Water damage restoration specialists outline the telltale signs of wall water damage

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant Co highlights the common signs of water damage to look out for in walls.

Water is unquestionably a necessity for all humans. But there are several situations where an excess of unwanted water can cause severe issues and harm to your home. Water can damage your home or business's walls without you knowing it.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co, a leading water damage restoration company in Southlake, TX, have outlined the telltale signs of wall water damage.

1. Water Stains

Discoloration is an obvious sign of water damage. Look for streaks of water on the exterior of your house and yellow-brown areas on the walls. Wall stains can be caused by leaking water supply pipes, a roof leak that has moved down the wall, or siding damage. The stain can appear minor at first and expand with time.

These stains could potentially lead to mildew, mold, or seepage, all of which point to concealed moisture within the wall.

If it’s a pipe leak, the stains will typically appear in spaces like basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms with many pipes and water supply lines.

2. Peeled or flaking paint

Peeling or flaking paint is another clear sign that your home is undergoing water damage. When the drywall in your home is exposed to too much moisture, the moisture will attempt to escape through the wall, resulting in the paint lifting off the surface. 

Since walls have a propensity to soak up all moisture like a sponge, water damage can spread quickly near any drywall, which is why it’s essential to act quickly.

3. Uneven Walls

Given how absorbent the sheetrock behind your walls may be, water damage frequently causes distorted walls. More water absorption by the sheetrock causes the wall to warp, which can seriously harm your home's structural integrity. Try to spot water damage before it gets this bad since fixing this kind of structural damage may be quite expensive. 

4. Musty or damp odor

A musty smell is a telltale sign that mold has begun to grow. The smell is strongest in areas with water damage and is most reminiscent of newspaper or cardboard. When you smell anything, check the area to see if there's any humidity, moisture, or soft or wet surfaces.

You may also smell it before water appears on the wall. Remember, you can't see inside the wall, so it doesn't always indicate there is water damage.

5. Mold Development

Mold is an airborne fungus that thrives in environments with excessive wetness and ongoing sources of moisture. Any surface in your house that is damp for an extended period is susceptible to developing mold, including your walls.

What to do if you spot early water damage symptoms?

It’s essential to act quickly as soon as you notice any sign of water damage on your walls. Failure to do so can result in a more significant issue. 

First, you need to identify the cause of the water damage and fix it. 

Next, you need to fix any damage to the wall, from cracks to swells and others. You may need to replace parts of the drywall.

Lastly, you’ll have to get rid of any mold that has developed to make your home safe.

Get specialized water damage restoration service in Southlake

While wall damage restoration may look easy, it actually requires special tools and experience to ensure it’s done correctly. This is why it’s best left for water damage restoration professionals like SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co.

SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co is the leading name for water damage restoration in Southlake. They have an IICRC-certified team of technicians that are always available to help you tackle any form of water damage and property cleanup. Contact SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co at (817) 595-2506 to get started.