When water damages occur inside the home, even a minor one, it can result in serious drywall damages. Often steps are taken to prevent water from ever contacting the drywall. However, when leaks happen within the wall or the wall has a hole where water was able to enter, then the drywall may be compromised. McKay’s Paintingwill share some of the common signs that the drywall has water damage and what may be the better solution for the problem.
Does Wet Drywall Always Need to Be Replaced?
The Gypsum Association provides guidelines for drywall that has been effected with what they call a Category 3 water. Category 3 water is water exposure from sewage backup or outdoor flooding which can cause E Coli bacteria, mold, and other contaminates to be absorbed into the drywall, leading to a hazardous atmosphere. If the water damage was due to a category 3 water exposure, it is essential that the drywall is removed and replaced. If the water damage was due to a broken pipe and the water is clean, then the need to replace will be based on the amount of absorption that occurred. When drywall comes in contact with water, it swells and begins to crumble. Detecting water damaged drywall can be a bit tricky, especially when the water exposure occurred within the interior of the wall. However, when drywall is exposed to water, it will provide some certain signs.
Sagging or Bulging Drywall
When drywall absorbs water, the visual signs that occur are either sagging or bulging. If the drywall used on the walls or ceiling begins to sag or bulge outward, this is not a good sign. It will require intense water absorption for an extended period of time for the drywall to sag or bulge. There is a high chance that mold or other bacteria has begun to spawn as well. When the drywall sags or bulges, and it is pulling away from the studs or joists, it will need to be removed and replaced as it cannot be repaired.
Drywall Caving In or Soft Spot
When the drywall feels wet and mushy, the water exposure is either recent or has been constant. The mushy texture of the drywall is a clue that there is a leak present and nearby. The source of the leak will need to be located and corrected. Once the drywall has been saturated to the point it is mushy, there isn’t much that can be done to save the drywall. Within 48 hours of water exposure to the drywall, mold can begin to take over. If the water exposure is minor and the drywall never got mushy, you can save the drywall and treat the wall to kill or prevent mold. But time and saturation of the drywall is a major factor as to whether or not drywall can be restored.
Musty Odor of Drywall
Wet drywall isn’t always easy to see but it is most often smelled. When water soaks into the drywall you can smell the dampness in the air. When mold forms the damp odor will become musty cluing you in that there is a problem. Drywall water damage can take time to detect when it occurs inside the walls. Many homeowners can smell it before they can see it. When there is a strong musty odor, push gently along the walls and ceiling. The walls or ceiling will flex if it is wet. Locate the wet drywall and then replace it.
Drywall Hanging, Installation, Patching, Repair, Finishing Services & More in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
Drywall is super absorbent and is the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. If the drywall has been damaged by water, you will want to replace it quickly. For drywall replacement, repair and more, contact McKay’s Painting today!
