Walls are important in maintaining the structural integrity of your property — whether it’s a residential or a commercial one. If these become water-damaged, it’s a must to identify the cause and seek help from experts in water damage restoration, Columbia, Missouri.
Common Causes Of Water Damage
There are several reasons that can cause water damage in walls; the most common of which are bursting or leaking pipes, and plumbing and HVAC issues.
It can also be attributed to moisture buildup in critical areas where water can accumulate — including crawl spaces, attics, and basements. Other reasons are natural disasters like flooding and other weather-related problems.
Detecting Water Damage
One of the key aspects of water damage restoration, Columbia, Missouri is early detection. By spotting signs of water damage early on, the extent of the impact caused by the issue can be prevented. Here are the symptoms you should be aware of:
Wet or dark spots on both the interior and exterior walls of your home
Cracking, bubbling, or flaking
Sounds of running water
Pooling water or puddles
Pungent, moldy smell
Higher utility bills every month
Restoring Water-Damaged Walls
Got damaged walls? Here’s what you need to do:
Identify the cause of the damage. Properly identifying the source of the water is crucial. Failing this one will only put the whole water damage restoration in vain. There are cases when the main culprit is found far from the damaged walls, sometimes in unexpected areas. Hence, you must be diligent in tracing the cause and stopping it from damaging your property.
Assess the situation. How much of your walls have been damaged? Will you only need some restoration methods or a total replacement? Are there other affected areas besides the wall (e.g. Electrical wirings)? Thoroughly assessing the situation will help you save time, money, and resources.
Remove the affected walls. When removing a water-damaged drywall, it’s a must to wear goggles and masks for safety purposes. First, mark the area that needs to be removed. Then use a utility knife to cut along the marked area. Remove the baseboard trim, the drywall, and the wet insulation. Let the area dry completely for around two days before replacing the drywall.
Replace the insulation and the damaged walls. Before doing this, tap an electrician to check and resolve your wirings. Only then can you replace the drywall as well as the insulation. In most instances, property owners will need help from licensed contractors to accomplish this step. After the replacements, make sure the blend the seams and paint to make the new drywall cohesive with the others.
Why Hiring Water Damage Experts Helps
While there are a few people who are equipped with the know-how on how to conduct the steps mentioned above, most regular folks would need help from an expert in water damage restoration, Columbia, Missouri.
By hiring professionals in the field, the cause of the damage can be properly identified and resolved, and the whole process of restoring or replacing damaged walls can be done much more efficiently.
Apart from their experience in this undertaking, they also have the right equipment and access to necessary suppliers to make your walls look brand new again.
If you need help with water damage restoration, Columbia, Missouri, contact us today at Kelley Klean. Our restoration team consists of trusted and certified experts that can remove the big headache in the restoration equation.
