Have you noticed something odd on your wall? Maybe it looks a bit swollen, or perhaps the paint is not looking right? This might indicate that your drywall has sustained water damage. Drywall is the primary material your walls are made of, so it’s typically quite sturdy. But one thing it is extremely vulnerable to is water.
Water can sneak in from leaks–maybe from the roof or a pipe inside the wall–and as a result, the drywall soaks it all up. This can cause the wall to get soft, the paint or wallpaper to start peeling, and worst of all, it can make way for mold and mildew growth.
How to Determine if Drywall is Water Damaged?
When you find a stain on your ceiling or walls, it’s often the first warning of water and further damage. Look for beige or light-brown spots as clear indicators. Another sign might be paint that is peeling or flaking; this type of damage occurs when excess moisture builds up.
Once you spot these signs, your first step should be to cut off the water supply to your house. You can do this by yourself or get help from your city’s utility department. After that, call a professional to track down the leak’s source and fix it. Meanwhile, it’s prudent to scout your home for other common signs of water damage to understand the extent of the issue better.
Stains on walls and ceilings
Noticing water stains on your walls or ceilings can be a big red flag that water is making its way into places it should not. If you have white or light-colored walls and you start seeing beige or brown spots, that indicates there is moisture building up. Darker paints might make it harder to spot these changes, but if you see any area that looks uneven or like it’s sinking in, that’s a sign to take seriously.
Water damage has a way of showing up in unexpected places, so consider scheduling a thorough professional inspection of your entire property. Checking rooms you do not regularly use could reveal problems before they worsen.
Damaged paint
Once excess moisture finds its way into your drywall, the first thing you will probably notice is the flaking paint. You can test this yourself by lightly touching the wall and seeing if any paint comes off on your fingers. If your wall has several layers and there is drywall damage right down to the insulation or the structure holding your house up, it might be time to think about putting in new drywall.
Soft or warping drywall
When you have wet drywall, you can see it bulging out, swelling up, or starting to sag, which means it is soaked through. If your drywall seems to bend or twist out of shape, it could mean that the wall needs to go, especially because the problem often extends beyond the visibly wet area.
If the issue is not too bad, you could try to air out the wall and repair any minor cracks or protrusions with drywall tape. But, if the damage is extensive, replacement drywall becomes necessary. The sooner you deal with the visible damage, the better.
Unseen leaks
If your water bill suddenly shoots up or you hear water is running when all your taps are off, these are all classic signs of a leak. You will want to bring in a plumber to find the leak and get the affected drywall repaired right away. Leaving it be can cause a lot of damage over time. Remember, it’s usually the damage you cannot see that ends up being the most expensive to fix.
Mold and musty smells
If you catch a whiff of something musty, it’s worth trying to find out where it’s coming from. That smell usually means mold growth is not far behind. Mold spots can range from light green to black and come with a distinctive smell. When looking for mold on your drywall, use a flashlight to spot any moisture. If you see that the insulation behind the wall is damaged, it means water has gotten inside and could be harming your home’s structure.
Quick Guide to Spotting Water Damage
| Ceilings | Walls | Floors | Hidden Damage |
| Water Rings: Circular, light brown discolorations. | Discoloration Streaks: Vertical lines of varying lengths, signaling water running down behind the paint or wallpaper. | Floor Separation: Hardwood floors lifting at the seams, known as buckling. | Unexpected Utility Bill Increase: A sudden rise in water costs can indicate a leak you can’t see. |
| Sagging: A drop or bow in the ceiling line, indicating heavy moisture accumulation. | Texture Changes: Paint or wallpaper that’s bubbling, peeling, or cracking due to prolonged exposure to moisture. | Floor Shape Changes:Cupping: Edges of wood planks curling up, creating a concave shape.Crowning: The center of wood planks rising, forming a convex shape. | Persistent Musty Odor: A continuous damp smell that doesn’t go away with cleaning. |
| Mold Patterns: Black or green spots, especially in corners or along edges where ventilation is poor. | Soft Spots: Areas where the drywall has absorbed water, feeling soft or spongy to the touch. | Tile Cracks: Water under tiles can cause them to lift or crack. | Frequent Condensation: Excessive moisture on windows or metal surfaces. |
| Peeling Paint or Wallpaper in Unusual Areas: Look for peeling in places not exposed to direct water use. | |||
| Stains Below Bathroom/Kitchen Fixtures: Indicative of slow water leaks from plumbing. |
We Can Help if You Discover Water Damage in Your Drywall
As soon as you notice your walls showing signs of water damage, speak to the experts at GotRot right away. Delaying can only cause more problems, such as the growth of harmful mold and mildew, not to mention structural damage.
If finding and fixing plumbing leaks is not something you are familiar with, or if you see water actively making its way through your walls or ceilings, the safest move is to turn off your home’s water supply until we can address the issue. Our skilled plumbers will not only stop the water leak but also offer you an estimate for the water-damaged drywall repairs needed.Whether you are just suspecting water damage and need someone to check or you know you need help fast, contact us online or give us a call at 206-312-5168.