While most drywall installations are relatively durable and can hold their own against all kinds of abuse, water is almost always an exception. In fact, moisture retained in walls and drywall can cause structural damage that warrants its replacement.
Water cuts through drywall like a hot knife through butter. It should be noted that time is a key factor here. Short-term contact with water should not be a problem as long as the moisture content in the drywall is returned to manufacturer-recommended levels. But give it long enough and the drywall will become weak, soft, and of course, susceptible to the growth of mold.
The total damage done to your drywall depends on how long it remains in contact with water. Depending on how sooner you can detect the water and remove it, you might still be able to conduct minor repairs without requiring replacement services.
Check the Drywall for the Presence of Water
There are a few basic things you can do to check the drywall for the presence of water.
- Visit your nearest hardware store to buy a pinless moisture meter. Check the moisture levels and see if they are within the desired parameters.
- If this option is not available, you can remove the baseboards to expose the drywalls. Once exposed, use a screwdriver to poke the drywall with holes. If the drywall poses no resistance, then it is wet.
Once you have determined that the drywall is exposed to water, it’s time to act fast and clear out as much of the moisture as possible. This step may require the help of drywall repair contractors in Utah.
Clearing out the Water
Drywall water damage requires the complete removal of water, discarding the damaged items, and clean up. The first step is to stop the water from soaking into the walls. This means figuring out where the leak or flood is coming from. You may have to turn off the valve to stop the flow of water. However, you probably can’t do much about flooding.
Next, you’ll have to get rid of the water as quickly as possible. If you’re dealing with a flood, buy a professional-grade pump to remove the water fast. If you don’t have one, you can rent one.
You can also use a professional-grade dehumidifier, but it may not work as fast and lead to more damage. As a last resort, you can use buckets to get rid of the water. Regardless of the method you choose, your goal is to get rid of the water to save the drywalls.
Should I Replace Wet Drywall?
Water damaged drywall does not always have to be replaced. In some cases, you can dry out the water and save your walls if you act within time. However, whether or not you’ll need to replace the drywall depends on various factors:
- The extent of water damage
- The duration of water damage
- How quickly you can get rid of the water
If you’re still unsure whether you need to repair or replace your drywall, get drywall repair experts to assess your home. Prompt intervention can prevent your property from sustaining more extensive structural damage.
