5 min read
Most property owners face water damage at some point, whether they run a household or operate a commercial facility. Unfortunately, when water reaches the drywall that comprises the walls and ceilings, it doesn’t just make them look unsightly. Instead, it leaves significant damage to the point that the structures can collapse and fall apart.
As a homeowner or entrepreneur, the last thing you want is your wall or ceiling caving in and creating a frustrating mess inside your property.
If you suspect or notice water damage on any of these structures, knowing what to do and taking immediate action are crucial. A swift and proper response can save you from costly wall replacements or water damage on ceiling repair projects.
Causes of Water Damage on Walls and Ceilings
Understanding the common factors that cause water damage on the ceiling and walls of a home is the first step toward protecting your property from further damage. If you have recently experienced any of these, having a water damage restoration company inspect your building is a good idea.
Plumbing or Roofing Leak
Leaks from plumbing or roofing are the most common cause of water damage in both residential and commercial properties.
Leaky pipes can be particularly problematic as they can cause a slow leak and keep walls and ceilings damp for a prolonged period. On the other hand, roof leaks can be difficult to locate as they often cause water to collect behind walls and above ceilings.
Excess Moisture
Daily activities such as cooking and bathing create steam that consequently contributes to water damage on your ceilings and walls. Using a humidifier and going above the ideal humidity level is another cause of excessive moisture.
Malfunctioning Appliance
Leaks from malfunctioning dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances using water can also damage the walls near them.
Water Damage on Walls and Ceilings: Signs To Watch Out for
When it comes to addressing water damage, knowing what to look for can help you step in and get help before you suffer more significant issues.
If you see any of these signs, seek restoration professionals for help immediately:
- Light brown or beige spots on the walls or ceilings
- Wet patches on the surfaces
- Bubbling, peeling, or flaking paint
- Warped walls or bowed ceilings
- Musty smells
- Visible signs of mold or mildew
- Visible water leakage
- An unexplained spike in your water use
How to Repair Water-Damaged Walls And Ceilings
The earlier and the faster you address your water-damaged walls and ceilings, the sooner you’ll regain a sense of normalcy in your life. This is why it’s best to entrust the task of repairing and restoring your affected building components to restoration professionals than do it yourself.
To give you an idea of what goes into repairing walls and ceilings affected by water, here are the steps commonly taken:
STEP 1: Find and Address the Water Source
Locating and addressing the water source is necessary before moving on to the repairs. However, this is often easier said than done. Since water can sometimes travel far from the source, you may have to create an opening in the wall or ceiling to see where the water is coming from properly.
STEP 2: Dry the Water-Affected Structures
While fixing the leak, it’s a good idea to dry all the affected materials using fans. This helps address the moisture trapped behind the drywall that can promote microbial growth.
STEP 3: Repair or Replace the Affected Wall or Ceiling
In some cases, minor water damage on ceilings and walls can be quickly fixed by touching up the surface with paint. However, removing and replacing the affected components may be necessary if the wallboard has already begun to sag or crumble to the touch.
STEP 5: Clean Up
After applying a fresh coat of paint on the affected surface or replacing them altogether, the last thing to do is tidy up the materials and clean up all the dust and debris in the work area.
Save Yourself From the Headache and Hassle – Get a Pro To Do It for You
It’s best to address the situation swiftly once you see signs of water damage on your ceilings and walls. The excess water and humidity that caused the damage can also promote microbial growth, compromise your building’s structure, and cause health issues, so taking swift action is necessary.
Realistically, you may not always have all the time to locate the water source, inspect the spaces behind the drywall, and do the repairs all by yourself. This is where your friendly restoration experts at Restoration 1 of San Antonio North come in.
When it comes to ceiling and wall water damage restoration, our IICRC-certified team has you covered. We have the materials and skills to treat your walls or ceilings affected by water as efficiently as possible. Let’s get your property back to normal – call (210) 405-1198 to get started!
