Water damage is a real problem that can happen to any homeowner, often when you least expect it. The worst part is that it can cause massive damage to your home, and fixing the problem can prove costly. Although there are various causes for water damage, it is crucial to know what to look for and how to fix it if your walls have been damaged by water.
It is a health and safety hazard, so fixing the problem as soon as possible is vital, as water damage can lead to not just cosmetic damage but structural damage. Depending on how long it has been happening, your solutions can range from just drying the walls to replacing the affected parts of the wall.
That’s why we’re here today, to tell you what you can do if there’s water damage on your walls. Read our step-by-step guide explaining how water damage usually happens, what to look out for, and how to deal with it.
How can it happen?
Water can easily damage walls, and it can happen in several different ways. Whether it’s a natural disaster like flooding, something that 99% of US counties are impacted by, or you sometimes forget to turn off your bathroom or kitchen sink, the consequences can be devastating. If left untreated, water damage can create a huge problem that might also be very costly.
The most common causes of water damage include the following: leaking pipes, blocked drains, clogged roof gutters, and AC condensation, but it can also just be a window that suffers from heavy condensation. Water damage can turn into a nightmare for a homeowner, so check on all of these around your home. After all, it’s better to prevent it than to treat it.
However, since you’re probably reading this because water damage has already happened to your walls, we’ll also go over some steps you need to take in dealing with it. Even if it has already happened to you, fear not, as there are water damage solutions that you can apply and fix.
What comes first?
Although water damage appears relatively simple, trust us, it’s not. Multiple hazards can come with it. These are not things that you want to play with.
You should first check if there are damp spots near wall sockets, and if there are, turn off the electricity in that part of the house. Water damage can cause electrical issues, and if you’re not careful, it can prove to be extremely dangerous. A study has found that over 400 deaths happen due to high voltage in the US annually, with over 30,000 shock incidents that cause serious injuries.
The second thing would be to check for mold. Although not as deadly as electricity, mold can be hazardous as well. It can begin growing in a single day after water damage, as it only requires three things: organic material, moisture, and oxygen. Leaving water-damaged walls for a longer period will lead to mold.
Ideally, you should dry your walls immediately after noticing water damage, but if mold has already started growing, it might be best to call an expert. If you choose to deal with the problem yourself, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests cleaning and remediation.
Can I dry it out?
Of course, the next step after ensuring safety is drying out the affected walls. Depending on what type of walls and insulation you have in your home, the damage might be undone by simply drying the walls thoroughly. In the worst-case scenario, you will need to replace your drywall and insulation, which can be quite expensive, especially if you have to call a specialist to do the job.
An obvious step would be to open all your windows and let the damaged walls dry themselves, but often, that isn’t enough. If the water damage is greater, you might need to call a specialist or invest in large fans to help speed up the drying process.
However, if there’s still damage to your insulation or drywall, you will need to replace all the affected areas. While that can prove relatively easy for someone with all the right tools and who does plenty of DIY projects, it might be better to consult a specialist for everyone else. After removing the damaged parts, it’s best to leave everything for a few days to dry out before putting in new insulation and drywall.
Conclusion
A genuine problem that can affect any homeowner, water damage on the walls is not an uncommon occurrence. Having various causes, it might end up costing you a lot of money if left unchecked and undealt with for weeks or even months on end.
Knowing what to look for is crucial in this situation. However, you must also fix the cause of the problem and dry out or repair the affected walls themselves as soon as you notice water damage. Even though it can lead to serious issues like electrical and mold hazards, as well as structural damage to your home, luckily, water damage is fixable with proper care.