Lanzarote is famous for its dry, sunny climate, but properties on the island are far from immune to moisture problems. In fact, when damp appears on a Lanzarote wall, it is usually a sign that something is fundamentally wrong. This guide, from The Leaky Finders, explains why moisture issues are particularly prevalent right now, how to spot and treat them, and when to call in the professionals.
Why Lanzarote is Seeing More Damp This Year
The Canary Islands have recently experienced an unprecedented climatic shift. Sudden torrential downpours in April 2025 from Storm Olivier caused severe flooding, submerging roads and inundating hundreds of homes across the island, particularly in Costa Teguise, Tahíche, and Arrecife.
And then after a period of significant dryness in late 2025, the early months of 2026 brought a historic “green” transformation to Lanzarote. A succession of Atlantic storms—including Claudia, Emilia, and Francis—delivered record-breaking rainfall, with some areas receiving over 100 litres per square meter in just one week.
This extreme weather has exposed vulnerabilities in Lanzarote’s housing stock. The vast majority of properties feature flat roofs designed for a dry climate; when subjected to heavy, persistent rain, aging waterproofing membranes fail, allowing water to pool and penetrate the structure.
Poorly constructed and maintained walls literally started crumbling. Homeowners have seen mould patches appearing inside their properties where you really don’t want to see mould. And with many holiday homes on the island, these properties can sit empty for extended periods of time. When villas and houses are closed up ventilation is poor and during wet, cooler months, these homes become breeding grounds for condensation and mould. Houses need air! Houses need to breathe!
How to Spot the Problem
Damp in Lanzarote typically falls into three categories, each with distinct characteristics:
| Type of Damp | Common Characteristics | Typical Causes in Lanzarote |
| Penetrating Damp | Appears at any height; worsens during or after rain; localized to specific areas. | Flat roof failures; cracked exterior render; failed window seals exposed to salt air. Very common |
| Pipe Leaks | Persistent dampness regardless of weather; localized spots; sometimes warm to the touch. | Aging internal plumbing; hidden pipes leaking behind walls. Very common |
| Condensation | Black mould growth; water droplets on windows; dampness on exterior-facing walls. | Poor ventilation in closed-up properties; warm humid air meeting cool surfaces. Less common |
By far the most common reason we see damp spots in houses here is hidden water leaks.
Rising damp, characterised by tide marks and salt deposits on lower wall, is less common due to the dry climate but can affect older properties lacking a proper damp-proof course.
DIY Detection and Treatment
Before calling an expert, you can perform a simple DIY “Foil Test” to help identify the source of the moisture. Here’s how
- Tape a piece of aluminium foil over the damp patch
- Seal all edges tightly
- Wait 24 to 48 hours.
- Moisture appears on the wall side of the foil = internal source, such as a pipe leak or penetrating damp.
- Moisture forms on the room-facing side = the issue is condensation
If condensation is the culprit, you can often treat it yourself. Improve ventilation by opening windows regularly, utilise dehumidifiers during the cooler months, and clean surface mould with appropriate fungicidal washes.
However, if the damp persists or the foil test indicates an internal leak or penetrating damp, do not simply paint over it. The moisture will inevitably return, causing further structural damage.
The Dangers of ignoring damp walls
Untreated dampness leads to:
- Structural damage: Weakened walls and plaster
- Mould growth: Health risks especially for respiratory conditions
- Electrical hazards: Water and electricity don’t mix
- Property devaluation: Damp is a major concern for buyers
- Increasing repair costs: Problems worsen over time
When to Call the Experts
When a damp patch refuses to dry out, or if you suspect a hidden pipe leak or flat roof failure, it is time to call in professional leak detection specialists. Finding the exact source of water intrusion in concrete and blockwork buildings is incredibly difficult without the right tools.
Here at Canary Detect, The Leaky Finders, we specialise in non-invasive leak detection across Lanzarote. Because water travels along the path of least resistance, the visible damp patch on your ceiling or wall is rarely located directly next to the actual leak or roof defect.
Professional Detection Technology
Canary Detect utilises over €80,000 worth of advanced diagnostic equipment to pinpoint leaks with centimetre accuracy, ensuring that walls and floors are not unnecessarily damaged during the search Our multi-technology approach includes:
- Thermal Imaging: Leaking pipes create temperature differences visible on thermal cameras. This non-invasive method shows us exactly where water is flowing behind your walls.
- Moisture Mapping: Electronic moisture meters create a detailed map of dampness, helping identify the source and extent of water damage.
- Acoustic Detection: Sensitive microphones can hear the sound of water escaping from pipes, even through walls and floors.
- Tracer Gas: For difficult-to-find leaks, we inject harmless tracer gas into pipes and detect where it escapes.
By combining these technologies, professionals can locate the exact source of the damp, provide a detailed report for your insurance company, and recommend targeted repairs that minimise disruption to your home
If you are dealing with persistent damp in Lanzarote this year, remember that the dry climate is your diagnostic friend: if a wall stays wet, a hidden problem needs fixing.
Why Choose Canary Detect?
We specialise in finding the hidden causes of damp walls:
- Non-invasive methods: No unnecessary wall damage
- Accurate detection: Pinpoint leak locations
- Detailed reports: For insurance and contractors
- No Find, No Fee: Guaranteed results
Get Your Damp Walls Investigated
If you have got a damp wall that will not dry out, do not just paint over it or stick on a dehumidifier. Find out what is causing it first. We use thermal imaging to see exactly where the moisture is coming from without opening up the wall. Most of the time, we can give you a definitive answer in a single visit.
Contact Canary Detect for leak detection services across Lanzarote.
Request a survey at https://canary-detect.com/contact
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