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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T_im_Norden15 Feb 2021 16:24Have it checked to find out why there is mold there, as this cannot be determined reliably through remote diagnosis. Just as Dasch suggested.
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Nanopixel15 Feb 2021 18:11Yes, of course, a remote diagnosis is almost impossible, as with most problems. But it is quite safe to assume that this is condensation. After several days of moving the cabinet away, everything is dry there now. Therefore, I am happy to receive tips and solutions on the condition that the condensation theory is correct – at my own risk.
As mentioned: Interior wall insulation with climate boards and then a standalone refrigerator.
If you want to be sure: hire an independent expert or contact one of the well-known renovation companies.
If you want to cut corners: install batt insulation on the inside of the specified exterior wall areas (for example, glue it on) and then reinstall the built-in cabinet including the refrigerator. It is quite likely that mold will develop behind it within the next few years.
By the way: in my opinion, a ventilation unit like a Maicon will not help at all.
If you want to be sure: hire an independent expert or contact one of the well-known renovation companies.
If you want to cut corners: install batt insulation on the inside of the specified exterior wall areas (for example, glue it on) and then reinstall the built-in cabinet including the refrigerator. It is quite likely that mold will develop behind it within the next few years.
By the way: in my opinion, a ventilation unit like a Maicon will not help at all.
Nanopixel schrieb:
Yes, this was just recently purchased. A new kitchen is not an option – besides, as mentioned, there is no other possible location for a tall cabinet anyway. In this case, I would also consider it a planning mistake, since any kitchen designer would normally allow about 5cm (2 inches) of clearance from the wall and finish the front with a trim strip.
If necessary, the least problematic and most cost-effective solution might be to install the two adjacent cabinets (below/above) in a narrower version, so the refrigerator can be placed with the proper distance from the wall.
The problem is most likely (warning: remote diagnosis) caused by condensation (cooking, warm air) and the cold corner (exterior walls, "older" house).
Basically, there are only two reasonable options:
1. Complete exterior insulation (expensive)
2. Remove the interior plaster in the affected corner, apply special boards for interior insulation (see above -> "climate boards"), and then replaster.
Everything else will really be "botched work," and I fear it will eventually develop mold again sooner or later.
P.S.: There are special paints that contain mold protection (e.g., from the brand Pufa). About 10 years ago, I repaired a corner in a rented apartment with this, and it worked well for 5 years. We moved out 5 years ago. (own house) However, I am not sure if this will work on a large scale in your case.
Basically, there are only two reasonable options:
1. Complete exterior insulation (expensive)
2. Remove the interior plaster in the affected corner, apply special boards for interior insulation (see above -> "climate boards"), and then replaster.
Everything else will really be "botched work," and I fear it will eventually develop mold again sooner or later.
P.S.: There are special paints that contain mold protection (e.g., from the brand Pufa). About 10 years ago, I repaired a corner in a rented apartment with this, and it worked well for 5 years. We moved out 5 years ago. (own house) However, I am not sure if this will work on a large scale in your case.
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Nanopixel16 Feb 2021 10:54netuser schrieb:
So perhaps the lesser and more cost-effective option would be to install the two cabinets next to the fridge (below/above) in narrower versions, allowing the refrigerator to be placed with adequate clearance from the wall?Unfortunately, that’s not possible either. Below, there is a dishwasher next to it, then a waste sorting system, and then the corner cabinet. All fixed widths. Maybe option 2 from bernie will be feasible. Let’s wait and see what the expert says when they take a look at it later this week.
Thanks in advance for the responses.
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