Condensation is one of the trickiest types of damp to manage in older properties, particularly Victorian homes. Unlike rising or penetrating damp, it’s caused by moisture in the air rather than water entering from outside, which makes it harder to see, diagnose, and treat.

Invisible and Hard to Detect

Condensation often goes unnoticed until it causes visible damage, such as:

• Black mould in corners, behind furniture, or on ceilings

• Peeling paint or wallpaper

• Timber decay in skirting boards, joists, or floorboards

By the time these signs appear, the problem may have been ongoing for months—or even years.

Complex and Widespread Causes

Condensation arises from multiple, interconnected factors:

• Moisture generated indoors from cooking, bathing, or drying clothes

• Poor ventilation and stagnant air pockets

• Cold surfaces caused by single-glazed windows or uninsulated walls

• Inconsistent heating and temperature fluctuation

No single fix will solve all of these issues, which is why condensation often persists despite superficial repairs.

Challenges of Treating Condensation in Victorian Homes

• Retrofitting mechanical ventilation (e.g., HRV or MVHR systems) can be difficult due to solid walls, timber floors, and the need to maintain period aesthetics.

• Passive ventilation improvements like trickle vents or air bricks may help but are often insufficient on their own.

• Insulation upgrades must use breathable materials to prevent trapping moisture.

• Lifestyle and heating adjustments are required, but consistent behaviour is essential.
  
  

A Holistic Approach is Needed

Fixing condensation usually involves a multi-layered strategy:

1. Ventilation (mechanical and passive)

2. Consistent heating and temperature control

3. Moisture management and lifestyle changes

4. Treatment of any timber or plaster damage

Because of its invisible, widespread, and complex nature, condensation is widely regarded as the most intangible and difficult type of damp to resolve in Victorian homes.