How Mold and Water Damage Affect Paint
Keep calm and stay dry with these fixes and prevention tips
Highlights
Water damage can cause paint to peel, bubble, and blister.
When water sits on walls and ceilings for too long, it can lead to mold.
Look for early signs of water damage to prevent costly problems.
Water and paint are not a great mix because when water is left sitting on your painted walls and ceilings, it can create serious damage. Not only can it affect the look and integrity of your walls, but it can also lead to mold growth, which can be harmful to your health. Learn how water damage can affect your walls and ceilings, along with early signs to look out for and tips to prevent future water damage.
How Paint Is Affected by Water and Mold Damage
When your painted walls are subjected to water or too much moisture, it can create unsightly and costly problems, such as bubbling and blistering, as well as mold damage.
Water Damage
When water seeps behind the wall, it can cause the paint to separate from the wall, creating bubbles and blisters. With time, these bubbles and blisters can cause the paint to peel and chip off the wall. The various minerals in water can also discolor the paint, causing stains.
If moisture sits on the wall for too long, it can also affect its structural integrity, rotting or deteriorating the wall materials.
Mold Damage
Mold loves to grow in damp environments, so when moisture sits on the wall for too long, mold spores, which look like dark spots or patches, will appear. In addition to being an eyesore, mold can cause health issues, like allergies and respiratory problems. It can also eat away at the paint, causing it to crack and peel.
Early Signs of Water Damage
The longer water sits on the wall, the greater damage it can cause. To catch it early, look for these telltale signs of water damage on the wall.
Dark spots or other discoloration
Paint peeling or flaking
Bubbles or blisters on the wall
Musty odor emanating from the wall
Paint that feels soft or squishy to the touch
Warping or swelling of the wall
What to Do When You Discover Water Damage
As soon as you notice any water damage, turn off and unplug any nearby electronics to prevent potential electrical fires. Then, follow these steps.
1. Find the Source
investigate the area to find the source of the water damage. Start by tracing the water's path, seeing if you can find the leak. Many leaks start from the roof, but nearby gutters, windows, and doors can also cause leaks. Plumbing and home appliances are other common leak culprits.
If you can't find the source, you can rent or purchase a moisture meter. You can also call a local water restoration service to investigate and fix the problem for you.
2. Dry the Area
After identifying the source, begin drying the area. To expedite the drying process, use towels, fans, open windows, and dehumidifiers.
3. Remove Damaged Paint
Once the area is dry, use a paint scraper to scrape away any bubbles or blisters in preparation for repainting.
4. Treat the Area for Mold
If any mold is present, you can apply a mold-killing solution to clean it. However, if you have allergies or any respiratory problems, like asthma, it's best to call a pro to remove the mold to prevent any health issues.
5. Repaint the Walls
Now that you've gotten rid of the mold and chipped off the paint bubbles, you can start priming and painting the wall to restore its original appearance or give it a makeover with a fresh new color.
How to Prevent Water Damage
When it comes to water damage, the best offense is good defense. Here are several maintenance steps you can take throughout the year to prevent water damage to your walls and ceilings.
Regularly inspect your roof for any damaged or missing shingles
Clean the gutters and downspouts when they accumulate debris
Direct downspouts away from the foundation
Seal any cracks or holes in your exterior walls and foundation
Make sure all windows and doors have tight seals; replace any damaged weatherstripping
Regularly inspect plumbing for leaks or corrosion
Make sure bathtubs, showers, and sinks have adequate caulking around their seams
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Fix Your Painted Walls
You can save money on a pro by fixing your painted walls yourself. It’s an economical option for handy homeowners who are dealing with minor bubbling issues. However, if the bubbling is extensive or due to underlying moisture problems, it’s worth consulting a pro instead, as they can accurately diagnose and address the root cause to prevent further (and more costly) problems down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you shouldn't pop any paint bubbles. Doing so can trap the moisture behind the paint, creating further water damage. Instead, use a paint scraper to gently scrape off the bubbles to create a smooth surface for repainting.
Yes, water damage can affect your walls' structural integrity. If the water or moisture sits on the walls for an extended period, it can weaken the drywall, plaster, wood framing, and other materials supporting the wall. That's why it's critical to dry out the area as soon as you notice it.
Use waterproof or moisture-resistant paint in rooms with excessive humidity. You should also ensure these rooms are properly ventilated by regularly opening windows and turning on fans, especially after someone showers or takes a bath.
Homeowners insurance policies vary quite a bit, and whether or not yours will cover water and mold damage largely depends on the cause. If the damage is due to a sudden event, like burst pipes or a natural disaster, many policies will cover it. However, if it's due to neglect or failing to notice the leak over an extended period, you're likely responsible for the water damage restoration costs.