Drywall water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners. A fire, an electrical issue, or even plumbing can cause cracks in the drywall and lead to water damage. Unfortunately, it’s often underreported and ignored by consumers. This is because homeowners think they can prevent the issue by drying out their walls with fans or dehumidifiers. However, this only makes the issue worse!

Here are some things you need to know about drywall water damage so you can prevent it from happening to your home.

What is drywall water damage?

It’s a term that describes the consequences of water penetration in drywall. Drywall is essentially paper-thin sheets of gypsum board, and the material is very porous. The material is used to construct homes, offices, and other buildings for waterproof properties.

When drywall gets wet, the water can spread through it as if it was an absorbent sponge. The walls will bubble up with only some water remaining in pockets, sometimes forming small puddles on surfaces below. If overlooked, drywall water damage can lead to mold growth and even structural damage.

Causes of Water Damage in Drywall

A variety of factors can cause water damage. Some are easy to avoid, while others are more difficult. Here is a list of the most common causes that cause drywall water damage:

• Roof leaks: Leaking roofing and shingles
• Rainwater pooling up on the roof
• Leaking faucets or faulty plumbing
• Moisture buildup in crawlspaces such as attics and roof
• Flawed HVAC system or household appliances

How to check drywall for water damage

If you sense water damage to your drywall, you can perform an in-depth inspection. Looking for the following signs to confirm drywall water damage:

• Bubbling and gurgling of the wall as if it is going to cave in
• Multiple bubbles on the surface
• Completely damp patch where there was no water before as if a flood has just destroyed the wall
• Signs of mold growth in the form of discoloration or fungal growth

On some occasions, you might need special tools to identify or confirm water damage to drywall. Furthermore, even when you confirm water damage, you need custom tools to remove and replace the drywall, and you might need a professional to complete this task. Their reputation and experience, and skills will help them detect the extent of the problem in your house.

Replacing Water Damaged Drywall

When replacing a section of drywall where you’ve damaged it, do not install the new portion directly over the last piece. Instead, measure down from that point to put in the hole for your new piece. Fill this hole with water (to discourage any air pockets that could result after installation) before putting in another layer of drywall or course plasterboard.

Drywall Water Damage Repair Includes:

• Site Assessment – Before you can repair drywall, you need to assess the extent of the damage. Sites with excess water accumulation could require more extensive repairs, including replacing damaged material or rotted areas.
• After observing your site and completing a physical inspection of the drywall, note all the improvements required.
• Re-Piece or Repairs– Before putting a fresh coat of drywall on the damaged section, it is suggested to repair and fill in cracks as needed.
• The next step after this process involves re-plastering or replacing rotted sections instead of using small patches that may not fully be effective in repairing your material.
• Spray a coat of primer over the area, and use a sandpaper or drywall roller to smooth out any irregularities. This smoothing process not only helps you return your area to its original form after repairing moisture damage but also prevents water absorption.

How to paint stained drywall

The first step is eliminating any mold, stain, or irregularities on the drywall surface. Sanding the drywall will help you maintain the surface peerless. Once the drywall surface is clean and smooth, use an alcohol-based primer and allow it to dry. The next step is to apply at least two fresh coats of paint to get the desired finish.

Drywall water damage can be costly whether you’re a homeowner, a contractor, or an investor. If you have not prepared for this type of situation, it could mean thousands of dollars in losses and an overall disruption to your life. When it comes to protecting your investment and getting the most out of it, nothing beats having a professional on your side. Contact us today to get the help you need!