Signs that point to condensation
- wet windows;
- mould in corners, wardrobes or ceilings;
- poor ventilation and heavy indoor air;
- cold surfaces where water settles from indoor humidity.
Signs that point to water ingress
- a localised patch in one specific area;
- it worsens after rain or external washing;
- it is linked to a façade, roof, crack or joint;
- the damage often follows a specific entry path.
Simple rule: if the issue depends mainly on indoor air and ventilation, it often points to condensation. If it depends on rain or a construction entry point, it usually points to water ingress.
Why correct diagnosis matters
Treating water ingress like condensation, or the other way around, usually leads to repeated damage and wasted repair work.
Conclusion
Look at the trigger, the pattern and the location. That is what usually separates condensation from water ingress.