Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor.
Water damage wall.
Gradual damage due to water damage is a common problem when it comes to insurance claims.
Long term leaks can cause structural damage within your walls and can also lead to serious mold problems in the walls.
Water damage effects may be minor isolated to the surface layer of the wall or it may penetrate the whole 3 coat structure causing crumbling brown and scratch coats that fall off the lath.
Water rot can cause serious damage to drywall molding and electrical outlets.
A musty smell indoors can also indicate a water leak.
In some cases the lath may also be damaged showing rotted wood or rusted metal under the plaster coats.
If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it.
An example of gradual damage is when something happens slowly like paint chipping off a wall it starts with a small chip then eventually half the wall is uncovered.
Water damage cleanup cost rises to 7 per square foot.
Mold on walls and baseboards.
This water contains waste bacteria and other serious contaminants.