Fixing damaged walls can be a matter of stress to many. Meanwhile, several causes can damage the walls of your home. Accordingly, wall damages are problematic and not many house owners are ready for it. All the prime reasons for wall damages are – bad workmanship, dampness, floodwater, faulty contractions, improper fixing of pipes, due to groundwater, heavy rain, etc. However, it is important to fix the damaged walls on time. Otherwise, the damaged walls can create bigger issues for the household. While repairing the damaged walls, it is always a good idea to consider taking help from professionals. The cracks may look small in the beginning but can cause you more trouble later.
Various causes and solutions for damaged walls
1. Drywalls
Drywalls can be damaged due to several factors. Meanwhile, most of the time the reasons for drywalls are plumbing leaks, poor fastening, cracking, holes, etc. In this scenario, contacting the restoration companies would be a smart move.
Solution: Whenever you face drywalls you should call the restoration services as soon as possible. In addition to that, if you notice a nail popping through, remove it soon.
2. Damp patches on the wall
Dampness causes a lot of damages to the walls. The presence of moisture results in damp watches on both interior and exterior walls. Accordingly, another reason for dampness in the walls can be the active water seepage from a leaking pipe.
Solution: Firstly, it is necessary to identify the reason for dampness. If the reason is a leaky pipe then repair it immediately. On the other hand, water seepage mainly comes from areas like the bathroom or kitchen tiles. So, consider re-grouting the tile joins.
3. Cracks in the wall
Cracks in your walls can be a major issue if not repaired in time.
Types of wall cracks –
- Interior wall cracks.
- Exterior wall cracks.
- Cracks in those foundation walls.
- The poor initial design, reactive soils, construction works in the area, water damage, etc can be the prime reason for cracks in the wall.
Solution: To solve the problem of wall cracking you can replace the deteriorating steel. On the other hand, stabilizing your house footings can solve the problem of wall cracking too.
4. Wooden doors and window frames crack
During the rainy season, wooden doors and window frames absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, the moisture swells, and a force is required to shut the doors. As a result, this force can result in cracks in the wall.
Solution: consider using materials like aluminum for your doors and windows. Select only good quality materials like seasoned teak wood, cement, bricks. Furthermore, proper fixing of the latch, hinges, and therefore the right alignment of the door frame also helps in preventing cracks.
5. Loose plaster
External factors like impact or dampness can cause loose plaster in the wall. Accordingly, loose plaster leads to wall damage. However, you can check for loose plaster by tapping the wall. As a result, you will be getting a hollow sound which indicates loose plaster.
Solution: Remove the loose plaster firstly. Then the surface needs to be re-plastered.
6. Staining
The floodwater, the growth of mold, and mildew can cause stains in the walls.
Solution: stains can be removed by wiping the area which is affected.
7. Tree roots cause deep cracks in the wall
If you have trees on your property, the tree roots can grow towards your home. Consequently, it can enter into the brick wall. This would automatically create lots of pressure on the wall and result in creating wall cracks.
Solution: Consider planting bushes or potted plants near your house. Apart from that, remove all the roots that are anywhere near the wall of your house.
8. Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white or greyish tint. The primary sources of moisture are water, rain, and snow. Hence this might impact the degree of efflorescence. Additionally, efflorescence may also occur during home construction. Apart from that, joint material failure, improper ground storage, etc can lead to efflorescence. Thereupon, efflorescence can be found on unsealed surfaces including brick, cement, lime, sand, clay, etc.
Solution:
- Apply hydrophobic sealant.
- Install capillary breaks.
- Sponging the wall with clean water helps in preventing efflorescence.
A damaged wall does not just look terrible but it can also create huge problems for the household. Hence, It is necessary to take steps if you notice any damage to your walls. In the beginning, it may not look severe but one crack can lead to another which can be big trouble. Meanwhile, factors like dampness, faulty construction, heavy rain, flood can be the reasons for damaged walls. As soon as you see any cracks or other kinds of wall damage, contact the restoration and remediation company. In this case, it is helpful to take help from the restoration company as the cracks should be cured and finished properly.
