By Mark J. Donovan
If, for example you were to measure the inside wall temperature of your home
using thermocouples you wood see a marked difference between the temperature of
the wall near the wall stud versus in the area between the wall studs where
there is fiberglass insulation.
Because of this cold surface area on the inside wall and the warm moist air
within the home, condensation forms over the inside wall surface where the wall
stud sits behind. This condensation translates into extremely small water
droplets forming on the inside walls along the lines of the wall studs. This
moist surface area enables airborne dust particles within the home to stick to
the surface of the inside wall along the wall stud lines. Over time dark lines
will begin to become visible.
To eliminate the dark lines, you can
try washing, but in the end a new paint job is usually required. To best way to
eliminate the formation of dark lines is to prevent them from forming in the
first place. To do this, you should reduce the moisture level within the home
during the cold seasons by using a dehumidifier. In addition, make sure you
regularly change the air filters in your heating system if you have a hot air
system. Blowing dirty air throughout the home is not only bad for your walls,
but also your health.