Why Drywall May Need to Be Replaced After Water Damage As previously mentioned in the opening segment, interior drywall that has since taken on water damage (which is commonly called “flood damage” and will be used interchangeably throughout this article) needs to be replaced in the majority of cases.
The following can be good indicators that your drywall is wet and has suffered water damage: Often times you will need to remove the baseboards and prod the drywall with a screwdriver, if it’s soft, it’s wet. Not at all.
While reading we ran into the question “If drywall gets wet should it be replaced?”.
In all but those cases where swift remedial action has been taken the answer is yes. You see, water damaged drywall cannot simply be written off as an unsightly eyesore.
We can dig a little deeper. if drywall gets wet, replacement is often necessary. Since it is not load-bearing, removing and installing new drywall will not threaten the integrity of your home. A splash of water from a glass won’t typically destroy drywall. The same can be true of a small leak if it’s caught soon enough.
While drywall isn’t the most resistant to water, it can still withstand small amounts of moisture. If your home has experienced heavy flooding, chances are your drywall has absorbed a significant amount of water.
Is drywall ruined once it is wet?
While drywall is pretty sturdy, when it’s exposed to water for too long it can get damaged. It may lose its structural integrity, becoming soft and weak. Depending on what category of water drywall is exposed to, and how wet it got, you may be able to save it. Speed is critical to avoiding mold damage, though.
If you have experienced a significant leak or flood, speed is so key, you should strongly considered contacting a water damage specialist as they can be round to your property within hours and get straight to work on saving your drywall. Most of the time wet drywall can be saved if you act fast and appropriately.
• Drywall that’s been soaked for days loses its structural integrity. In many cases, water damaged drywall needs to be replaced. A water damage contractor handles recovery including drying procedures, material tear-out and complete restoration. • If soaked sheetrock results from overhead flooding, you may be in danger of a ceiling collapse.
Is drywall water damage harmful to your home?
• Drywall water damage can set up an environment that breeds toxic black mold. If anyone in your home deals with significant health issues, let certified specialists handle the drying process. • Drywall that’s been soaked for days loses its structural integrity.
What should you do if you experience wet drywall?
What Happens with Wet Drywall. Stop the Water Source Before addressing wet drywall, the water source must first be removed, or it will contribute to permanent damage and spread to new areas. Assess the Damage Determining if drywall is salvageable will depend on the amount of water absorbed.
Black patches or streaks on drywall. Warped spots on wood walls. Cracks, blisters, or discolored areas on wood walls or drywall. Rusted or warped spots on metal stud walls. Chipped, bowed, or dissolved spots on brick or stone walls.