Having an abundance of water is usually a good thing, but not on your walls. If you are in an area that was recently flooded or have recently detected problems with your plumbing, then you may already understand the extent of the damage. The problem is when homeowners don’t notice them until their walls are irreversibly damaged. This is particularly true for slow water leaks that are hidden behind the walls. Because they can be undetectable for a time, the water damage can spread all the way to wooden support beams and your drywall.

This is why it’s always better to periodically inspect your walls to catch any issues before the water damage becomes intensive. Here are four signs of water damage to look out for.

1. Paint Peeling

Remember how water is the universal solvent? This is because water dissolves a lot of substances, including paint. Paint flaking off the wall is a definite sign of water damage. This is because when water seeps into your walls and into the paint, it dissolves the bonding agents of the paint and causes the layers to separate and detach from each other. Water damage on your paint usually starts as bulging, with moisture and air building up from beneath the surface of the paint. This gets followed by cracking when the air escapes and finally, peeling.

If you see so much as a bulge in your painted walls, then it’s a good idea to contact water damage repairs immediately.

2. Stains

Another obvious sign of water damage are stains on your walls left by dried water leaks. The stains come from particles leached from your wood beams and drywall by the water. It is important to note that the stains will become bigger over time as the water does more damage. Following the stains is a good way to locate the origin of the leaks and address them before the damage gets more intensive.

3. Mold Growth

Mold favors dark and moist surfaces, which is why they are a telltale sign of water damage. They are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, which see a lot of moisture, but can also be found in basements that have not been properly waterproofed. If you see them on your ceilings, baseboards, and even your walls, this could mean that there is a hidden water leak coming most likely from your roof. 

It’s important to address mold immediately because they eat away on organic material that they grow on. This means they can cause damage to wood beams, ceilings, and other wooden surfaces. Additionally, they also cause allergies and other respiratory ailments.

4. Buckled Ceilings

Given enough time, water can cause structural damage. Unfortunately, this can mean that moisture has been doing damage for a long time but has so far remained unseen. If you see any buckling on your ceiling, it’s best to contact professional services immediately. Delaying will not only cause more damage which will require more expensive repairs, it can even put your safety in jeopardy.

Conclusion

It doesn’t take long for unwanted moisture to cause considerable water damage to your home. Mold, in particular, will grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours if not dried and repaired as soon as possible. In order to address this, call water damage repair services near you immediately.

We offer the best water damage restoration and coronavirus cleanup service in Salt Lake City. Get in touch with us today to know more!