Have you noticed water dripping or running down your walls after a heavy rain?
If so, you need to act fast to prevent expensive water damage.
Fortunately – we’re here to help.
Since 1996, we’ve been helping Chicago-area homeowners prevent and repair water damage, and we’ve compiled all our tips into this guide.
Keep reading to learn what to do in this emergency situation.
Key Takeaways
- Water intrusion can be due to various issues, including poor drainage, roofing issues, or plumbing leaks.
- To deal with water seeping through the walls when it rains, assess the damage, stop the source of the water (if you can), remove affected materials, dry the area, clean and sanitize the space, repair and restore damaged items, and contact a professional for more extensive repairs.
- Consider using sealants or waterproof coatings on exterior walls to provide additional protection against moisture.
Before You Get Started
- Safety First: Keep everyone safe by turning off electricity in the water-damaged area.
- Document the Damage: Before you start cleaning up or making repairs, take photos of the damage. This will streamline the insurance claims process and help you get the payout you need to repair the damage.
- Know When to Call the Pros: If the water damage is extensive or you’re unsure how to address the problem, contact a professional team like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. Professional water damage restoration techs will have the skills and experience to reclaim the space as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Water Seeping Through the Wall: Causes, Signs & Fixes
1. Poor Wall Construction
Sign: You notice water seeping through the walls shortly after heavy rain or melting snow.
Fix: Hire a contractor to assess the wall’s construction, examine the materials used, and reinforce or rebuild the wall, if needed.
Pro Tip: Verify the qualifications of any contractor you hire and check reviews before hiring pros for significant repairs.
2. Aging Materials and Structural Wear and Tear
Sign: Noticeable deterioration in paint, drywall, or wallpaper, with possible peeling or flaking paint present.
Fix: Replace worn-out materials promptly and repair them as needed instead of waiting until they lead to a significant issue.
Pro Tip: Maintain a detailed log of repairs in your home, especially if you’ve added or replaced walls. This will allow you to track the age of the materials used.
3. Cracks in the Walls
Sign: Visible cracks that develop over time or after extreme storms and weather events.
Fix: Fill small cracks with waterproof, indoor caulk, or other sealant. Hire a professional to fix or repair larger cracks.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about moisture damage behind cracks, head to your local home improvement store to purchase a moisture meter to help detect hidden water damage.
4. Inadequate Drainage
Sign: Water pooling near the house’s foundation or gutters that back up quickly during heavy storms.
Fix: Ensure all gutters and downspouts function properly and direct water away from the foundation.
Pro Tip: Install extensions for downspouts if water accumulates near your walls after a storm.
5. Hydrostatic Pressure
Sign: Water appears in your basement or the lower levels of your home, especially during heavy rains.
Fix: Install a sump pump or improve the drainage system around the property to minimize pressure.
Pro Tip: Consider a professional waterproofing company to evaluate and provide fixes for ongoing hydrostatic pressure issues.
6. Tree Roots and Vegetation
Sign: Water pooling or seeping occurs after heavy storms, and you have trees and plants within feet of your structure.
Fix: Consider installing root barriers to redirect root growth and evaluate all existing drainage systems.
Pro Tip: Regularly trim vegetation close to your structure to minimize damage. Avoid planting trees near the home.
Dealing With the Water Damage
1. Assess the Damage
First things first: assess the areas for visible signs of water damage, including:
- Discoloration
- Mold growth
- Warping, bubbling, or peeling on walls
As you identify the signs of damage, take photos of the damage for your insurance company.
2. Stop the Source of Water
If you can identify where the water is coming from, like a clogged gutter or leaky downspout, address the source to staunch the leak.
Use towels to soak up standing water and wipe the walls dry so you can proceed to the next repair phase.
3. Remove Affected Materials
Next, remove damaged drywall, flooring, and insulation.
This is an essential step since wet materials can lead to mold growth.
Dispose of materials that can’t be salvaged, and always contact a professional water damage restoration company if the damage is severe or you’re not sure how to proceed.
4. Dry the Area
Once you’ve removed wet building materials, place fans and dehumidifiers in the area to remove excess moisture.
5. Clean and Sanitize
To clean dirty or damaged walls and floors, use a mixture of water and gentle detergent (mixed in a spray bottle and spritzed on the area).
Sanitize the area with bleach and water to prevent mold growth.
6. Repair and Restore
Next, you’ll need to repair the damage. Again, hire a professional water damage restoration company if this job feels beyond your skill set.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace drywall, flooring, and damaged insulation.
Don’t Let Water Damage Get You Down – ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is Here to Help!
Nobody wants to deal with water seeping through the wall during a heavy storm.
Fortunately, you don’t have to sit back and watch the damage happen.
By identifying the source of the problem, removing damaged materials, and drying and sanitizing the area, you can prevent issues like mold growth.
If you need extra help with the repair process and you’re in the Chicago area, we’re here to help.
Contact our team for a restoration quote and 24/7 services: (312) 707-8597.
FAQs
How can I prevent water from seeping through my wall when it rains?
To prevent water intrusion during rainfall, ensure your property has correct drainage, including gutters and downspouts that direct water away from your foundation.
Additionally, consider installing waterproof barriers and sealants on exterior walls, which can help decrease the likelihood of water intrusion.
Finally, regularly inspect and maintain your roofing and siding for damage, which could lead to leaks.
How do professionals address water damage?
Professionals follow a structured process to address water damage. Here at ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, we start with an initial assessment to identify the source of the water.
Next, we remove standing water, dry and dehumidify the affected area, and sanitize the space, which prevents mold growth.
Finally, we’ll work on repairing the area to its pre-damage condition.
Is there a device to detect water leaks in walls?
Yes, there are various devices designed to detect water leaks behind walls.
These include moisture meters, infrared cameras, and more.
No Comments
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.