Custom moisture-resistant wall panels and coverings can completely change a space’s look (and even its function). With their nearly limitless possibilities for patterns, designs, and colors, wall panels are a great way to reimagine a room to make a powerful first impression or support a certain feeling for all who spend time there.
However, residential and commercial owners who want to change a room might face an unexpected challenge: moisture. Humidity is normal inside any building; a room with 0% humidity would be nearly intolerable in terms of comfort (and almost impossible to achieve).
In fact, the wood and other materials that make up a room don’t thrive at such low moisture levels. However, the inverse is also true: high humidity can ruin walls.
Here are some suggestions for transforming humid interiors with custom moisture-resistant wall panels so you can get the most out of your space, regardless of what you want to use it for.
The Problem with Humidity
The ideal humidity in most dwellings is between roughly 45% and 60%. Humans themselves contribute to some of that moisture due to respiration. However, when humidity increases too much, a building can suffer.
Walls are by nature semi-porous, which can allow moisture droplets to infiltrate. This moisture eats away at the wall material and even seeps deeper into the support structures of the building, such as the wooden frame.
The resulting rot and mold may make the structure dangerous and cause health issues. Stopping humidity from causing problems should be one central factor behind which wall coverings an owner selects.
Measuring Moisture in Wall Coverings
Some spaces are more humid than others. But how does that information relate to which wall panels to select? In order to make an informed choice, it is important to know how each wall material rates using the wet cup test. This test measures how much water vapor can pass through a specific material.
Most people would assume that a wet cup test result of 0 (or, in other words, that nothing can pass through) would be ideal. However, it is important for moisture to be able to escape from behind the wall; otherwise, it will be trapped, causing mold and other issues. Thus, the right wall panels will have the specific use case in mind: a sauna might need to prevent water from seeping into the wall more than an office.
How Wall Panels Stop Moisture Intrusion
When it comes to completely eliminating the possibility of moisture transfer, vinyl is the most common choice. Non-perforated vinyl panels score a 0 on the wet cup test, meaning they do not allow moisture to pass through. As noted previously, this can cause issues with humidity buildup behind the wall. Instead, consider how moisture-resistant wall panels such as Terralon address moisture.
Terralon custom wall panels remain permeable so humid air can escape. However, their surface remains completely resistant to water. This water resistance is so hearty that Terralon can be used in locations where water exposure is not just a possibility but a guarantee, such as water parks and baths.
Terralon scores among the highest among competitors for permeability at 16.5 on the wet cup test, which means that moisture is able to escape easily when necessary.
Custom moisture-resistant wall panels balance the particular needs of a humid interior with the design flexibility of a less restrictive space.
Panels can be printed with designs or colors that are limited only by the creator’s imagination, which means that whether you are decorating your home or business, the sky is the limit. A humid room and a stunning aesthetic do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Other Moisture-Resistant Wall Panel Advantages
Wall panels that stand up to humidity offer significant benefits in terms of protection, but this is not their only advantage. Most people are familiar with the eerie echo of the bland, empty rooms often surrounding pools and spas. Moisture-resistant wall panels can add texture and a visual flair, absorbing some of that sound and making the space more enjoyable.
Additionally, not all moisture-resistant panels are made from vinyl. This is good news for those concerned about the environment! Eco-friendly wall panels such as DreamScape’s lineup are made from 31% recyclable materials, which has accounted for an equivalent of more than 12 million plastic bottles so far.
Keep Your Rooms Protected
If you have a damp space in need of some changes, consider how custom moisture-resistant wall panels can simultaneously prevent future damage and create a visually striking room.
The professionals at Tree Towns can help you choose from industry-leading moisture-resistant panels that suit your needs based on your specific use case. Contact Tree Towns to learn more!