11 Sep How to identify the type of dampness in your home
Dampness is not just an aesthetic problem. Behind a stain on the wall or an unpleasant smell, there may be a hidden issue that affects the structure of the house and can even put the health of its inhabitants at risk. That’s why learning how to identify the type of dampness is essential for making the right decisions and applying the proper solution.
Contenidos
The importance of recognizing the type of dampness
Each type of dampness has a different origin. It’s not the same when water seeps in from the outside through a wall, when it rises from the foundations, or when condensation appears due to excess vapor in the air. When the origin of the problem is not identified, superficial solutions are often applied that don’t solve anything and, over time, become more expensive.
Recognizing the type of dampness will help you:
- Apply the correct solution without wasting time or money.
- Prevent structural damage to walls, ceilings, or floors.
- Avoid health issues such as allergies, asthma, or irritations.
- Maintain thermal comfort and improve indoor air quality.
Dampness from filtration
One of the most common problems in homes is dampness caused by filtration. This occurs when rainwater or groundwater penetrates the interior through cracks, poorly waterproofed walls, deteriorated roofs, or poorly sealed window joints.
The clearest way to recognize it is to see if stains appear on rainy days or in areas directly exposed to the outside, such as basements, rooftops, or façades. Affected walls often show peeling, bubbling paint, and even a constant feeling of cold. If you notice that the issues repeat after every storm, you’re most likely dealing with filtration.
Dampness from capillarity
Another common situation is dampness caused by capillarity. This happens when groundwater rises through the pores of walls and foundations. This phenomenon is especially common in older houses that lack waterproof barriers but can also affect more modern buildings in areas with high groundwater levels.
Usually, stains are concentrated at the bottom of the walls, less than a meter above the floor. It’s also common to see white crystalline deposits, known as saltpeter, which deteriorate finishes. If you paint over those stains and they reappear again and again, it’s a clear sign that the dampness is coming from the ground and not from a simple leak.
Dampness from condensation
Condensation is different from the previous cases because it does not come from the outside or the ground, but from the indoor environment itself. It occurs when the water vapor we produce while cooking, showering, or even breathing comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows, mirrors, or poorly insulated walls.
This type of dampness often shows up as droplets on windows, mold in corners, and an unpleasant odor in closed rooms. Bathrooms and bedrooms are the most affected spaces, especially in winter. Unlike filtration or capillarity, this problem is closely related to ventilation and the thermal insulation of the house.
Step-by-step recommendations to identify the type of dampness
To avoid confusing one type of dampness with another, follow these tips:
- Observe the location of the stains. If they’re near the floor, it’s probably capillarity. If they appear on ceilings or exterior walls, it’s filtration.
- Analyze when they occur. If they only appear after rainfall, it’s filtration; if they are constant, it may be capillarity.
- Check the ventilation. In closed rooms with mold or fogged-up windows, condensation is the most common cause.
- Examine the wall’s finish. The presence of saltpeter or crumbling plaster is typical of capillarity.
- Take the time of year into account. Condensation is usually more intense in winter, while filtration depends on rainfall.
Trust professionals to eliminate dampness
At Humilogic, specialists in diagnosing and treating dampness, we have the experience and technology necessary to analyze your case and provide the most effective solution. If you suspect your home may have dampness problems and want a professional evaluation, contact us today and get rid of dampness for good.