Water damage to walls can be difficult to detect, but there are several signs that can help you identify it. Peeling, bubbling, or discolored paint are all indicators of water damage. Stains on the ceiling or walls are also a telltale sign. Softened drywall is another overlooked sign of water damage.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The most obvious sign of water damage to the wall is discoloration or stains on walls or ceilings. These spots may start out small and grow if the leak isn't discovered and treated quickly. If the walls or ceilings are white, you may notice a beige or brown stain, which is a clear indicator of water damage. If you have darker colored walls or ceilings, you can check for water damage by looking for an area that may be deformed or sunken.
Water damage can occur in several places, so the more exhaustive the search, the better. Softening occurs when the back of the drywall gets soaked, but the outside looks normal. It is very likely that the discoloration will be combined with softened drywall. Feel for soft spots all over the discolored area. You can detect water damage to the wall by looking for softened drywall, bubbles, or discoloration. To begin with, one of the first noticeable signs of possible walls damaged by water is the peeling of paint and wallpaper.
If the inside of a wall contains too much water, paint and wallpaper can lose their adhesion and start to peel off or form bubbles. Likewise, stains, discoloration (usually a yellow-brown color) and deformation can be important indicators of damage caused by underlying water in and around walls. Water damage typically occurs in basements, mezzanines, and areas with low airflow and poor lighting. However, it is important to look at both the affected and surrounding areas as you determine the next steps and try to confirm it. Restoring water damage can become a costly headache if you're not attentive to addressing any signs of water damage in your home. Not only can water damage the structure of your home, but water leaks can also quickly become an environment conducive to mold growth, which can lead to health problems in the future.
Watch for strange odors of rot or mildew, and call your professional who specializes in water damage if you find one. If you suspect that there are water damaged walls in a particular area, be sure to press against those areas and see if the wall bends or sinks inward. While water leaks behind walls occur out of sight, there are often several signs that can help you detect these water leaks. If you don't have experience treating water leaks or if the leak is actively dripping through walls or ceilings, the best thing to do is cut off the water supply until a plumber can get to your home and find the source of the leak. Water damage can often cause walls to warp, as the gypsum sheet behind the walls can be incredibly absorbent. If you are sure that you have suffered water damage, it is important that you contact a cleaning and restoration company such as SERVPRO as soon as possible. Ultimately, it's important to remember that much of the damage is initially hidden, making it difficult to determine if walls have been hit by water. You could be dealing with a water leak if you see a significant and sudden increase in your water bill or a gradual increase over several months.
If your home is a victim of water damage, don't hesitate to call Certified Restoration if you have any questions about water damage in your home.
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