ᐅ Why is there a slight moisture seepage coming through my Malm heater?
Created on: 5 Sep 2021 08:17
S
Sujo33
Hello everyone,
I have a Malm dresser in my bedroom that occasionally releases slight moisture on its surface from underneath, almost like light dripping. I noticed this issue a few days ago when I inspected the dresser more closely, initially suspecting condensation or a leak in the wall. Since the Malm is made of engineered wood panels and there doesn’t seem to be a direct source of moisture nearby, I’m wondering what could be causing this slight dripping.
The room temperature is around 21°C (70°F) during the day and a bit cooler at night, and I ventilate regularly. Another detail is that the dresser is relatively new, and I haven’t noticed any signs of wear or damage to the bottom panel. I would like to know if this issue could be related to the construction or lack of ventilation, or if it indicates a bigger moisture problem.
Has anyone experienced this or have any ideas why a Malm furniture piece might emit or attract light moisture? Are there common causes I should check?
I have a Malm dresser in my bedroom that occasionally releases slight moisture on its surface from underneath, almost like light dripping. I noticed this issue a few days ago when I inspected the dresser more closely, initially suspecting condensation or a leak in the wall. Since the Malm is made of engineered wood panels and there doesn’t seem to be a direct source of moisture nearby, I’m wondering what could be causing this slight dripping.
The room temperature is around 21°C (70°F) during the day and a bit cooler at night, and I ventilate regularly. Another detail is that the dresser is relatively new, and I haven’t noticed any signs of wear or damage to the bottom panel. I would like to know if this issue could be related to the construction or lack of ventilation, or if it indicates a bigger moisture problem.
Has anyone experienced this or have any ideas why a Malm furniture piece might emit or attract light moisture? Are there common causes I should check?
Sujo33 schrieb:
How exactly can I better estimate the relationship between indoor humidity, temperature, and condensation? Are there practical rules of thumb or measuring devices you would recommend?Good question! Basically, if the indoor air humidity is high and the surface of furniture is colder than the air’s dew point temperature, condensation will form.
You can determine the dew point using special hygrometers or so-called thermo-hygrometers. These devices show temperature and relative humidity, and some also display the dew point temperature. Just search online for “thermo-hygrometer with dew point measurement.”
A rule of thumb: if the relative humidity stays above 60% and the room temperature is below 20°C (68°F), the risk of condensation on cold surfaces increases.
Good ventilation is also recommended to reduce humidity levels. There are also apps that can connect with Bluetooth hygrometers—very practical if you want to log values over several days.
If moisture is coming from the floor, the problem is more serious (floor sealing / damp proofing is important). Laminate flooring is fairly resistant, but moisture can still penetrate from below, for example if there is a tiled floor with poor sealing underneath.
M
Matthewt485 Sep 2021 14:02Hello,
I agree with Takutau and would like to add: Check whether the dresser is resting directly on the floor or if air can circulate underneath.
In my last rental, I often did this by placing small felt or plastic feet underneath. This helps prevent moisture buildup over time.
It may also be related to room ventilation: after airing out, humidity often rises temporarily and can condense on cold surfaces. Regular airing by fully opening windows briefly is important, rather than leaving windows tilted open continuously.
If the moisture issue persists, it’s also worth checking the wall behind the dresser.
Best regards!
I agree with Takutau and would like to add: Check whether the dresser is resting directly on the floor or if air can circulate underneath.
bensau schrieb:
A few spacers under the dresser feet, basically as a boost for air circulation
In my last rental, I often did this by placing small felt or plastic feet underneath. This helps prevent moisture buildup over time.
It may also be related to room ventilation: after airing out, humidity often rises temporarily and can condense on cold surfaces. Regular airing by fully opening windows briefly is important, rather than leaving windows tilted open continuously.
If the moisture issue persists, it’s also worth checking the wall behind the dresser.
Best regards!
T
Thierryzar5 Sep 2021 15:07Moisture usually occurs due to poor air circulation or rising damp from the floor.
My advice: place the dresser on legs to allow air to circulate underneath, and use a dehumidifier. If it continues to drip, check the walls and floor for moisture.
My advice: place the dresser on legs to allow air to circulate underneath, and use a dehumidifier. If it continues to drip, check the walls and floor for moisture.
Hello Sujo33,
I had a similar issue with a Hemnes cabinet. Often, making small holes or slits on the back of the furniture helps improve air circulation.
I want to emphasize this as well. Especially in older buildings or with exterior walls, moisture behind the wall can be a problematic factor.
Another possibility: If there is a radiator near your furniture, the changed air circulation could cause moisture buildup at the lower part of the furniture due to cold drafts.
I had a similar issue with a Hemnes cabinet. Often, making small holes or slits on the back of the furniture helps improve air circulation.
usbla schrieb:
Checking the joints or inspecting the wall for moisture would be advisable
I want to emphasize this as well. Especially in older buildings or with exterior walls, moisture behind the wall can be a problematic factor.
Another possibility: If there is a radiator near your furniture, the changed air circulation could cause moisture buildup at the lower part of the furniture due to cold drafts.
From a technical perspective, moisture on wood-based furniture often results from condensation at the interface between a cold surface and humid air.
Therefore, the ambient temperature should remain constant or temperature differences minimized. To permanently prevent this, either targeted dehumidification or spacing combined with ventilation is necessary.
For a reliable assessment, professional moisture measurement with electrical devices on site is recommended. In particular, moisture in the floor and walls should be ruled out to avoid consequential damage.
Therefore, the ambient temperature should remain constant or temperature differences minimized. To permanently prevent this, either targeted dehumidification or spacing combined with ventilation is necessary.
Sujo33 schrieb:
ob ein größeres Feuchtigkeitsproblem vorliegt
For a reliable assessment, professional moisture measurement with electrical devices on site is recommended. In particular, moisture in the floor and walls should be ruled out to avoid consequential damage.
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