When you think of water damage, you may think of big, devastating events like flooding, leaks, or sewage overflow. While these are all events that require immediate attention, they’re not the only water damage issues that can be a risk to a property. Wall moisture is a common occurrence in homes, and it’s one that should alert you to underlying problems.
What is wall moisture, anyway? Unsurprisingly, this phenomenon is most notable when you find damp or dripping walls, but that’s not always the case. Often, it may be occurring below the surface, resulting in walls that are peeling or warping, or that sport signs of mold. It can occur anywhere, but is most likely to be found in:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Attics
- Basements
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we treat all kinds of water damage events, including those caused by wall moisture. Today, we’ll take a look at what causes these problems, why it’s important to treat them, and how our team can help.
Understanding Why Wall Moisture Matters
What Causes Wall Moisture?
Unlike events such as flooding, there isn’t always an obvious cause for wall moisture. But there’s usually a source for the issue, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Some of the more common sources of this problem include:
- High humidity. Ideally, humidity in homes should be between 30% to 50%. But some rooms are more prone to high humidity levels, due to their use. These can include bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. In other cases, high humidity may be caused by climate conditions or poor insulation.
- Poor ventilation. A lack of sufficient ventilation can go hand-in-hand with humidity issues. That’s especially true with kitchens and bathrooms. You may notice a shift in temperature or air quality when entering one of these rooms, especially if the stove or shower has been used.
- Hidden leaks. It’s not unusual for leaks to occur below the surface, making them especially difficult to root out. In these situations, water can seep to the surface. Alternatively, you may start to notice stains in the walls or ceilings, or deterioration to surfaces in the home.
3 Reasons to Address Wall Moisture Immediately
Wall moisture is so much more than an unpleasant feature: it’s a hazard to a home’s overall structure and stability. That means it’s not just important to address the underlying causes of moisture. Water damage restoration may also be needed in many cases. Here’s why it’s important to address this issue as quickly as possible:
- Limit the deterioration to surfaces. Even small amounts of moisture can cause substantial damage to the surfaces in a home. Worse, if the moisture reaches below surfaces, it can also deteriorate structural components.
- Limit secondary effects such as mold or pests. Wall moisture and water damage can be breeding grounds for mold. But that’s not the only concern. Insects and other pests may be attracted to high humidity or standing water, leading to a potential infestation.
- Help improve the health of a home. If moisture is being caused by high humidity, it may affect the health of those who spend time in a home. It may increase overall discomfort and might aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma.
What To Do About Wall Moisture Issues
If there are signs of moisture on walls in a property, what can be done to address the problem? It will vary based on the source of the problem, and in some cases may require expert intervention, but here are a few options to consider:
- Use exhaust fans in the bathroom or kitchen when bathing or cooking
- Consider adding dehumidifiers to affected areas of the home
- Make sure all gas appliances are correctly vented and that vents aren’t obstructed
- Assess insulation, windows, or other components of the home that may be contributing to moisture
- Address leaks or other sources of water intrusion
Depending on how long these issues have been ongoing, you may need water damage restoration services. In that case, you’ll want to turn to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE for answers.
Your Trusted Team for Water Damage Issues
When moisture has been present for more than a couple of days, it’s always worth getting a professional assessment to see if any water damage has occurred. Whether you’re looking for an initial assessment or comprehensive treatment services, you can count on 1-800 WATER DAMAGE. From water removal to mold treatment and structural repair, we can help you recover in the aftermath of moisture issues.
Get help with wall moisture and other water damage issues. You can submit a request online or contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE by phone for more information.
