When water penetrates your walls — whether through leaks, rising damp, or flooding — several things can start to happen:
1. The Wall Materials Absorb Moisture
Most internal walls in Australian homes are made from gyprock or plasterboard, which are highly porous. These materials quickly absorb moisture and begin to swell, warp, or soften.
If your walls are timber-framed, water can also seep into the insulation and studs, where it’s much harder to detect without professional tools.
2. Mould Starts to Grow
One of the most dangerous outcomes is mould growth. Within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure, mould spores can begin multiplying behind your walls. You might not see it right away, but you may notice:
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A musty smell
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Respiratory symptoms or allergies
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Mould creeping around skirting boards or corners
Mould behind walls is especially risky because it’s out of sight, often only discovered once symptoms begin or the damage becomes severe.
3. Paint Peels or Bubbles
As moisture builds up inside the wall, it begins to push outward. This can cause:
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Bubbling or blistering paint
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Water stains or discolouration
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Soft spots or sagging plaster
These are all signs that your wall has trapped moisture — a red flag for underlying structural damage.
4. Structural Damage Occurs
If the water isn’t removed quickly, it can weaken the structure of your wall. Timber studs may rot, metal components can rust, and gyprock panels may collapse or crumble. Left unresolved, you could be looking at:
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Expensive demolition and rebuilds
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Loss of property value
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Insurance claim complications if not addressed early
Signs Water Has Gotten Into Your Walls
If you suspect hidden water damage, look out for:
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Warped or swollen skirting boards
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Damp, cold walls to the touch
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Unexplained mould growth or smells
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High indoor humidity or condensation
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Paint bubbling or cracking unexpectedly
What Should You Do If You Think There’s Water in Your Walls?
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Don’t wait – the longer you leave it, the worse (and more expensive) it becomes.
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Turn off the water if the issue is plumbing-related.
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Call a certified restoration company (like Reztor) to inspect with thermal cameras and moisture meters.
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Avoid patching or painting over wet areas – this traps the moisture inside.
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Get a professional drying plan in place, including air movers, dehumidifiers, and monitoring.
Why Choose Reztor Restoration?
We’re not just a drying company. As Queensland’s leading IICRC-certified restoration team, we offer:
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Advanced moisture detection tools
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Non-invasive drying where possible
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Mould remediation if needed
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Detailed reporting for insurance purposes
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Fast response across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast
Suspect Water Damage? Don’t Delay.
If you’ve noticed signs of water in your walls or just want peace of mind, contact our team for a no-obligation moisture check. Even small leaks can turn into serious problems — and we’re here to prevent that.
Book an inspection today or call 1800 739 867 for immediate help.
Need more info specific to your region?
Visit our Sunshine Coast page for local support: https://reztor.com.au/sunshine-coast/