side wall of the appliance was covered with water droplets (picture 3).
Trusted tradespeople (tiler and plasterer) examined the situation and said it is condensed water caused by humidity. The air cannot circulate properly around this cabinet, which leads to this problem. In addition, the refrigerator is placed directly in the corner of the room against two exterior walls (northeast).
How should this problem be addressed? Removing the mold and thoroughly drying everything first seems obvious.
The tiler suggested installing ventilation openings in the wall above the refrigerator to help regulate humidity. I find that reasonable, but I am concerned that, since the cabinet is placed right next to the wall on the right side with only about 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 inches) of space, condensation might still form there despite ventilation.
Are there any additional measures that could be taken here—perhaps filling the small cavity somehow?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
N
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Nanopixel15 Feb 2021 14:27Yes, this was just recently purchased. A new kitchen is not an option—besides, as mentioned, there is no alternative location for a tall cabinet anyway.
Rather, a new refrigerator. A 55cm (22 inches) freestanding unit instead of a 60cm (24 inches) built-in, so there is some space around it. But I would also prefer to avoid that since everything was newly acquired.
I had briefly considered guckuck2’s suggestion about insulating the gap next to the cabinet—but then I thought that might actually prevent air circulation even more... or am I mistaken?
Rather, a new refrigerator. A 55cm (22 inches) freestanding unit instead of a 60cm (24 inches) built-in, so there is some space around it. But I would also prefer to avoid that since everything was newly acquired.
I had briefly considered guckuck2’s suggestion about insulating the gap next to the cabinet—but then I thought that might actually prevent air circulation even more... or am I mistaken?
Pierre schrieb:
How do you come to that statement, or where can this information be found? I have never heard of it before. I picked it up somewhere. You can find some information on it if you google accordingly.
Nanopixel schrieb:
I can imagine the reason: a refrigerator emits heat, and an exterior wall can be particularly cold. A large temperature difference between the appliance and the wall causes condensation—just like in my case. That’s why I’m asking what could possibly be done to the wall to prevent this in the future.
Regardless of whether it should be done or not—in our kitchen, there was no alternative, see the picture. On the opposite side, there are two doors (leading to other rooms). There’s no other suitable location for such a tall cabinet. I think you have identified the reason quite well. If I were you, I wouldn’t just try to patch things up but eliminate the cause once and for all (that’s what we did with our trouble spot in the bedroom after patching around it only wasted money without solving anything). In my view, that would be insulating the exterior walls at the affected corner with thermal insulation boards. They are available in 3cm (about 1¼ inches) or 5cm (about 2 inches) thickness. Depending on the wall temperature, you need either the thinner or thicker insulation board. Usually, the thinner one (3cm) is sufficient. It then needs to be skim-coated. I would estimate a total of about 4cm (1½ inches). So: insulation boards applied to both exterior walls and replacing the built-in fridge with a freestanding refrigerator.
If you want to be absolutely sure: bring in a renovation company and ask for a free estimate. Then an expert will come with measuring devices, and you will know the exact cause and can act accordingly.
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Nanopixel15 Feb 2021 16:19OK, insulation of exterior walls is definitely a really big topic. I mean, how far do you want to take this external insulation? You’re not just insulating the exterior walls of that one room. The idea eventually leads to insulating EVERYTHING all around. All of that then needs to be plastered or finished in some attractive way. That adds up to a five-figure amount, which, to be honest, I don’t just have lying around.
That’s why I’m looking for a temporary quick-and-dirty solution 😉
That’s why I’m looking for a temporary quick-and-dirty solution 😉
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