Interstitial condensation

Interstitial condensation creates structural damping that occurs when moist air penetrates inside the hidden space within an enclosed wall, roof or floor cavity structure. When that moisture laden air reaches a layer inside the interstitial structure that is at dew point temperature, it will condense into liquid water. The moisture laden air can penetrate into hidden interstitial wall cavity from the exterior in warm outdoor temperatures and inside the building during cold outdoor temperatures. Groundwater soaking basement foundation walls from wet soil is common. This can result from a high water table or from improperly drained rainwater runoff soaking into the ground next to the basement walls. Moisture saturated basement walls will add moisture directly into basement interstitial spaces leading to condensation with cool basement temperatures. All interstitial condensation can cause uncontrolled mold and bacteria growth, rotting of wood components, corrosion of metal components and/or a reduction in the thermal insulation's effectiveness. The resulting structural damage,along with mold and bacteria growth may occur without any visible surface indications until significant damage or extensive mold and bacteria growth has occurred. HVAC ducts within interstitial spaces (chases) can leak out cold air through unsealed joints/connections which produces dew point surfaces. Unsealed duct joints/connections can also create suction that pulls humid outdoor air into interstitial spaces and chases. This can promote more mold and bacteria growth on the condensed cool surfaces of the interstitial spaces. In addition, the cool ducts themselves can condense humid air and “sweat” even more liquid water into the interstitial spaces thereby exacerbating mold and bacteria growth. Interstitial condensation creates structural damping that occurs when moist air penetrates inside the hidden space within an enclosed wall, roof or floor cavity structure. When that moisture laden air reaches a layer inside the interstitial structure that is at dew point temperature, it will condense into liquid water. The moisture laden air can penetrate into hidden interstitial wall cavity from the exterior in warm outdoor temperatures and inside the building during cold outdoor temperatures. Groundwater soaking basement foundation walls from wet soil is common. This can result from a high water table or from improperly drained rainwater runoff soaking into the ground next to the basement walls. Moisture saturated basement walls will add moisture directly into basement interstitial spaces leading to condensation with cool basement temperatures. All interstitial condensation can cause uncontrolled mold and bacteria growth, rotting of wood components, corrosion of metal components and/or a reduction in the thermal insulation's effectiveness. The resulting structural damage,along with mold and bacteria growth may occur without any visible surface indications until significant damage or extensive mold and bacteria growth has occurred. HVAC ducts within interstitial spaces (chases) can leak out cold air through unsealed joints/connections which produces dew point surfaces. Unsealed duct joints/connections can also create suction that pulls humid outdoor air into interstitial spaces and chases. This can promote more mold and bacteria growth on the condensed cool surfaces of the interstitial spaces. In addition, the cool ducts themselves can condense humid air and “sweat” even more liquid water into the interstitial spaces thereby exacerbating mold and bacteria growth.