If you’re a homeowner, you know how important drywall, also called plasterboard, sheetrock, and wallboard, is for your home. Drywall is widely used in buildings as a construction material, serving as a quick and easy alternative to lath and plaster for interior walls and ceilings. However, like any building material, it can get damaged, especially by water.
ROA Drywall understands that unexpected events happen. You might come home to find your basement flooded, soaking your drywall, or discover a leaky pipe causing water damage to your walls and floors.
When drywall gets wet, it can cause major problems for your home’s structure, including mold and decay. If you want to learn more about fixing wet drywall or need wet drywall repair services due to water damage, this article will guide you on how to minimize the damage.
What Happens When Drywall Gets Wet?
Wet drywall can cause many problems in your home. Drywall can grow up to ten times its original size when it gets wet and loses its strength. This makes it crucial for homeowners to repair water-damaged drywall as soon as possible.
If drywall stays wet for too long, it will lose its structural integrity, becoming soft and weak. This weakened drywall won’t support your home’s structure properly, which could lead to it falling, breaking off, or caving in, posing serious safety risks for you and your family.
Besides structural issues, mold on sheetrock or drywall can also grow behind and on the surface of wet drywall, creating an unhealthy environment. Water-damaged drywall can retain moisture for a long time, eventually leading to the growth of toxic black mold. If you find signs of water damage on your drywall and you’re unsure what to do, contact ROA Drywall! We are experts in wet drywall repair, installation and replacement services in Pflugerville, Austin and nearby areas.
Does Wet Drywall Need To Be Replaced?
When drywall gets wet, many homeowners wonder whether they should repair the water damage or replace the drywall entirely. Typically, yes! Wet, moldy walls lose their strength and the insulation between your home’s studs, leading to an unhealthy and potentially unsafe living environment.
To help decide, it’s important to test your drywall for moisture. There are a few ways to do this. One way to figure out how wet your drywall is is to use a non-penetrating moisture meter. You can also use a screwdriver to check the amount of moisture.
To use the screwdriver method, press it against the drywall. If it easily goes through, the moisture levels are high, and you should quickly replace the drywall. You can also use a penetrating moisture meter to test the inside of your wall. This will show you how much moisture has seeped into the drywall and whether the surrounding insulation is also wet.
If there is a significant amount of moisture, the best way to prevent future problems is to replace both the wet drywall and the insulation.
How long does it take to dry out walls from water damage?
The time it takes to dry out water-damaged drywall can vary depending on the drying methods used and the climate of your location. If you live in a desert climate and use a good dehumidifier, things will dry much faster compared to a damp, humid climate.
You can speed up the drying process by taking steps such as removing baseboards, sealing the room, and using industrial fans along with a high-quality dehumidifier. The time it takes to fix wet drywall can vary, especially if mold is growing and needs to be removed and fixed.
How Do You Fix Drywall That Got Wet?
When it comes to repairing drywall that has been damaged by water, the extent of the repairs depends on the amount of water and how long the drywall was exposed. If the exposure to water was minimal and the moisture didn’t penetrate deeply into the material, the repair process shouldn’t be too extensive.
You can fix drywall that has been slightly wet by cleaning the damaged area, sanding it smooth, and then removing any flaky paint. After that, you can prime and paint the surface to cover any imperfections. This approach can resolve minor moisture exposure, but it won’t suffice for drywall that has extensive water damage. In such cases, complete replacement is necessary to prevent future issues.
Is Repairing Drywall Worth It?
If your drywall has been exposed to a significant amount of water (in gallons) or has been wet for more than 30 minutes, replacing it is generally the best option rather than attempting to repair it. If replacement is necessary, hiring a professional who is skilled in drywall removal and replacement will ensure that you avoid future problems.
If mold is found, only a professional can take down the damaged drywall without spreading mold spores all over your house, which could be bad for your health and the health of your family.
ROA Drywall Repair and Replacement Services
If your drywall has been damaged by water and you’re unsure of what to do, contact your local drywall for assistance. We specialize in wet drywall repair and replacement. Our professionals are experienced in handling various drywall issues, from minor damage to complete wall replacements.
Give us a call at 512-293-9899 for a free estimate online today and trust ROA Drywall with your home repair projects.
FAQs
Can drywall get wet?
Yes, drywall can get wet. If it stays wet for too long, it can become damaged, soft, weak, and might start to grow mold.
What happens when drywall gets wet?
When drywall gets wet, it can lose its strength and become soft. Depending on the type of water damage and how wet it got, you might be able to save it. Acting quickly is important to prevent mold growth.
How long does it take for mold to grow on wet drywall?
Mildew and mold can start growing within 24-48 hours of getting wet. They will keep growing until you remove the moisture and fix the mold problem. Use the diagram on the next page to see how much mold is in your home.
If drywall gets wet does it have to be replaced?
If drywall gets wet, it doesn’t always need to be replaced. It depends on how wet it got and how long it stayed wet. If it’s only a little wet and dries quickly, you might be able to save it. But if it stays wet for too long or gets very wet, you might need to replace it to prevent mold and other damage.