Your once pristine wall suddenly appears worse for wear. It’s not unusual for this to happen—but what’s the reason it’s so common? There are several culprits that may cause damage to painting and drywall in different areas of the home. As the leading source for home improvement and remodeling in Anchorage, AK, the team at Henry’s Services is here to explain what could be responsible for the problem.

What Causes Damage to Your Painting & Drywall?

1. Moisture

Leaks can cause extensive damage to the walls, especially if they remain hidden for a while. That can occur if the leak is happening behind the wall or in a relatively unused part of the house. Areas most susceptible include walls near windows and doors. Even roof leaks can travel downward and soak the painting and drywall in lower levels of the house. The most obvious signs are dark wall patches, sagging ceilings, and a soft appearance.

2. Furniture

If your furniture sits especially close to the wall, it may lead to small scuffs. While some are fairly minor for home improvement experts to resolve, others may be substantial enough to require fresh drywall. This is especially possible with heavy dressers that create pressure against the wall. If the furniture is pushed hard enough, it can easily cause noticeable damage to the surface. Prevent this by placing furniture at least an inch away from the wall.

3. Force

The impact of an accidental kick or a large object can easily be traumatic enough to damage to your drywall. Even doorknobs can puncture the wall if there’s no stopper. A minor scratch can quickly be fixed with some fresh paint, but in more extensive cases your home remodeling contractor will need to apply fresh drywall and then repaint the affected area.

4. Termites

Depending on the severity of the invasion, you may be able to repair damage caused by termites without issue. Unfortunately, termites aren’t always detected until they’ve been there for a while. By then they’ve had a chance to dig deep, create multiple pinhole openings, and eat through the wood. This may ultimately affect the structural integrity of your foundation. It’s critical to contact a pest control expert as soon as you discover a problem.

5. Shifting

Older homes are particularly susceptible to shifting foundations. When that happens, the structure of the property is immediately at risk of moving—and that will inevitably lead the drywall to crack. Small fissures will eventually become deeper and may lead to more traumatic damage. A home improvement expert can check the foundation of the home and determine whether treating the soil or landscape grading may help.

Whether you’re dealing with a minor nick in the wall or a larger problem, you can trust the experienced contractors at Henry’s Services to handle all of your painting and drywall concerns. The licensed and fully insured team will provide a lasting solution that protects the integrity of the wall and your home. They also offer mold removal services, and can help if you need emergency water damage services at any hour of the day. Visit the company’s website to learn more, or call them at (907) 344-4200 to schedule a free estimate.