# Condensation on outside wall surface in a cold climate? **URL:** \ **Category:** Project Development & Documentation\ **Created:** [April 13, 2025, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/condensation-on-outside-wall-surface-in-a-cold-climate/6768 "2025-04-13T21:04:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![giyoungoh](https://blackspectacles.com/uploads/images/10.png) [@giyoungoh](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/giyoungoh)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2025, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/condensation-on-outside-wall-surface-in-a-cold-climate/6768/1 "2025-04-13T21:04:45Z")
What is likely missing in the wall assemble if you inspect condensation on outside wall surface in a cold climate? I understand interior wall condensation can be resolved with better insulation of wall, but not sure about outsode wall. ---
**Author:** ![kiaragalicinao](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/community.blackspectacles.com/kiaragalicinao/32/1607_2.png) [@kiaragalicinao](https://community.blackspectacles.com/u/kiaragalicinao)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.blackspectacles.com/t/condensation-on-outside-wall-surface-in-a-cold-climate/6768/2 "2025-04-15T18:07:15Z")
Hi @giyoungoh, The big takeaway to remember for ARE purposes is that **the vapor barrier should be installed on the warm side of the insulation**. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air encounters a cold surface, causing the moisture to condense. Therefore, in a cold climate, the vapor barrier should be located on the interior (warm) side of the insulation to prevent condensation from entering the wall system. If condensation is observed on either the interior or exterior surface of a wall, this could be due to improper insulation or a misplaced/insufficient vapor barrier. Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB **Black Spectacles**