What Happens If Water Gets In Your Walls?

Water leaking into your home’s walls can cause extensive damage if not addressed promptly. Here’s what happens when water infiltrates walls and what you should do:

Assessing the Damage

• Check for Leaks: Identify the source of the water leak to prevent further damage.
• Inspect Wall Surfaces: Look for discoloration, warping, or bubbling, indicating water penetration.
• Test for Moisture: Use a moisture meter to determine the extent of water absorption in walls.

Dealing with the Damage

• Remove Affected Materials: Remove wet drywall, carpeting, or flooring to prevent mold growth.
• Dry Out the Walls: Use fans, dehumidifiers, or air movers to circulate air and extract moisture.
• Inspect for Structural Damage: Check for cracks, bulging, or weakening in wall framing caused by water saturation.
• Repair Structural Damage: Address any structural issues by replacing damaged studs, joists, or framing.
• Mold Prevention: Treat areas affected by water with antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold growth.
• Paint and Refinish: Replace damaged drywall, paint, and refinish walls to restore their appearance.

Professional Water Damage Cleanup

If the water damage is extensive or difficult to resolve, it’s crucial to contact a professional water damage cleanup company. They possess the expertise, equipment, and experience to:

• Extract water efficiently and minimize damage.
• Detect hidden moisture using thermal imaging and moisture meters.
• Identify and eliminate the source of the leak.
• Restore your home to its pre-damage condition.