Rising damp or condensation?
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The short answer: Rising damp comes up from the ground and leaves a tide mark on the lower part of a wall. Condensation forms on cold surfaces and shows as water droplets and black mould, often in corners, on windows and behind furniture. They need different fixes, so it matters which one you have.
Signs of rising damp
- A tide mark or staining low on the wall, usually below about a metre
- Peeling paint, damp plaster or salt deposits near the skirting
- Damp that stays all year, not just in winter
Signs of condensation
- Water droplets on windows and cold walls
- Black mould in corners, on ceilings and behind wardrobes
- Worse in winter and after cooking, showers or drying washing indoors
Other causes
Leaking gutters, cracked render and defective pipework can cause penetrating damp that looks very similar. Misdiagnosis is common and can lead to expensive work that does not solve the problem, which is why we find the real cause before recommending any treatment.
Not sure what you are looking at?
Book a survey and we will tell you honestly what needs doing.