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Common Water Issue in BC
Peeling Paint or Blistering Wallpaper
Paint or wallpaper that is peeling, bubbling, or blistering — particularly on exterior walls or ceilings — indicates moisture vapour migrating through the surface. The moisture pushes the paint or wallpaper off the substrate as it attempts to escape. This is a classic sign of a moisture problem within the wall assembly.
Possible Causes
- •High interior humidity condensing in wall cavities during winter
- •Building envelope moisture entering from outside
- •Plumbing leak creating vapour drive from within the wall
- •Inadequate bathroom or kitchen ventilation
- •Missing or damaged vapour barrier in wall construction
Recommended Steps
- 1Check if the peeling is on exterior walls, interior walls, or ceilings to narrow the source
- 2Test humidity levels and improve ventilation in affected areas
- 3Check exterior caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors
- 4Investigate with thermal imaging to find the moisture source before repainting
Related Services
Need Professional Help?
Don't let a small leak become a big problem. Contact LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca — for expert diagnosis.