How to Stop the Interior Walls From Sweating

A sweaty interior wall is usually a sign of too much humidity in the room, forcing condensation to appear on the walls. Moisture becomes visible on a surface when it reaches the dew point, which is the temperature at which water vapor in the air changes from gas to liquid. This is a phenomenon that you have probably already observed on your lawn in the summer early in the morning.

It is this same concept that comes into play in causing condensation to appear on your walls: if warm air from your heating system comes into contact with a wall colder than the ambient temperature of your room, the dew point will be reached and condensation will now be visible on the wall.

The more humid a room, the more likely condensation can end up on the walls. Once the cause of this condensation is established, there are several ways to fix it.

Here are 2 solutions

1) Decrease the relative humidity of the air in the room

If your wall is airtight, but condensation is still accumulating there, you can assess the relative humidity of the air. The less humid the air in a room, the less condensation will tend to lodge on the walls.

A hygrometer (or hygrostat) is a humidity reading tool that is easily found in any big box hardware store and can help you determine if the humidity in a room is too high. If the humidity level exceeds 50%, condensation will form all the more easily in the room concerned.

To remedy this, locate if the source of the dampness is from a specific activity in the home or near the room in question. Is it a poorly ventilated bathroom? The air coming out of a dryer that is not getting properly to the outside of the house?

You know your home better than anyone and you can find the cause of this excessive ambient humidity if necessary. If none of these causes seem to echo your problem, a dehumidifier can help control the humidity in a room.

It is also important to take into account the fact that too high a humidity level also represents a health issue, as it represents fertile ground for the appearance of mold and dust mites. Note that these allergens can be dangerous and cause long-term respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma.

2) Make sure the wall is watertight

An airtight wall is essential if you want to counter the accumulation of condensation on the walls. If air can circulate through a hole or a gap, condensation can form not only on the wall, but also inside it. If the air condenses in the wall, the water will eventually end up there too. First, make sure the wall is airtight.

The junction between the walls and the floors is often the entry point for outside air – applying a sealant to this junction can help if you notice air infiltration. You can also have it done by a professional if you find that several rooms could benefit from caulking work.

To improve long-term insulation, consider installing an air barrier in the most problematic walls of your home. It will prevent outside air from seeping into the wall and provide better insulation for your home.

If you want to know precisely what is the source of the drafts, consider a blower door test to measure the amount of outside air entering the house. This test simulates high wind conditions and makes it possible to establish precisely where the air is infiltrating.

In summary

If your wall oozes, two main factors should be considered: air infiltration in the wall and relative humidity. If you identify which of these situations is responsible for your problem of condensation on the walls, you will be able to put forward the appropriate solution to remedy the situation. You will then be able to enjoy a waterproof and durable room, free of mold caused by humidity.

How to Stop the Interior Walls From Sweating

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