Wall and Drywall Water Damage in Dumont, NJ

A wall that is stained, bubbling or soft: what it means

A water-damaged wall can show a brown stain, bubbling paint, a soft spot, baseboards pulling away, or a musty smell. These signs mean water has been in the drywall or behind it. Close the water source first, then call. Our line is open 24/7 and a same-day response is offered when a crew is available.

Do not poke the wall repeatedly, and do not paint over it. Take photos, note when you saw the damage, and keep people away from any wall that sags or bulges.

Why drywall and baseboards suffer first

Drywall is gypsum between sheets of paper, and the paper absorbs water readily. Wet drywall loses strength, swells and stains. Baseboards, which sit at the bottom of the wall, soak water from the floor.

Water also runs down inside the wall and pools on the bottom plate. A wall can look fine from outside and be wet inside, so crews check with a moisture meter and thermal camera, and may drill small holes at the baseboard to let air in.

Dry in place or cut out: how it is decided

The choice depends on the damage.

Plaster and lath walls

Older homes may have plaster over wood lath instead of drywall. Plaster dries slowly and can crack or detach. A crew checks it for loose sections, and a plasterer usually repairs it.

If you suspect old paint or plaster material, ask about testing before heavy sanding.

How a wall repair is done

The steps follow a sequence:

• Find the source and the extent of the water.
• Remove wet baseboards and cut drywall above the water line if needed.
• Dry the cavity with air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Check readings until the wall is dry.
• Replace insulation, drywall, tape, texture and paint.

If the wet wall is in a kitchen, see our kitchen water damage restoration page. If water came from above, ceiling water damage repair may also apply.

Baseboards, trim and paint: the finishing details

Baseboards are the first thing to swell and lift after a floor leak. If they are painted wood, they can sometimes be removed, dried and reinstalled. If they are MDF or finger-jointed pine that has swelled, replacement is better. Crews remove them carefully so they can be reused when possible.

Paint is the last step. Do not paint over a wall until the readings are dry, because the paint seals moisture in. Use a stain-blocking primer over water stains, since ordinary paint lets brown rings show through.

Texture matching is part of a good repair. If your wall has a knockdown or orange-peel finish, ask the contractor how they will match it. A patch that stands out is a common complaint after a repair.

Cost and insurance

Price depends on the wall area, the number of rooms, the finish and whether the cavity is wet. Cutting and replacing a section costs more than drying in place.

Sudden leaks are often covered by homeowners insurance, while slow leaks and neglect often are not. Check your policy or ask your insurer. Want your real number? Call (844) 950-6900 and we will explain the scope and price before work starts.

What to do before help arrives

A wet wall may hide wires and pipes, so be careful:

• Stop the water at its source or the main valve.
• Do not cut into a wall near outlets or switches that may be wet.
• Turn off power to that circuit at the breaker.
• Mark the stain edge with a pencil and note the time, which shows whether it grows.
• Photograph the wall and keep any removed pieces if your insurer asks.

The published standard behind wall drying

ANSI/IICRC S500 describes how wet drywall, insulation and framing are assessed and dried or removed. It is a published industry standard, and you can ask a company how its crews apply it to wall cavities.

The standard gives a method, and your own readings decide when the wall is ready to close.