It’s a very common problem in homes, that the drywall gets water damaged. Drywall tend to absorb moisture and water, which then causes a mold infestation and that damages the drywall even further. No matter if the drywall water damage is caused by leaky pipes, flooding or something entirely different, the repair and restoration has to happen quickly.
If you’re not 100% sure whether you’re dealing with water damage to your drywal, this will help you easily identify it and how to fix it.
What are the signs of drywall water damage?
The first and most obvious sign of drywall water damage is the change in color. So that’s the first thing you need to look for – wall discoloration. Water stains are easily detectable where paint once was.
The second thing you can look for is mold growth. Mold loves warm and humid/damp places such as corners of your bathroom, kitchen, attic or crawl spaces. Keep in mind that mold can grow even under wallpaper. Best places to look is in the area near the ceiling and walls
The last thing you should check, if you suspect for drywall water damage, is the flooring. If there are cracks or holes in the floor, there’s a good enough chance that moisture might be seeping through it. In the corners of the room, where the flooring meets the drywall, check if there are any signs of dry rot. If there is, then the flooring needs to be replaced as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.
What causes drywall water damage?
There are many possible reasons for drywall water damage. But the most common ones are:
- Hurricanes,
- Flooding
- Bust pipe
- Roof leak
- Sink overflow and
- Condensation from your AC
Find the cause
In order to effectively repair and restore the water damage, you first need to find the source of the problem. Since there can be more than one cause, it’s necessary to thoroughly inspect the entire home so you could rule out each cause. A professional water damage restoration team can help you find the source quicker so you should definitely contact one.
Check for drywall water damage
Once the water damage restoration team has identified the cause of the problem, they need to inspect the extent of the water damage. This is usually done by removing drywall screws. Once the extent was identified, the area should be thoroughly cleaned, dehumidified and any excess water needs to be cleaned up before replacing the drywall.
Do you have drywall or sheetrock?
Technically speaking, there’s no difference between drywall and sheetrock. They are basically the same thing – gypsum plaster, pressed on both sides, usually by heavy paper for added stability. Some might even include additional sound absorbing insulation (if they are used for ceiling).
Does water damaged sheetrock need to be replaced or repaired?
Just like with drywall, water damaged sheetrock should also be replaced. Repairing drywall water damage (or sheetrock) is rarely effective. This is because these materials can be highly susceptible to water damage. And once the paper backing gets saturated with water, it starts to swell and the drywall loses its structural integrity. So, if there’s drywall water damage, the best course of action to replace it.
If you noticed any of the signs of drywall water damage in your home, contact ASAP Restoration so we could thoroughly inspect it. If there is water damage, let us help you fix it.
