Can a Wall Dry Out Over the Summer?
If there have been leaks in the walls or if a wall shows elevated moisture levels, it is essential to take measures to dry it out. There is a common misconception that walls can “dry out” on their own during warm summer months. However, this is not the case.
If there has been a leak inside a wall (often unknown to new homeowners) and moisture levels remain high, natural drying is unlikely in our climate. Visible mold, which may not appear during the summer, can return in the winter under cold and humid conditions. Even if the house has proper ventilation and all necessary measures have been taken to maintain a good indoor climate, wet walls will not dry out on their own without specific treatment.
In such cases, wall drying is essential. We use specialized equipment that effectively and efficiently dries out walls. This process is not instantaneous, but its effectiveness has been proven in many successful cases.
I always record moisture levels before and after drying. Recently, I revisited a client six months after drying was completed and was pleased with the results. It was important for me to check how the wall's moisture level had changed during the autumn rainy season.
The moisture levels in the walls had normalized and remained stable for six months. In the photo, you can see the moisture readings before drying, after drying, and measurements taken six months later. The maximum permissible level is 2.
It’s important to note that, in addition to drying, additional measures were taken in the apartment to support the achieved results and reduce overall humidity levels.
I’d also like to point out that some homes with leaks may not have visible mold, but homes with damp walls (not always detectable by touch) are often several degrees colder, which significantly impacts comfort and can lead to mold spore spread.
P.S. The photo shows readings above 2. This is due to a newly formed leak under the window, caused by an improperly installed window sill.