Many individuals don’t know how big of a problem water damage is to your property. Along with noticeable property damage, water damage can cause a wide range of health problems, such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems.
Compared to other types of water damage, water damage in walls is harder to recognize. You might not discover a water leak until serious damage has already been done since it can occur in hidden areas like the interior of walls. Early problem detection certainly helps you in preventing future problems.
Cause of Water Damage in Walls
Hidden water leaks cause structural damage and mold growth, causing warping, stains, and deterioration in wood, drywall, insulation, and wallpaper. Undiscovered mold growth can cause extensive damage and health issues like allergies and infections.
There are numerous causes of water damage in walls:
Clogged Gutters and Eaves
Without a gutter to direct the excess rainwater (or snowmelt), leaks will eventually develop in your roof and walls. In addition, clogged gutters can cause water to pour onto the house’s foundation, possibly leading to cracks and structural damage over time.
Construction Problems/Failures
Old or damaged roofing, low-quality materials, a lack of structural integrity, foundation fractures, or insufficient or badly placed gutters and downspouts can all lead to water damage in walls.
Foundation Walls
Water can enter your house through the foundation walls under certain conditions. When water seeps into the foundation walls and eventually starts to drain within your basement, the walls begin to leak and break.
Natural Events
Drains flowing in the roof and near the wall may become clogged or break as a result of the strain caused by severe weather and structural damage.
Plumbing Problems
These happen when joints and pipes become loose, split, or break open due to aging, corrosion, water pressure, mishaps, or freezing. Clogs, which result in backups of clean water or wastewater, can also cause them.
Signs of Water Damage in Walls
Water damage beneath the walls is not always obvious and sometimes difficult to recognize. Here are the signs of water damage in the walls:
Dripping Noises
A leaking pipe may be the source of a faint dripping sound coming from a nearby wall. You will have a harder time detecting a leak if your home is older and has iron pipes.
Increase in Water Bill
If you see a huge, sudden rise in your water bill or a gradual rise over several months, you might be dealing with a water leak. You may not have noticed it, but this could be causing hidden water damage to the walls.
Mold
The odor and color of visible mold spots on walls range from pale green to black. Take action right away to stop further damage and potential health risks. Mold can swiftly spread if it is not treated, risking the health of everybody who lives in the house. It’s essential to deal with water damage in walls right once to stop the spread of mold and guarantee a secure living space.
Musty Odor
A musty smell in your home may be a sign of mold or mildew, both of which are brought on by water damage. Knowing where the smell is coming from may help you check the inside of walls for mold or water damage.
Peeling or Bubbling Wallpaper or Paint
Drywall that has too much moisture causes flaking and peeling, which worsens the damage. If water damage is not prevented, it will eventually spread and affect the paint’s look and peeling.
Sagging or Warped Walls
As your drywall succumbs to the weight of the water it collects, it will begin to show signs of water damage in the wall by warping, swelling, or sagging. Your walls or ceilings could swell and appear bloated, or they could sink or cave in.
Spongy or Soft Walls
Plaster or drywall that has been affected by water damage feels soft or sponge-like to the touch. Swelling and wet areas are signs of expansion, which is a sign of water damage.
Stain or Discoloration
Check the wall for any spots that look to be discolored or have a different color from the rest of the wall. Your wall may have water damage if you see any yellow, brown, or dark stains.
Standing Water Puddles Close to a Wall
If you see a noticeably wet carpet or discover that the floor in a certain section of the house is consistently moist, you can be certain that water is leaking through a wall.
Things You Should Do Immediately to Address Water Damage in Walls
Here are a few tips for dealing with small water damage in walls on your own:
Step 1: Determine the cause of water damage in walls.
Step 2: Stop the water source.
Step 3: Remove paintings and other items from the wall.
Step 4: Take down the wallpaper, baseboards, and moldings.
Step 5: Remove and repair the source of the water damage in walls.
Step 6: Let the wall dry. For faster drying, open the windows and doors.
To circulate air around the wet walls, use fans. Use dehumidifiers as well, as these help remove moisture from the air and walls.
Step 7: Redesign your wall.
Summary
Walls that suffered water damage may become less sturdy and develop mold. Even with routine inspections, a leak from a pipe inside the wall that goes undetected for a long time can still significantly damage the structure and foster the development of mold. Hidden water leaks need to be fixed right away, which includes removing wet plasterboard or drywall, drying out the affected materials, and identifying the source of the leak. A water damage restoration professional should be contacted to ensure mold removal and successful repairs.
