Water Damage Cleanup For Walls And Ceilings

Whether your walls were sprayed by a broken kitchen sink, or water soaked through the ceiling from an overflowing bathtub, your walls and ceiling are not designed to be wet. Factors for successful water damage cleanup include the type of water damage, the length of time the area was damp, and the wall material.

Water Damage Cleanup In Ashland

Drywall

Gypsum material backed by paper, has many names: plasterboard, wallboard, sheet rock, gypsum board, buster board, custard board, gypsum panels. It is the most common type of wall in the USA, and therefore the most commonly repaired.

Depending on the amount of damage, our water damage cleanup experts at Restore Pro might 1) salvage, 2) replace entirely, or  3) cut out just the damaged section. The team will use a chemical sanitizer to prevent mold and bacteria from forming between walls. Avoid bleach as it doesn’t prevent mold from growing. To remove severe odors, use an ozone machine and leave it running for at least eight hours. Vacate the area while the ozone machine is running.

In addition, if the drywall water damage was caused by sewage backup, consult certified professionals for repairs. This kind of job involves safety issues and biohazard cleanup services that are often beyond the capacity of typical homeowners.

Plaster

The plastering process is labor intensive and time-consuming — in applying and drying time. It is also vulnerable to water damage. Both simple and ornate plaster surfaces are the work of master plasters applying many thin layers of carefully mixed plaster to lath. Though the level of decoration may vary greatly, water has the power to destroy the work of even the most skilled plaster craftsman. Whether it is large quantities of water from a major roof leak, prolonged exposure to humid air, or condensation that has penetrated the lath, plaster invariably will be damaged. 

Commonly found near water access points, such as around a window frame, exterior door, or ceiling corners. This slight discoloration is often seen in older houses, which are less water tight. Often with a slightly brown or yellow hue, this discoloration can be noted on both plaster and any wall coverings placed over affected plaster, such as wallpaper or fabric.

Concrete Block

Efflorescence are the salt deposits left behind when water permeates masonry, such as concrete blocks, brick, stone, and stucco. Simply removing the salt buildup will not treat the underlying problem and an expert should be consulted to determine the scope of the damage and what potential damage might occur if left untreated. Restore Pro will determine the correct course of action to prevent a reappearance. 

Painted Surfaces

Many painted surfaces can withstand some contact with water. In general, the higher the sheen, the higher the shine — and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be. It certainly can be repainted but if a) the source of moisture is not eliminated and b) if mold spores are not bleached, then c) mold will come back. So address the original cause of damage first. Consult with a professional; perhaps KILZ 2® latex paint, a ​water-based, multi-purpose primer-sealer-stainblocker can be top-coated with latex or oil-base paint to seal the stains. 

Many steps are needed to cover a water stain on your ceiling: absolutely be sure that you have repaired the cause of the leak. Our professionals will make the spot invisible after repairs. 

Mold And Mildew

Mold spores might grow and thrive if they have:

1. Food (drywall, wood, and paper products, among other things)
2. Water (good circulation throughout the home is important, especially in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms)
3. Optimal temperatures (mold doesn’t die when temperatures drop below 32 degrees; it goes dormant. 

Wet walls create opportunity for water to soak the insulation on the backside of the wallboard. Qualified restoration teams will repair only the damaged areas and match the texture of the remaining walls. Using professional equipment, we can tell what walls have moisture behind them and completely solve your problem. 

In Northern Ohio, our team of 20 highly skilled, full time water damage cleanup and restoration experts on call for you when disasters happen. We provide water damage cleanup services and repair property damaged by water, storms, floods and plumbing mishaps– any water source. If your home isn’t completely dried, and dried quickly, your property can sustain further damage over time.  This hidden damage also promotes the growth of health-threatening mold and unpleasant odors. To keep you home safe, get help from our water damage cleanup experts immediately.