Experiencing water damage is common for homeowners across the U.S. In Wichita, Kansas, there are risks of water intrusion due to winter leaks, flooding, and appliance failures. These issues can allow water to seep into and damage the walls, leading to serious structural, health, and financial risks. It’s essential for Kansas homeowners to understand how to fix water damage on a wall and recognize the warning signs of serious issues.
Identify the Signs of Water Damage on a Wall
Various materials can react to water differently. Porous materials, like drywall, will absorb and store water. However, non-porous materials, like metal, will repel water, making moisture easier to remove. Since drywall is so commonly used in Kansas, we have compiled some of the most popular signs of wall moisture damage to help homeowners recognize the early and advanced red flags.
- Discoloration or Stains. Yellow, brown, or darkened patches.
- Bubbling or Peeling Paint. Indicates moisture behind the surface.
- Soft or Warped Drywall. A sign that the material has absorbed water.
Stop the Source of the Water
Before understanding how to fix water damage on the wall, you must identify and stop the source of the water leak in the first place. Repairing a wall without addressing the cause of a leak can result in repeated damage and can even allow water to spread to the surrounding areas. Below are some of the common ways to stop the source of a water leak.
- Shut off the water if a pipe is leaking or bursts.
- Inspect the roof, windows, or ice dam areas after winter storms.
- Document the source for potential insurance claims.
Begin Drying the Wall Thoroughly
Even after the source of the water intrusion has been stopped, your walls will still be wet. If left untreated, the damp drywall will eventually decay and grow mold. Not only can this affect the appearance of your walls, but it can also decrease the air quality and threaten the safety of the occupants.
When it comes to how to fix water damage on a wall, homeowners need to first dry the wall as soon as they can before starting any repairs. However, drying your wall improperly can actually increase the risk of mold growth beneath the surface. Here are a few ways you can dry wet drywall.
- Increase the airflow with fans and open windows.
- Use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the area.
- Remove baseboards to allow hidden moisture to escape.
Determine Whether the Wall Needs Repair or Replacement
During restoration, water-damaged drywall typically requires one of two processes during restoration: replacement or repair. Replacement is needed when water intrusion does irreparable damage to the walls and the layers underneath the surface. On the other hand, wall water damage repair is necessary when the drywall is still structurally sound, and there is little to no mold growth. In many situations, both approaches are needed to fully restore the wall to its pre-loss condition.
Deciding which is the correct option depends on a few factors that determine the severity of the damage: how wet the wall is, how long it stayed wet, and how contaminated the water was that caused the damage. Below are key indicators that can help you evaluate the severity of the damage.
- Minor Damage. Surface-level stains or minimal softness.
- Moderate Damage. Warping and bubbling paint or weakened drywall.
- Severe Damage. Crumbling material, sagging, or mold growth.
How to Fix Water-Damaged Drywall
The drywall water damage fix process involves multiple steps to ensure that your walls are properly restored. While it’s best to have this process done by a professional, many homeowners take it upon themselves to fix water-damaged drywall. Here is a brief look at how to fix water damage on a wall.
- Cut out the damaged drywall and remove the wet insulation behind it.
- Ensure the wall, insulation, and layers beneath the surface are fully dry before replacing the drywall patch.
- Install a new drywall patch and secure it properly.
- Apply joint compound, sand, and repaint the repaired area.
When to Call a Professional for Wall Water Damage
Repairing or replacing water-damaged walls involves several steps that require professional expertise to complete correctly. However, many homeowners choose to handle the work themselves, which increases the risk that the walls will not fully dry.
Incomplete drying can lead to even higher repair costs and increase the likelihood of mold growth. While we recommend contacting professional services at any stage, below are the following situations when expert help is essential.
- Mold is visible, or musty odors are now present.
- The damage affects large sections of the house or multiple walls.
- Electrical systems behind the wall may have been exposed by the damage.
How to Prevent Wall Water Damage in the Future
Prevention is the best way to avoid wall water damage repair. There are proactive steps that homeowners can take every year to reduce the risk of water damage and prevent repeat water intrusion incidents. Here are some actionable prevention tips to help protect your home.
- Insulate pipes and seal exterior gaps before winter.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts to direct water away.
- Inspect attics and basements regularly for hidden leaks.
Work with Fast, Reliable Water Damage Restoration Services in Wichita
At ServiceMaster By Best, our team has years of expertise providing water damage restoration services to the Wichita area. We wrote the book on restoration and provide personalized care for each and every one of our clients. Our technicians also make themselves available 24/7 to respond to homeowners in need around the clock. If you want your home restored to its pre-damaged condition, contact ServiceMaster By Best today.
