Condensation vs Damp: How to Tell the Difference

Understanding whether you're dealing with condensation or damp is crucial for choosing the right solution. While both can cause damage to your home, they require very different approaches to fix.

What is Condensation? Condensation occurs when warm, moist air meets cold surfaces. It's most common in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms where moisture levels are high. You'll typically see water droplets on windows, mirrors, and cold walls.

What is Damp? Damp, whether rising or penetrating, is caused by moisture entering your property from external sources. This could be through the ground (rising damp), through walls (penetrating damp), or due to structural defects.

Key Differences Condensation tends to be seasonal, worse in winter when heating creates greater temperature differences. It appears on all cold surfaces and is often accompanied by mould on soft furnishings and clothes. Damp problems persist year-round and are localised to specific areas. Rising damp affects lower walls, while penetrating damp often appears around windows, chimneys, or areas of damaged brickwork.

How to Test A simple test is to tape a piece of foil to the affected area. After 24 hours, check both sides. If moisture is on the room-facing side, it's condensation. If it's on the wall-facing side, you likely have a damp problem that needs professional attention.