During winter months, one of the most significant challenges homeowners face is moisture and mold appearing on their walls. While it’s clear why moisture occurs in older ground-level buildings, it’s increasingly common for attics to experience moisture issues without any leaks. Discover the reasons behind this problem and how to address it effectively in this guide.
The Rise of Moisture in Attics
Moisture issues, not only in attics but also in standard apartments, are more prevalent today compared to two decades ago. This can be attributed to the economic shift towards high-quality PVC windows with superior sealing, replacing the older, less airtight wooden windows. Ironically, this improvement in window quality may contribute to increased moisture concentration.
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Previously, poorly sealed windows allowed for natural ventilation, mitigating condensation issues. However, with modern windows, people often notice mold and moisture problems, especially in attic apartments.
How Moisture Infiltrates Attics
Moisture infiltrates attics through various means, including cooking, laundry, human occupancy, and surprisingly, even from the foundations in older buildings. If the walls are old or if the waterproofing isn’t done correctly, moisture can seep through the walls via capillary action, reaching the attic.
External insulation, such as polystyrene, can exacerbate the issue by trapping moisture inside. Additionally, openings in ceilings meant for inter-floor communication provide pathways for moisture to reach the attic, manifesting in various forms.
Attics, being the most delicate part of a house concerning insulation, are prone to condensation when in contact with cold surfaces. These surfaces could include windows, poorly insulated roof slopes, or parts of walls where concrete pillars or beams are exposed instead of bricks.
Moisture presence in attics is more than just an aesthetic concern; it rapidly degrades insulation materials like stone or glass wool, diminishing their effectiveness. Furthermore, moisture can damage gypsum plasterboards if used for attic interior lining.
Effective Moisture Solutions for Attics
One effective method to protect insulation material is by installing a vapor-permeable membrane beneath the final roof covering, whether it’s plasterboards or paneling. This specialized membrane allows vapor but not liquid water to pass through, safeguarding the insulation from condensation.
While installing a vapor-permeable membrane entails significant work and costs, it’s not always feasible to address immediately upon noticing moisture issues. A simpler immediate solution is regular ventilation. Although it may lead to heat loss, it replaces warm, moist air with cooler, drier air.
In addition to ventilation, using moisture absorbers can serve as a quick fix. These affordable devices contain special tablets that absorb moisture, condensing it into a separate container. One tablet can last up to three months in a 20-square-meter room, effectively combating both moisture and unpleasant odors.
Preventing Mold on Walls
Attics face significant challenges with cold spots, where low external temperatures cool interior surfaces, causing condensation. Thermal insulation coatings, containing mineral powder particles that absorb and emit heat, can mitigate this issue. Treated surfaces are approximately five degrees warmer than untreated ones, significantly reducing moisture and mold formation in critical areas.
Consult reputable paint stores for similar solutions and invest in quality products, as small amounts can go a long way in addressing moisture and mold problems.
In summary, a combination of moisture absorbers and specialized coatings on critical areas should temporarily alleviate moisture and mold issues with a modest investment of a few thousand dinars until a more permanent solution is implemented.