Housing...Inside and Out

April 21, 2000
Remedies for Water Damaged Homes

If your house was not properly insulated last winter, the interior and exterior of your home could be showing the unsightly effects of water damage. Water penetrating walls and ceilings may result in blotches and stains, if severe, actual cracking and peeling of walls and ceilings.

The exterior will show effects in warmer weather when moisture penetrating through the siding and into the outside air results in blistering and cracking of exterior paint.

Severe interior damage may result in replacement of drywall panels. Consult a painting contractor who can assist you.

If remedying moderate damage, resulting in blotches and stains, remove the stain with a household cleaner and allow washed surface to dry thoroughly (about 48 hours or longer).

Coat discolored areas with a primer formulated specifically for stained areas available at local paint stores. These primers are solvent-thinned, and some have alcohol. They also are fast drying, and their purpose is to prevent further staining into a water-thinned paint.

Finally, coat with any type of topcoat. If properly primed, the stains will not "bleed" through the surface.

When remedying exterior damage, the blisters will have to be removed right down to the bare wood. Next, spot prime exterior wood surfaces with an exterior, solvent-thinned primer. Finish the job with an alkyd or latex exterior topcoat.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

A black line that separates the body text from footer information