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Drywall Water Damage: Everything You Need To Know

Drywall is a popular construction material for residential and commercial properties. It’s affordable and versatile, offering sound insulation and fire resistance. Unfortunately, its weakness is its vulnerability to water damage, which can lead to mold growth, stains, and structural issues when faced with leaks, floods, and other causes.

 Understanding the signs, causes, and solutions for drywall water damage can save you time, money, and stress. Here is everything homeowners need to know about drywall water damage, from identifying the problem to preventing it in the future.

Why Does Drywall Water Damage Occur?

Most types of drywall are prone to water damage, with even high humidity affecting drywall. These factors typically lead to drywall water damage:

  • Leaky Pipes: Plumbing leaks are among the most common causes of water damage. They can be caused by deteriorating pipes, burst pipes, or property structure shifts.

  • Roof Leaks: Improper maintenance could lead to damaged or missing shingles, faulty flashing, or clogged gutters, allowing water to seep into your home from above.

  • Condensation: In high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens, condensation can build up on walls and cause damage over time. This results from poor ventilation, which prevents moisture from entering the room. 

  • Flooding: Natural disasters, plumbing failures, and sewage backups are common causes of property flooding. 

  • Poor Ventilation: Without proper ventilation, moisture can accumulate inside your property. Porous drywall can absorb the moisture in the air, causing it to swell and warp. 

What Does Drywall Water Damage Look Like?

Drywall water damage can happen slowly, gradually worsening if left unchecked. If you see any of these signs on your property, you should call a professional property restoration team, as your drywall may need major repairs or replacement:

  • Discoloration: Water damage breaks down the porous materials in drywall, resulting in discoloration. Check if patches of your drywall have started to develop yellow, brown, or dark stains on your walls or ceilings.

  • Bubbling or Peeling Paint: When water seeps into drywall, it can lead to drywall and paint expanding and contracting, which can stress the bond and cause bubbling, cracking, or peeling.

  • Swollen Walls: Water can cause drywall to swell and warp. You might notice uneven surfaces or bulging sections.

  • Sagging Ceilings: The weight of the water absorbed by drywall in ceilings can cause certain areas of your property’s ceilings to sag or even collapse.

Early Signs of Water Damage in Walls

Even before you see the visible signs mentioned above, there are some ways to spot early signs of drywall water damage. Here are some early warning signs to watch for:

  • Soft Spots: Although drywall isn’t as hard as other building materials, its gypsum core should still make it relatively hard to the touch. If you press on your walls and feel any soft or spongy areas, it could indicate water damage.

  • Mold Growth: Mold thrives in damp environments, and black, green, or white patches on your walls are a visible sign of mold in your walls. However, if you smell a distinctive musty odor from the walls, it may suggest mold and bacterial growth within your walls. 

  • Increased Utility Bills: An unexplained spike in your water bill without a price increase or additional tasks needing water might signal a hidden leak.

  • Unexplained Dampness: If an area of your wall feels cold for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of dampness and water intrusion within your walls.

How Should You Handle Drywall Water Damage?

Discovering drywall water damage can be alarming. Left unchecked, it can lead to serious structural issues, mold growth, and costly repairs. You should contact professional property restoration technicians to handle the damage. 

Repairing or replacing the visibly damaged drywall is rarely ever enough. There is an underlying issue causing drywall water damage, and failing to address it ensures that the problem will reoccur, on top of the other potential hazards of failing to address a problem on your property. Although the process can vary between properties, professional technicians can perform the following:

  • Identify the source of water
  • Assess the damage to the drywall and the rest of your property’s structure
  • Remove standing water and any lingering moisture in the affected area
  • Remove and replace damaged drywall
  • Mold remediation processes
  • Replace and repair drywall

Maintain Structurally Sound Spaces with Restoration 1 of Humble

Drywall water damage is a serious issue that requires prompt attention. Understanding the signs and causes allows you to take action before the damage becomes extensive. If you suspect water damage in your home, it’s best to address the issue immediately to prevent further complications.

At Restoration 1 of Humble, our certified property restoration technicians can help you tackle drywall water damage efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and protect your home from water damage.

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