Wall Drying After a Flood

Water damage that is left unattended can lead to costly and dangerous structural damage and to harmful mold and mildew growth.

Unfortunately, water damage can happen easily. Old homes may have leaky pipes or cracked tiles in the bathroom. Even in new homes, extreme temperatures can cause pipes to burst and flood an interior.

Wall drying

Keep a super-sopper handy. Just check the interior of the walls for molds and breakages. They may be invisible, but such water seepage has a distinct smell. Keep the corners of the house under notice. Try and seal any deformity as fast as you notice it. There can be no leeway allowed in this.

Fans and driers are also a good way of directly handling the wet walls. Water evaporates when dried and leaves the walls crusted. A block of sand and cement will then help keep it firm.

Natural ventilation is one alternative for drying out a wall. It is definitely the least expensive, assuming you don't run into problems. However this method is time consuming and mold is a fast growing organism that can spread while you wait for the walls to dry. If you do choose to dry the walls naturally, follow these steps:

• Turn off the water source immediately.
• Remove wall hangings and paintings. If the walls are papered, you will most likely need to remove the paper and repaper when the walls are dry.
• Check any wall or ceiling insulation. Start removing and drying the insulation from the ceiling down to the floor. You may need to dispose of insulation if it is soaked.
• Remove molding and baseboards. To properly dry out a wall, you need to remove any molding at the top of the wall and baseboards at the floor. Otherwise, the walls won't have proper ventilation and moisture can remain trapped behind the baseboard and molding.
• Get plenty of ventilation. Open windows and doors and blow fans on the wet area until the walls are dry. Just be careful about plugging in electrical appliances near water. Also run the air conditioner in the summer.

You many need to consult a professional if your walls are badly damaged. Professional water removal specialists have large, high power fans that can quickly dry the wall and prevent further damage. You may also need a plumber if your water damage was caused by faulty or broken pipes. Plumbers can handle septic systems and difficult projects that require a licensed professional. If the water damage is extensive, be sure to check with your local officials about necessary permits and building codes.

Call in a pro if you are concerned about the following:

• Mold. Mold grows very quickly and can be very difficult to remove. Mold and mildew can be harmful to your health and contribute to poor indoor air quality and sick building syndrome.
• Structural damage. You should also consult a professional if you think the water damage has led to any structural damage in your home.
• Odors. Definitely consult a specialist if your home develops a strange odor after the damage occurs. These odors can be more than annoying. They may be hazardous to your health as well.

You can find experienced water removal specialists at: