Putting up Mold- and Allergy-Free Wallpaper

Created By RISC | 5 months ago

Last modified date : 5 months ago

Have you ever put up wallpaper in your home!​

There may be risks hidden under the pretty colors. Thailand's hot and humid environment means that moisture accumulates on walls. Rainwater can leak in from the walls or roof. Broken water pipes can make the situation worse.​

What’s more, using AC to keep your home at 25-27°C when outdoors is 36°C creates a relative humidity of over 60%RH, particularly in April. Condensation forms inside the wall depending on where the dew point temperature occurs when heat meets cold, just like fog on a window or water droplets on a cold glass. ​



Chart 1: Psychrometric Chart displays a dew point temperature of 28°C when the outside air temperature is 36 °C and the relative humidity is 60%RH.​

These issues result in moisture accumulating on house walls. We should avoid using additional materials to prevent it and instead go for a material that allows moisture to escape from the wall as fast as possible.​

If the wall surface is decorated or other materials limit ventilation, such as wallpaper, issues with brick or concrete walls may be concealed. Particles and dirt behind the wallpaper will create fungus, resulting in air pollution, triggering allergic reactions. ​



Figure 1: Condensation on building walls.​



Figure 2: Mold on building walls is caused by coating the surface with substance that holds moisture.

Figure 3 illustrates how to install wallpaper to reduce mold on building walls.​

If you must use wallpaper to decorate your home, RISC has tips on material selection and installation techniques.​

• To avoid dampness, examine and seal any leaks or cracks in the wall surface before allowing it to dry completely.​

• Use a moisture-resistant foundation with antifungal ingredients.​

• Select a non-toxic glue with low volatile organic compounds (low-VOCs) and no food-for-fungi additives. ​

• Select breathable wallpaper and non-toxic ink to protect your health.​

Wallpaper is not to blame if we can regulate our home's surroundings. To reduce the risk of fungus, avoid putting wallpaper in residential areas, particularly bedrooms, where environmental management is difficult.​

Ultimately, think about when you last observed a difference in the walls of your home.​

Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISC