SkamoWall resolves moisture problems in homes

The right level of humidity in the home is important for the indoor climate and therefore also important for both health and the structure of the building. Therefore, it is not enough to have either low or high humidity levels, as there are complications associated with both.

Humidity levels should preferably be below 60% to 65% in summer, and below 40% to 45% in winter, but not below 25%. 

There are some clear signs of when your home’s moisture level is too high.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• The presence of bad odors – like a wet basement.
• Black spots on walls and windowsills.
• Condensation on inside-facing window panes.
• Bulging wallpaper.

Condensation on inside-facing windows panes in the morning is not unusual when it’s cold outside – especially in the bedroom. However, it is a bad sign if larger patches of water form at the edge of the window or if there is moisture on the windows all year round.

SkamoWall manages moisture problems

Unlike traditional types of insulation, SkamoWall resolves moisture problems in poorly insulated walls.

The main element of the SkamoWall system is the calcium silicate SkamoWall Board, which, after mounting, absorbs moisture in the room and thereby improves the indoor climate.

At lower levels of humidity, SkamoWall Board will naturally release moisture into the room. This is a special property of the material making SkamoWall suitable for ensuring an improved indoor climate.

"Unlike stud walls, calcium silicate boards can absorb moisture from indoor air, which can diffuse through the material. When the moisture content in the material becomes so high that capillary condensation occurs on the side towards the outer wall, the capillary absorbing properties of the material mean that moisture is drawn back towards the indoor environment again, as the water will gravitate towards the dry part of the material. The water can now evaporate into the room until an equilibrium occurs where the surface is dry." from BUILD - Institute for Construction, Urban Development and Environment: SBi guideline 240

Challenges related to humidity

Excessive moisture in the home can be caused by a variety of factors – both those you can control and avoid, and those that require targeted action in the building’s structure. The following can be a source of increased humidity in the indoor climate:

• Leaks in the structure.
• Rising ground moisture in the basement.
• Cold surfaces in the home, e.g. poorly insulated outer walls or thermal bridges that cause condensation.
• Insufficient airing out and heating.
• Overflow of sewage pipes.
• Broken gutters or downpipes.

It is not only the defects in the building's structure that can lead to moisture problems. People's behavior indoors also has a major impact on humidity and the indoor climate, and because we spend 90% of our time inside the four walls of our home, it is also extremely important to have an indoor climate with clean air without traces of mold spores that can have health-related consequences.

Excessive humidity can provide optimal conditions for microorganisms such as dust mites and mold.

Consequences of incorrect humidity levels

Excessive humidity can cause mold and bad odors, which over time can lead to health problems and reduce the lifespan of the building. On the other hand, excessively low humidity can cause problems with dehydrated mucous membranes and skin and lead to complications in the building.

Incorrect indoor humidity can result in breathing problems and cause skin irritations, infections and other symptoms. Indoor humidity also has a major impact on the building’s structure, which can be undermined by inappropriate humidity levels.

The solution for high humidity

If you suspect that there are problems with moisture and mold in your home, it is recommended that you get a building survey to specify the causes and extent of the problem. If there is mold growth, it is a sign that there is excess moisture that is unable to be ventilated away, thereby providing a perfect environment for mold to grow and spread.

If it turns out that the exterior walls, where moisture is a problem, are not properly insulated, SkamoWall is a solution that ensures that excess moisture is led away from the building’s structure and into the room in a natural way.