Water stains can leave behind damaged paint and ugly stains on the walls and ceilings of your building. Understanding the causes and repairs can ensure that the damage is fixed in a manner so that it doesn't happen again.

Causes

There are a variety of causes that can lead to water damage to the interior paint of your building. In most commercial buildings, the likely culprit is a water leak. It can be from exterior moisture as a result of a leaking roof, or it may be due to interior flooding from plumbing issues like leaking pipes. In some cases, tenant behaviors in the building can lead to water-damaged paint, such as if a toilet or dishwasher is allowed to overflow.

Climate and cleaning methods can also lead to water damage. In moist, humid climates, mildew and blistering can affect the surface of the paint. The use of abrasive cleaners on walls and ceilings may remove the protective finish on paint, thus allowing more air moisture intrusion and increasing the chances of damage.

Damage

The most common type of water damage to paint is bubbling. Bubbling, sometimes referred to as blistering, occurs when moisture gets trapped in the wallboard behind the bind. This is likely due to a plumbing or roof leak that places water behind the painted surface. The latex paint remains intact, but it begins to pull away from the wallboard and create a bubble. There may be a lot of bubbles or just one large bubble, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

Peeling and mildew are other types of water damage. Instead of bubbling, the paint simply loosens and begins to peel away in large pieces. Mildew or mold may also be present. These types of water damage are more likely to occur when the water damage affects the outside of the painted surface, such as from exterior flooding or humidity.

Repair

Repair options depend on the extent of the damage. If moisture has damaged the wallboard, then it must be replaced. Repair is much simpler if only the paint is affected.

Your painter can remove the old peeling or bubbling paint. They then clean the surface with a bleach solution that kills mold and mildew spores. A primer that also prevents mold growth and seals in any stains or odors may also be used. Finally, the area is repainted with moisture-resistant paint that is also designed to prevent mildew and seal in old water stains.

Contact a commercial painting service, such as Blue Star Painting Company, if you notice water damage on paint.