The problem of condensation is among the hardest construction defects to treat.
The reason is that the fix is largely trial and error, short of redesigning the apartment's entire thermal insulation envelope, which is rarely practical.
Condensation is most common in cold areas such as Jerusalem, but interestingly, it also turns up in warmer ones like Ashdod and Netanya.
It leads to mold, which builds up mainly where walls meet each other, or meet the ceiling.
It also causes aluminum windows and profiles to sweat, as the photos below, taken in an apartment in Beit Shemesh, show:
The fix in each case is determined by a building inspection engineer, based on how severe the problem is and where in the apartment it shows up.
At times, contractors try to argue that it's a matter of insufficient ventilation.
Poor ventilation can indeed cause condensation, but not to the extent or severity seen in these photos, which, notably, were taken in the afternoon.
The engineers of Arad Bedek Bayit, led by building engineer Ron Arad, whom courts appoint as their own expert on construction defects. The company has been inspecting apartments and buildings since 2001. Engineer Ron Arad · More about the company