How Do I Know If My Walls Have Water Damage

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

How do I know if my walls have water damage? Is that a question you have ever pondered or, perhaps, a query you searched online? It’s not always evident. Water damage can cause an individual a flood of emotions. And, as you know, it doesn’t typically occur at 8 a.m., 1:30 p.m., or 5 p.m. Oftentimes, it occurs at times you may be sleeping, on vacation, at work, etc. It can happen at the most unpredictable and most inconvenient times. That’s why SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties offers 24-hour emergency service. Our professionals are Here to Help you and your family, to help ensure your property is safe and free of water damage from wall to wall. 

Depending on the category of water damage at your residential or commercial property, your walls may need to be torn out. The SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties’ specialists can help you with tear-out and the water damage at-hand. It’s not always easy to identify if your walls are damaged, but here are some signs.   

7 common signs if your walls have water damage:

1. Musty odor

Water damage can cause mold damage and/or mildew damage. The thing is, though, mold isn’t always visible. If there is a musty odor, that’s a sign there may be mold. You’ll want to be sure to have both sides of your walls checked out and tested for the likelihood of mold damage. Furthermore, you’ll want to find the source so the mold doesn’t return and to prevent further damage. 

2. Visible mold growth on walls and baseboards

Visible mold growth on walls and baseboards can come in varying sizes. And you want to be careful because mold may cause harm to you and your family’s health. It can even affect your pet’s health. Be on the lookout for visible mold growth. Mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can cause health effects, you will want a professional who has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation.  

3. Discoloration 

Discoloration is a key indicator if your walls are damaged as a result of water damage. It’s important that you don’t confuse water stains with discoloration. If you see the color yellow, brown or copper, those are typically the most common colors associated with discoloration. 

4. Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper

If you see your wallpaper and/or paint peeling or bubbling, guess what? Your walls are probably  damaged. If this is the case, it’s vital that you contact a professional to come out to assess your walls. If you don’t, peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper can cause further damage down the line.   

5. Warped walls

Warped walls can be a result of water damage. When the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs too much water, it will cause it to bend and curve, which, in turn, can cause a wall to warp. Check for leaks to help prevent further damage to your walls. Excess moisture is a wall’s worst enemy. Inspect your walls carefully to see if you have any warped walls. The degree of damage will help determine if you need them replaced or not.    

6. Buckled ceilings and floors

When there is water damage, there is a likely chance of buckled ceilings and floors. You’ll want to do a thorough walk-through of your home or business to identify any buckled ceilings and floors. Depending on the extent of damage, they’ll need to be replaced. A professional can advise you on your best option.    

7. Water stains 

Water stains can be easily missed, especially if they are minute in size. Since they can start out small, homeowners typically do not realize the water stains until they’ve increased in size, which, at that time, further damage may have occurred. Inspect your walls carefully for any potential water stains -- small or large. It’s a good idea to inspect around your windows and frames, too.    

We hope these signs helped to determine, “how do I know if my walls have water damage”. If you’re in Cape, Bollinger, Mississippi, Perry, or Scott County and have water damage at your home or business, contact the company that can make that water damage "Like it never even happened."® Call SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties at 573-339-1948.