Drywall Not So Dry? Here Are Some Steps to Check for Water Damage

Drywall Not So Dry? Here Are Some Steps to Check for Water Damage

Drywall is commonly used to construct interior walls. It is composed of compressed plaster between two thick sheets of paper. Newer builds generally use fibreglass in place of paper to prevent water damage and mould growth. The issue of water damage is surprisingly common for such a widely used building material.

As a highly porous material, the paper in the drywall wicks up water very quickly and deeply so that the effects are not always visible. Water damage to drywall manifests itself in discolouration, swelling and warping, the affected area may also be soft to the touch. If none of these are visible, check the surrounding areas, such as the floor: is the carpet beneath discoloured? If you have wooden floors are they warped? Is there residue on the concrete?

If you have a specific concern, and there are no visual signs, it may be worth using measuring equipment to check for water damage.

Surface water could have dried out, but water that has been soaked up by the drywall can cause a lot of damage to the inside half of your wall. You can hire a moisture meter quite inexpensively for a day, it is non-invasive and works by emitting radio waves. If you don't feel confident enough using the equipment you can hire a water damage repairs professional.

Water damage repairs to drywall can be pretty drastic. Although some people claim it can be a DIY job, it is really worth hiring in a professional as you will need to hire a lot of specialist equipment, and water damage repairs specialists know exactly what to look for.

Drywall water damage repairs involve many stages. Firstly you will need to cut out the affected area using a jigsaw or drywall handsaw, checking constantly for any further damage in the form of deteriorating material or mould. You will need to fully dry the area with specialised fans and a dehumidifier, after 12 hours you should inspect the material to check it has fully dried. A replacement patch will need to be carefully fitted to avoid compromising the appearance.

Drywall is a great breeding ground for mould and bacteria which can affect the structure, appearance and even the smell of your home. If you are in any doubt after discovering a water leak, it is worth calling in a professional before the damage has a chance to spread.

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