In collaboration with HS Engenharias, a company specializing in condominium construction, we have prepared an article that helps explain an important difference.
Infiltration vs. Condensation – How to tell the difference
Moisture is a frequent problem in many homes and is dangerous both for the building and for the health of those who live there. Excessive moisture causes the appearance of mites, fungi, and microorganisms that are very harmful to the inhabitants of the house and causes problems related to the structure of the home. Therefore, it is important to determine the type of moisture affecting the house in order to find a solution.
Moisture can be caused by different factors, the most common being leaks and condensation.
Moisture due to infiltration
Infiltration is caused by water seeping from the outside into the house due to poor waterproofing of the building elements. Rain is often the main cause of moisture infiltration, which causes wear and tear on building materials, often putting the structural integrity of the building at risk. This type of moisture often manifests itself in roofs, roofing, expansion joints, and walls that are in contact with the ground. It most commonly appears in the form of dark stains and peeling on walls.
Condensation moisture
This is the most common type of moisture in homes and occurs when the water vapor we produce inside our homes comes into contact with colder surfaces and condenses, forming water droplets. It usually appears in the corners of walls and ceilings and eventually manifests itself in the form of unsightly black or brown stains.
Thus, unlike leaks that come in from "outside" to "inside," condensation is moisture that is produced inside the home through daily activities such as breathing, showering, cooking, washing and drying clothes, etc.
Infiltration vs. Condensation
As already mentioned, the main difference between moisture due to infiltration and moisture due to condensation is its origin, which can be inside (condensation) or outside (infiltration) the home, but there are other differences:
− Infiltration can occur at any time of year. Condensation usually occurs in cold weather (fall or winter);
− Condensation usually appears due to a lack of good insulation in the walls of the house and poor ventilation, while infiltration occurs due to poor waterproofing of the building elements of the home;
− When infiltration occurs, a very noticeable stain on the surface is always visible. On the other hand, condensation can appear in a more diverse manner. For example: moisture on mirrors and windows, mold in corners, peeling paint and plaster, bad smells, etc.
Neither infiltration nor condensation are covered by multi-risk home insurance, as the former usually occurs due to a lack of building maintenance and the latter is due to a lack of insulation in the building elements themselves.
In the case of claim, what usually occurs is localized infiltration, which, if the areas where it occurs are not cleaned and ventilated, can lead to high condensation and material degradation.
