Water damage to your home is devastating. One of the areas most susceptible to this damage is drywall. The moisture in drywall from a leaking roofing, a broken pipe, or floodwaters can seriously compromise it. The porous nature means that drywall can absorb water quickly. This causes issues like mold, structural instability, or unsightly stains. To prevent further damage, it’s important to understand how to assess and restore the water-damaged walls. In this article, you’ll learn how to properly restore water-damaged wallboards and when to hire a professional water restoration company.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
The first step in repairing water-damaged drywall is to assess the extent. Water damage doesn’t always mean that the drywall needs to be completely replaced, but an accurate assessment is crucial in determining whether or not a replacement is necessary.
When assessing the damage, here’s what to look for:
- Visible Spots or Discolorations
A discoloration on the drywall can be a sign of damage from water. Brown, dark, or yellow spots in your walls and ceiling indicate water damage. The stains on your walls or ceiling may be ugly but could also indicate damage.
- Swelling
Check for signs of swelling on the drywall. These are indications that the drywall is absorbing a lot of water. If it feels soft when you touch it or push into it easily, then the drywall may be too damaged to fix and must be replaced.
- Peeling off Paint or Wallpaper
Water damage may cause paint or wallpaper to peel off. If you see cracking, bubbling, or peeling, the drywall under it has likely been affected by moisture.
- Mold growth
Mold can grow in 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to water. It could be mold if you see black, white, or green spots. Mold poses serious health risks and should be removed immediately.
- Musty Odor
Even if damage is not immediately visible, the musty odor can indicate mold growth and water damage behind the drywall. In this situation, further investigation may be needed to determine the cause.
Step 2: Find The Source Of The Damage
Before any repair, you must determine the cause of the water damage. If you address the issue, it will prevent additional problems after the drywall is restored. Sources of water damage include:
- Roofs leakage
- Leaking or burst pipes
- Heavy rain can lead to flooding
- Overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets
- Condensation is a result of poorly insulated windows and HVAC systems
Before restoring the drywall, the underlying problem must be addressed, whether that is repairing leaks or improving ventilation.
Step 3: Towel the Area Dry
Dry the area completely after removing the water source. You must dry out the affected area to prevent mold and further damage.
How to Dry Water Damaged Drywall?
- Use fans and humidifiers to circulate and speed up the drying process.
- If the weather is suitable, open your windows and let in some fresh air.
- A professional restoration company might use industrial-grade drying equipment and fans in larger areas.
Wait patiently. Depending on the severity of the damage or the humidity level, drying could take several hours.
Step 4: Decide Whether To Replace Or Repair
Once the drywall has dried, you must decide if damaged drywall can simply be repaired or if a complete replacement is required. Here are guidelines to make this decision:
- Repair: If there is only minor damage to the drywall (such as a small stain or softening), then you may simply be able to repair the area by cutting it out and patching up the damaged part.
- Replace: If your drywall is swollen severely, has a soft texture, or exhibits extensive mold, you should replace the entire panel.
Conclusion
It is important to restore water-damaged wallboards as soon as possible. Water damage can cause long-term problems if you don’t know how to recognize, fix, and replace damaged materials. You should always consult a professional to help you with the restoration process if it is a more severe case or if there are any questions. The professionals can restore the home and your drywall to their original condition.
