What Happens When Drywall Gets Wet and What to do About it

In many parts of the country, prolonged periods of rain have caused flooding. Even though drywall is pretty sturdy, it can be significantly damaged if it gets wet for too long. If moisture damage isn't handled right away, the drywall's structural integrity will be compromised, causing it to become soft, weak, and mold-prone. And how long your drywall stays wet directly relates to how much damage it gets.

It may still be possible to save it depending on how wet it gets. Here are a few steps to determine the extent of the damage done to your drywall, from flooding:

Test the Drywall for Moisture

Your drywall can be checked for moisture in a couple of ways. The first thing you can do is use a non-penetrating moisture meter. You can also pry off the baseboards and poke holes in the drywall with a screwdriver. If it's soft and the screwdriver goes in easily, then the drywall is wet. Check the inside as well. Next, you should check for moisture inside the wall using a penetrating moisture meter. This can also be done by making a large hole to check for moisture on the studs. If you encounter any insulation, it's crucial to check it for moisture as well, particularly if it's made of cellulose or fiberglass.

Replace Moisture-Damaged Walls

If you find moisture, you will need to remove the wet drywall and insulation, which can hold moisture for quite some time. Mold clusters can start to form in walls if moisture-damaged materials aren't removed. In addition, wet insulation loses its R-value, so it needs to be replaced.

Call the Drywall Repair Professionals

Mold-ridden materials can be tricky to remove. It's best to contact a drywall repair expert to do this, otherwise, you could develop mold spores all over your house--in the worst scenarios, a mold remediation expert may have to be brought in as well. These spores can impact the air quality in your home, which could cause asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions in your family.

Get Help From the Drywall Repair Pros

Flooding in a home or building can be very serious and destructive. In addition to drywall repair services, you'll likely need help with painting. Fortunately, PatchMaster can help you with all of this. For local drywall repair and painting services to make your home whole again, call us at 1-844-PATCH-MAN in the United States or 1-833-WE-PATCH in Canada.