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What to Do About Walls and Ceilings Affected by Water Damage

Water damage is a common problem for property owners. If this crisis has occurred in your home, you might need extensive water removal since the walls and ceilings have likely been affected. This is indeed a paramount concern for any homeowner.

Stagnant water following a disaster can do a lot of damage to your homes, such as causing mold growth, rotting wood, and structural problems. It’s crucial to take immediate action if you notice water damage on your walls or ceilings before it gets worse or seriously damages the structure.

What Causes Water Damage to Walls and Ceilings?

  • Several things could lead to water damage on walls and ceilings.
  • Water damage to your home can be caused by leaking pipes, overflowing sinks or tubs, and heavy rainfall. Even a minor water leak can have a direct impact on the structure of your home if neglected.
  • Moisture excess can also cause water damage. High humidity or steam from cooking or bathing can induce condensation, which then adds moisture.
  • In some instances, water damage can be caused by a malfunctioning appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine. If water spots are visible on your walls or ceilings, the drywall has likely been soaked with water.
  • Once drywall has been exposed to water, it can rapidly deteriorate and may even require replacement.

Signs of Water Damage on Walls and Ceilings

Many signs can tell you if there are repressed water leaks or major damages. Even though every situation is different, it’s important to know what to look for so you don’t cause additional damage to your property and have to pay more to restore it.

If you notice any of the following common signs of water damage, you may need to call in professionals:

  • Stripping, Cracking, or Bubbling Paint
  • Altered Walls
  • Mold Development
  • Stained Ceilings and Walls
  • Wet or Dripping Spots on the Walls or Ceilings
  • Condensation on walls and windows
  • Stinky Odors
  • Leaks or Dripping Water
  • An Unexpected Increase in Your Water Bill

Methods for Drying Out Wet Walls

The earlier you can fix water damage, the sooner you’ll have your convenience and peace of mind. It is urged that you contact a professional company to complete the mitigation and restoration process. This makes sure the walls are dry before any more work is done to fix, paint, or refinish them. However, if you choose to handle minor water damage on your own, here are some tips:

  • After turning off the water supply, remove paintings and other wall-mounted objects.
  • Remove moldings, baseboards, and wallpaper as a follow-up.
  • Open all windows and doors to accelerate the drying process.
  • Utilize fans to circulate air around damp walls. Likewise, use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and walls.

How Restoration Experts Repair Damp Walls Following Water Damage ?

  • In the event of extensive water damage, it is best to contact professionals who possess the necessary equipment and knowledge to restore your home. Using a variety of water damage restoration tools, they will determine the extent of the water leakage.
  • A noninvasive moisture meter is an alternative. This meter uses radio waves to detect water without requiring wall holes.
  • Infrared imaging (IR) cameras are another professional instrument. Since the evaporation of water from wet walls makes them cooler than dry walls, the IR camera can detect water in walls without requiring holes or another invasive method.
  • These instruments are essential because water damage can also affect interior walls. After identifying wet walls, professionals use specialized drying equipment to dry them.

If the walls are not insulated:

  • The restoration professional can dry wet walls without damaging the baseboard. Along the wall, high-capacity air movers are installed every 10 to 14 feet. These air movers extract moisture from the wall's surface and rapidly evaporate it.
  • When necessary, a restoration specialist will install an inner-wall drying system by drilling small holes above the sill plate and forcing air into the wall cavity. According to studies, this is the most effective and expedient method for drying water-damaged walls.
  • Additionally, the drying plan is altered if the exterior or interior of the wall contains a moisture barrier. Moisture barriers are coatings or materials that prevent the diffusion of moisture from wall materials.
  • The majority of latex paints are permeable and do not form a barrier, but glossy paints may do so. Enamel paint and vinyl wall coverings form an impenetrable barrier. Technicians must perforate or remove the barrier to allow moisture to escape and thoroughly dry the walls.
  • If the interior of the wall contains plastic or aluminum foil, technicians will need to remove the wall. Because proper drying will not occur, mold can grow in such circumstances.

If the walls have been insulated:

  • If there is fiberglass insulation with a paper backing, then the inner-wall drying system described above can be utilized. However, insulation made of foil-backed fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, or Styrofoam cannot be successfully dried.
  • In such situations, it is necessary to remove the damaged portion of the wall along with the insulation to allow for rapid drying and prevent mold growth.
  • Regardless of the methods employed by the restoration expert, homeowners should be aware that the equipment must operate continuously throughout the drying process.

Keeping track of the drying system

  • Finally, restoration specialists will check on the drying process at least once per day. This ensures the proper operation of the equipment during the drying process.
  • Moisture measurements are taken to determine when materials will successfully dry. The dryness of a material is measured relative to similar, unaffected materials within the structure.
  • When relative humidity levels are equal, drying is complete and equipment may be removed.

With exemplary knowledge and background in the field, ServiceMaster by Reed is the most promising water restoration company in Hollywood, FL which can handle any size of water damage.

  • Our best technicians employ the latest cleaning and restoration tools and techniques to make sure your home recovers from water damage soonest.
  • Our task is to revive your hope and peace of mind as quickly as attainable, restoring your home to its most satisfactory condition.

Choose ServiceMaster by Reed for Your Water Damage Repair Needs

For a quick response to your water damage emergency, ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (954) 799-4420. We service residential and commercial properties in Hollywood, Florida, and the surrounding areas and counties.

You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment or email us at smreedoffice1@aol.com. Our office is located at 1210 Stirling Rd. Unit # 8A Dania Beach, FL 33004.