No matter the property, from commercial, retail, and industrial spaces to residential homes and lodgings, water damage to walls is a critical issue that it is essential to learn how to identify and handle. At Pircsa Pty Ltd, we have decades of experience spotting the signs of water damage in walls and handling them quickly and effectively. In this article, we want to share some of the knowledge we have learned over the years and help others catch the problem early before myriad issues manifest. From stains, discolouration and odours to the visible existence of mould, we’re here to help you spot the signs of moisture in walls and what to do about it.
Signs of Water Damage in Walls: What to Look for & How to Address It
At the first signs of water damage in walls, like mould, stains, dark spots, and other discolourations, it is crucial to call out the experts like those at Pircsa and have them ascertain the extent of the spread. If the source of the excess moisture is no longer an issue, they will likely recommend a structural drying process that uses de-humidifying and ventilation to dry out the property thoroughly.
What Does Water Damage Look Like on Walls?
The presence of water, and any damage it starts to accelerate, should be relatively easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for. If you’ve been wondering ‘what does water damage look like?’ here are some telltale signs of the presence of moisture and damage:
- A thin film of moisture or even droplets forming
- Paint bubbling on the wall from water damage
- Stains and discolourations
- Black mould or rot
- Ripples and bulges in the walls themselves
- Softening wallpaper
Paint Bubbling: A Warning Sign of Water Damage
If you find paint bubbling on a wall, water damage is almost certainly the culprit and has already begun to affect your property negatively. At this stage, the only course of action is to call in professionals and let them assess the situation. Failure to recognise the signs of moisture in walls and remove the excess is a recipe for disaster, and the problem will only continue to occur, worsening over time. It can lead to water damage inside walls and a range of unpleasant, sometimes dangerous side-effects, including:
- Corrosion—This can fundamentally weaken any structure and is a severe issue
- Mould—The health issues associated with mould are well-documented, and it is not something anybody should have to live with, certainly not children.
- Warping and failure of structural materials—Wood is particularly susceptible to warping from excess moisture and, in doing so, can lose its structural integrity, threatening any construction it plays a part in upholding.
- Failure of certain glues—This is especially prevalent in flooring, causing the surface to ride up or buckle.
- Pests—Animals of all kinds love warm, damp places. The last thing you want is to attract them into your property where they can wreak havoc on wiring, soft furnishings and wood and cause health problems.
- Concrete degradation—As tough as it is, even concrete can be undermined and eaten away by excess moisture and the decay it promotes.
Signs of Moisture in Walls: What Are They and How to Address Them
After any leak or slow osmosis of water into the porous materials that make up the walls, it is essential to ensure proper, comprehensive drying techniques are utilised before considering the matter dealt with. Dryness is relative; every structural material will have a tolerable, unavoidable moisture content level. However, the levels must be tested using state-of-the-art moisture measurement processes.
Water Stains on Walls: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Simply put, water stains on your walls mean there is water present that shouldn’t be. When wondering ‘what does water damage look like?’, the first signs to look for are unusual stains and discolourations. These are powerful indicators that you have a problem with excess moisture and are lucky to have caught it early. Once the stains grow mouldy and begin to decay, the litany of issues that follow are not for the faint-hearted. If you see stains, act fast to prevent water damage to walls and call out the professionals.
Contact Us
The team at Pircsa Pty Ltd is here to provide as much information, advice, and guidance as you need to get ahead of the problem and mitigate water damage inside the walls. To learn more about our water damage remediation in Queensland, please contact us today. We will be happy to help and send a team of experts to your location if you want the job handled by professionals at excellent prices.