Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jun 18, 2015 3:30 pm We have just moved into a 1960's built house. After a couple of rainy days the humidity has risen and have noticed past mornings condensation (heavy) on many of the windows in the house and on the walls of our bedroom. We knew there would be work to do to make the house as comfortable as possible, but wasn't expecting this. I would guess there is no insulation in the walls, and maybe no type of building sarking either. The hard wood frame is clad with a Hardiplank looking fibro weather board, and the internal lining is gyprock in most areas, but fibro sheeting in the bedroom. Would removing the lining and insulating the cavity help? Re: Condensation on bedroom walls! 2Jun 18, 2015 4:26 pm Undoubtedly. The main cause of condensation is where cold air ( outside ) meets a warm surface ( inside ). Insulation stops this. It doesn't help that there is little insulation value to your cladding either. Note that you probably won't stop condensation forming on your window panes ( unless you improve their thermal resistance like double glazing etc ) but it should be less than before. Stewie Re: Condensation on bedroom walls! 3Jun 18, 2015 4:29 pm The cure for condensation is both insulation and ventilation. Its very difficult to avoid some condensation on windows in bedrooms (double glazing will reduce it on the windows but the moisture could go somewhere else and form mould) A bit more information is at this link http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2013/08/condensation/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Condensation on bedroom walls! 4Jun 19, 2015 12:58 pm Thanks Stewie & bashworth for your suggestions and the link. Previous owners have added a lot of ventilation grates, inside, (high up on the walls) outside and under the eaves. So looks like wall insulation and new gyprock lining is the next move, could be expensive though 😱 Re: Condensation on bedroom walls! 5Jun 19, 2015 1:30 pm One of the things that may help is to make sure that steam generated by cooking and bathroom is exhausted. People too will exhale steam so a dehumidifier may help. Heating will decrease humidity and reverse cycle is the best because it removes moisture from air. Check building for water leaks and effective sub floor ventilation. Blinds or drapes over windows will help. Steamy bedroom activities? Don't have a cure for that. Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog Re: Condensation on bedroom walls! 6Jun 19, 2015 2:29 pm Yeah, good points, I'm planning to check the house out for things like rain water getting into wall cavities etc. The place came with an unflued gas heater (fairly new) which we have been using. We are having a reverse cycle air con. split system installed next Thursday and selling the gas heater, so this will help, -although the living room is a fair way from our bedroom and activities!!! Re: Condensation on bedroom walls! 7Jun 19, 2015 4:49 pm Quote: So looks like wall insulation and new gyprock lining is the next move, could be expensive though 😱 You want to have a good think about where you want the house to be in 5 - 10 years time. By stripping the cladding you can install as much insulation as you like but while the walls are stripped you can run cables for any new power and data outlets, gas pipes etc. Plus you can completely update the look of your house by changing the cladding. It is not all lost money. By improving your house you are making it more comfortable plus adding to its capital value. Win-win in my book. Stewie Personally, considering your layout (study/work desks in bedrooms), I don't think you have any other option but to leave NW windows and make them as big as possible e.g.… 7 10453 Hi, I'm planning to build a new house and wanted to get some feedback on the different window designs for a master bedroom. Our bedroom is north facing and the bed will… 0 4552 1 15704 |