Akçay is the densely built summer resort of the Edremit Bay. In these homes — lived in throughout the summer, mostly closed in winter — the most common complaint, from both owners and site managements, is the same: humidity and mold. Inadequate air conditioning, bathroom ventilation that opens into a cavity instead of a duct, humid sea air and the closed winter months all come together, and it is not unusual in Akçay to enter a summer home in October and find mold on the walls. Below is the material guide we have drawn from dozens of humidity and mold repairs we have carried out in Akçay as Yamanlar Renovation.
Why is humidity so common in Akçay?
For three reasons:
- High relative humidity: Averages 65-80% all year round.
- Time spent closed: With no air circulation in a home that stays closed for 6-9 months in winter.
- Old building details: In 80s-90s complexes, the bathroom ventilation duct opens directly into the false ceiling cavity; the kitchen extractor hood is not connected to a flue.
Without solving these three factors separately, simply painting the wall does not work; the mold reappears under the new paint within 4-6 months.
Choosing the right materials
- Antifungal interior paint: The label is not enough — real antifungal paints contain preservatives such as IZO or OIT. In bathrooms, kitchens and on north-facing walls, always use a product with an anti-mold label.
- Breathable plaster: Lime-based or silicate-primed plaster lets the wall's moisture evaporate in a controlled way instead of trapping it inside.
- Waterproofing membrane: In wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, a two-coat brush-applied waterproofing (polyurethane or acrylic-based) under the tiles.
- Ceiling board: Green drywall (moisture-resistant) or waterproof fibre-cement board.
- Bathroom / kitchen fan: Must be connected to an air duct and vent to the outside; a model with a humidity sensor and delayed shut-off is ideal.
- Window joinery: Double glazing, airtight weatherstripping and shutters. Single-glazed windows are the main cause of condensation.
How does the process work?
- Source diagnosis: Is it a leak, condensation, or groundwater / capillary rise? Each requires a different approach.
- Structural correction: We first close the flashing above windows, cold-bridge details and plumbing leaks.
- Plaster and paint renewal: The moldy area is completely scraped away; antifungal primer + breathable plaster + antifungal paint.
- Ventilation: If the existing fan is not connected to a duct, an outlet is opened to the exterior and a humidity-sensing fan is installed.
- Bathroom floor / wall: Waterproofing membrane + tiles + epoxy grout (anti-mold).
- Seasonal closing discipline: Shutters half open, bathroom door open, moisture absorbers in 2-3 spots.
Common mistakes
- “I wiped the mold with bleach and painted over it” — the mold's mycelium keeps living inside the wall.
- Adding antifungal additives over standard paint — its effect is limited in most products.
- Gluing a second layer of tiles over the bathroom ceramics and skipping the waterproofing.
- Using only a carbon filter in the kitchen instead of an extractor duct — the steam still stays inside.
- Relying on air conditioning without ever opening a window — the AC reduces humidity but does not provide fresh air circulation.
What to look for during the site survey
- The location of the mold stain (bathroom, north wall, underside of the AC unit).
- Where do the bathroom and kitchen ventilation ducts lead?
- The type of existing paint (acrylic / silicate / antifungal).
- Condensation marks on windows.
- Water leaks under the roof or at terrace edges.
- Suspected hidden plumbing leaks (boiler inlet-outlet, bathroom flush).
Factors affecting duration and cost
For a typical 80 m² summer home in Akçay, a humidity repair package takes 2-3 weeks. More than half of the cost goes to solving the source (ventilation + insulation); the share of the paint item is low. If a full renewal of the bathroom and kitchen is included, it reaches 4-6 weeks.
How Yamanlar Renovation works in Akçay
We work with 10+ years of experience in Akçay complexes; in coordination with the site managements, we plan noise hours, elevator use and weekend material deliveries in advance. For every mold case, we first prepare a source diagnosis report. Contact us for a free site survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is antifungal paint enough?
Not on its own. Antifungal paint is a protective layer; without solving ventilation and structural leaks, it quickly loses its function.
How effective are moisture absorbers?
Passive types (silicate tablets) are good for small spaces; in medium-to-large flats, an electric dehumidifier is more efficient. Thermostatic models are ideal for the closed season.
Why is waterproofing needed under the bathroom tiles?
Because grout lets water through micro-cracks over the years. Without brush-applied waterproofing underneath, water seeps into the concrete screed and leaves stains on the ceiling of the downstairs neighbour.
How can I reduce mold risk while using air conditioning?
Clean the filter of the indoor unit once a month; run it in fan mode for 10-15 minutes after use; don't put lavender or zeolite bags under the indoor unit — they block moisture circulation.
Related guides: Güre summer home renovation, bathroom renovation guide, our Akçay renovation services.
