For what they give us in return, our walls don’t ask for much. But all too often, we forget to take care of them. Wall damage doesn’t start with a bang, but rather a single hairline crack or a small increase in humidity. Proper wall maintenance doesn’t require too much extra time or money, but if you don’t take the time to ensure proper upkeep, you might have to pay a lot more in the long run. In case you’re wondering, here are the fastest ways to damage your walls.

Not Taking Moisture & High Humidity Seriously

Ottawa can experience periods of very high humidity, especially in the spring and summer. Excess humidity in the home can lead to mould, mildew, health, and wall damage, not to mention health problems. When excess humidity is inside the home, moisture pockets form behind your walls, which can cause your paint and drywall to get soggy, sag and start to peel. When this happens, it’s already too late, and you will need to hire a wall repair company to fix the damage and repaint the walls.

How can you avoid excess humidity in your home? Ensuring you have the right kind of paint that is moisture-resistant and contains anti-microbial additives is a good start. You can find these additives in high-quality bathroom paint. Making sure your indoor humidity is no higher than 50% with a dehumidifier can also significantly reduce the risk of further moisture damage to your home.

Giving Your Kids Carte Blanche

We’re not in the business of blaming children for anything, but suffice it to say that kids don’t really understand how expensive repairing and repainting walls can be. Without understanding the basic concept of these financial considerations, kids often view walls not as room partitions but as beautiful blank canvases that are practically begging toddler artists to try their hand at art. That’s when sharp pens, permanent markers, stickers, gum, and food turn into irresistible paint supplies.

How can you make your walls toddler proof? There are few simple ways to ward off wall and paint damage caused by artistic children. Using low-lustre, eggshell, or satin paint in high-traffic areas makes for an easier cleanup job. Supplying your kids with washable markers (and maybe their very own whiteboard) satisfies their need to express themselves without having to sacrifice your walls in the process.

Not Addressing the First Signs Water Damage

There’s humidity and then there’s water damage. At first, you may not be able to see what’s going on behind those walls, but there are some early signs that there’s a nasty leak somewhere behind the drywall. If you start to notice that certain areas of the house smell mouldy or musty, look out for these other signs:

  • Stains
  • Black mould
  • Peeling/bubbling wallpaper or paint
  • Warped walls

The moment you notice these signs, it’s time to call your wall repair service provider. The longer you wait to fix the real issue behind the leak, the more damage you’ll have to pay for.

Contact Ottawa–Gatineau Painting today for all your wall repair needs. Our team of professional contractors and painters offer affordable inspection and repair services in your area. Call us today at 613-277-5586.