While the structure of a home is its foundation, the drywall adds a layer of protection. It is an important factor that homeowners rarely even think about until damage occurs. With all the recent spring and summer rains causing flooding, people are wondering if drywall can be saved with water damage restoration. The answer, of course, depends on the cause of the drywall damage and the length of time it is exposed to water. Here’s what you need to know about it.
How To Check The Drywall
- Check For Moisture
The most important step in checking for the moisture is doing a visual surface check for signs of discoloration, staining, or mold spots. You can also then use your hands to check for material changes such as buckling, warping, or peeling. If the drywall is weak from moisture, you can also push on it and move inward. It will also feel swollen to the touch. You can additionally smell the drywall for wet odors from mold, mildew, or wood rot.
- Check The Interior Wall
Water damage restoration companies will use moisture meters to check inside the walls. By drilling small holes and looking inside, it is much easier to find moisture on the interior building material and insulation. You will need to gather the right supplies like a moisture meter, screwdriver, drill, drywall knife, tape, putty, caulking, and a drill bit.
After drilling holes and checking the moisture level, it will give you accurate readings. Water damage restoration experts take several different readings to ensure accuracy. While you won’t likely get a non-existent moisture level reading, normal readings are between six and thirteen percent. Anything higher than 13% requires additional action.
- Cut Effected Drywall & Remove Insulation
If you find moisture, the next step is to start by cutting out the drywall from the bottom. It is standard to start with two feet at a time. Because building material and insulation can retain moisture indefinitely, you also need to be aware of the presence of mold spores. If the drywall already shows signs of mold growth, you’ll need to replace the entire area.
Can Water Damage Restoration Save Drywall?
As drywall makes direct contact with water and moisture, it is likely to suffer some extent of the damage. The drywall is also composed of thin layering of gypsum and paper, so it has little resistance and absorbs moisture quickly. Here is how drywall can be saved after water exposure.
- As long as the drywall still has its shape, it is likely able to be saved during water damage restoration as specialized equipment dries the drywall and avoid the collapse of materials.
- If a piece of drywall has lost its shape, it is usually not repairable. Most notably if the ceiling or drywall is sagging inward, it is a sign of weakening that is a safety hazard that is on the brink of collapse. Like this, it’s not structurally sound and must be replaced.
- If the inside of the wall is filled with water, the drywall will also be wet. It is often smarter to remove all the wet components, including insulation, and apply a new layer.
- If the drywall has been wet for more than two days before water damage restoration occurs, the likelihood of mold forming is high. Under these circumstances, it is a better idea to remove the drywall and add a new layer to avoid hidden mold spore growth.
If moisture is present, call about our water damage restoration services at 1-800-847-0114 or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/ to send a direct message.
