Should You Replace Drywall If It Gets Wet?
While drywall is an extremely versatile and durable material for a home’s interior, it’s not exactly the strongest for water exposure. Water damage is one of the primary reasons for drywall replacement for homeowners. Your drywall can withstand small amounts of water, but any excessive exposure will typically lead to stains and rotting. Fortunately, replacing drywall is incredibly easy and quick.
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Signs of Water-Damaged Drywall
Water damage is usually an indicator that you need to replace your drywall. However, spotting out water-damaged drywall isn’t always easy. That said, there are a few things you can look for to see whether your drywall needs a quick dry or a total replacement.
For starters, any water damage caused by sewage or outdoor flooding almost always calls for a replacement. Since sewage and water from outside carry bacteria, chemicals, and numerous other compounds, you don’t want them to build up inside your home.
Here are some other indicators to help you accurately evaluate water-damaged drywall:
- One of the first things you can look for is any noticeable signs of sagging on your drywall. Whenever drywall absorbs an excessive amount of water, it begins to reshape and bulge over time. You can also look at the bolts and screws surrounding your drywall to see if they’ve become loose.
- Another apparent sign of water damage is if your drywall feels mushy or softer than normal. If the water absorbs into the drywall, mold can start to grow within a few days. In that case, you’ll need to reach out to a contractor to remove and replace it.
- Stains and discoloration are often a good indicator of water damage. If you notice patches of paint are discolored, try not to paint over them right away. Instead, inspect the drywall for water damage to determine whether you need to replace it or not.
Here are some of the conditions where a drywall replacement is necessary:
Light Dampening
While drywall isn’t the most resistant to water, it can still withstand small amounts of moisture. For example, if you spill a glass of water on your drywall, you probably don’t need a replacement. However, you should deal with any spills right away. You can use a kitchen towel to wipe the water off the surface and use a portable fan to help dry it out quickly.
Heavy Soaking
If your home has experienced heavy flooding, chances are your drywall has absorbed a significant amount of water. In that case, it’s almost impossible to revert your drywall to its original condition. If left untreated, heavily soaked drywall can deform or even collapse. As a result, a drywall replacement is the best bet to protect the integrity of your home.
Mold Contamination
While small amounts of water damage may not seem like a big deal at first, mold and mildew can quickly grow on the drywall’s damp areas. Mold can potentially cause severe health risks such as headaches, fatigue, and respiratory disease for anyone inside your home. The contaminated area will take the form of small black spots throughout the wall’s surface. If you notice mold growing on your drywall, you must call a professional to come and replace it right away.
Read more: How to dry out walls after water damage
What To Do if Your Drywall Gets Wet
If your drywall gets wet, it’s important not to panic. Most drywall issues have a fast and easy solution as long as you handle the problem right away. Here’s what to do if your drywall is exposed to water:
- Try drying the wet spot with an absorbent towel to remove water from the surface.
- Point as many fans as possible to the wet area to help dry out the air. You can also use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the room.
- Call a professional to come and remove and replace your drywall.
Read more: Should you replace wet insulation?
When Should You Hire a Professional Drywall Replacement Company?
Replacing water-damaged drywall is surprisingly simple. What’s more, you can always reach out to a professional service to do the job for you. In most cases, it’s better to let a team of experts handle the drywall replacement since they have all the necessary tools and experience to get the job done right.
The drywall replacement process requires extensive precision to avoid any further complications. Not only will letting a team of professionals remove and replace your drywall reduce health risks, but it will also improve your structure’s durability.
If you’re looking for a fast and affordable drywall replacement, feel free to reach out to our team here at ADU for a free estimate.
Read more: How Long Does It Take For A Ceiling To Dry After A Leak?
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
