Drafty homes are less likely to have moisture problems

Insulation · The Basics · printed page 234 (PDF page 235)

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Drafty Houses Insulation – the Basics

Text in the illustration

old houses were drafty (loose siding, loose windows, no air/vapor barriers)
they had many air changes per hour that brought in fresh air (with its good drying ability)
wall cavities were warm - moisture did not condense in wall cavities
while houses enjoyed this situation, people didn't appreciate the cold drafts and dry air
drafts

Generated explanation

The illustration shows the front elevation of an older two-story house with a gabled roof, chimney, windows, and covered porch. Curving arrows at the upper story represent drafts and air movement through the house. Annotations explain that loose siding, loose windows, and absent air/vapor barriers allowed frequent air changes that brought in fresh air with drying potential. They also state that warm wall cavities avoided moisture condensation. The figure contrasts these moisture benefits with occupants' discomfort from cold drafts and dry air.