What Causes Paint Bubbles on a Wall or Ceiling?

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

The appearance of one or more paint bubbles can point to a potential water damage issue.

SERVPRO techs can use their advanced equipment to locate and restore your home from the damage done by hidden leaks.

A hidden leak making itself known is a situation no property owner wants to get presented with. However, the appearance of one or more paint bubbles can point to a plumbing issue in particular if the bubble continues to grow in size or other bubbles appear in the vicinity. Moisture is collecting within the paint and causing it to lose adherence to the surface. Before opening the wall or ceiling, SERVPRO techs use their detection equipment to "see" behind the sheetrock and look for other signs of water damage such as:

• Musty odors
• Visible mold growth on walls
• Staining
• Peeling wallpaper
• Deteriorated sheetrock

Should Homeowners Pop a Paint Bubble or Bring in Professional Water Restoration?

When the signs of a leak appear on the walls or ceiling of your home, water restoration is the best course of action. There can be many issues behind a paint bubble, and popping it is not advised. Until SERVPRO techs scope the area and see how widespread the moisture is within the wall cavity, there is no way of knowing if the paint bubble is the worst of the issue or if a more extensive problem lurks behind the scene. In some cases, removing the paint bubble and allowing it to drain, followed up by diagnosing the reason for the water collection and suggestions for repairs and prevention in the future, are standard procedures. 

When a leak remains undetected for a time, it creates an excellent opportunity for mold growth. If evidence of an infestation gets found, the techs need to remove the damaged sheetrock and insulation to open up the wall cavity for complete drying. Afterward, cleaning with antimicrobial cleaning agents and sealants as needed ensures no return of the mold to the treated areas.

SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort at (518) 508-1111 handles water restoration for local properties. The techs arrive quickly and make the damage, "Like it never even happened."