Why you should tape aluminum foil on your wall this season
Rain leaking in or just condensation? This simple hack can help you identify home moisture problems.
Discovering water in your home can be concerning, and identifying the sourcecan be a tricky process. One cost-effective way to determine whether the water is simply condensation or a more serious issue, such as a leak, is to tape aluminum foil to your wall.
For this simple DIY hack, you will need:
Aluminum foil
Tape (painter's tape is best, as it is less likely to leave behind sticky residue)
The first step is to pat dry the area of the wall where you’ve noticed moisture. Once the area is dry, take a piece of aluminum foil (it can be as large as the affected area) and tape it tightly to the wall—emphasis on "tightly."
Be sure to dab the area dry before adding the foil and tape. (The Weather Network)
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Next, wait 24 to 48 hours before checking the results.
If you find water between the foil and the wall when you remove it, you likely have a leak. In this case, it’s important to call a professional to locate the source before it causes further damage.
If the foil is wet but the wall side is dry, it's probably condensation. In this situation, a dehumidifier may be all you need to remedy the problem.
Watch the video above for a full demonstration of this simple hack.
If the foil has moisture on the outside, it's likely due to condensation. (The Weather Network)