What to Do with Water Damage - D.C. Area Paint & Drywall Advice
Almost every house will, at some point, suffer from water damage. Water damage can lead to unsightly discoloration, ruined drywall, or peeling paint. If water damage is not properly dealt with, it can lead to more serious problems, such as musty smells and mold growth in your home. It is important for home owners to know what to do in the case of water damage.
Common Causes of Water Damage
One common cause of water damage is leaking or burst water pipes. We have recently experienced a cold snap in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area, which has led to many homes having water pipes freeze and burst.
Another cause of water damage that we see primarily during the warm months of the year is condensation. When the air is warm and humid, as we often experience in the D.C. area during the summer, condensation can collect on cool surfaces such as water pipes and toilet tanks.
All year round, there is snow and rain which may cause water damage -- whether from a leaking roof, improper soil drainage around your home, faulty or clogged gutters, worn out window caulking, or old siding.
Make Sure the Source of Water is Stopped or Repaired
The first step to repairing the damage is to make sure that the source of the water has been thoroughly dealt with. This may involve having plumbing repaired or replaced. If condensation is the source of water, pipes can be insulated. Running an air conditioner or a dehumidifier may reduce humidity enough that condensation does not collect. If water is coming in from outdoors, the cause of the leakage will need to be discovered and dealt with. Once the source of water has been eliminated, the area should be dried thoroughly.
If There is Mold or Mildew, Get it Removed or Remediated
The next step is to determine whether there is any mold or mildew. Often if water has been in the home for some time, there will be mildew or mold. If any mold or mildew is present, the area will need to be cleaned. It may also need to be treated to prevent the mold or mildew from returning or spreading, and the affected drywall or wood may need to be removed. Once these initial steps have been taken to ensure that no further damage occurs from continued moisture or mold/mildew, you are ready to make that area of your home beautiful again.
Repair Water-damaged Drywall
If drywall needed to be removed to access pipes, to dry the interior of a wall, to remove mold, or for any other reason; the next step is to repair these openings. The drywall will need to be patched and allowed adequate time to dry.
Prime Where It's Needed
Now your wall is ready to be primed. Any bare drywall or patched areas should be primed. Choose a primer that will also hide any remaining water stains if needed. Stain blocking primers can be oil based or water based. More severe water stains may require oil based primer to completely cover them. Many stain blockers also contain mildew and mold fighting properties.
Top Coat of Interior Paint
Finally, you are ready for the final step to make your home as good as new. After priming the surfaces, you are ready to apply a beautiful top coat of paint. Now that your source of water damage has been repaired, and your wall surface thoroughly prepared, this new paint should look beautiful and can be enjoyed for a long time.
Call Williams Professional Painting
If you are in the Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. areas, and are dealing with water damage or another home repair job, you will save yourself many hours and headaches by working with professional painters and water damage restorers.
We at Williams Professional Painting would love to help you care for your home. We have expertly trained craftsmen, we use only premium quality products, and we guarantee our work. In addition to interior painting, we offer drywall repair and installation, and carpentry repair. Call us today to get your project started!
