Does drywall need to be replaced after flood damage?

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Whether drywall needs to be replaced after flood damage is explained in this article by SERVPRO® of Central & West Plano

Homes can become flooded for a variety of reasons. Flood damage is usually caused by water from natural disasters (hurricanes, heavy rains), including flash floods, sump failures, roof leaks, and more.

Water damage refers to damage caused by water ingress that allows the destruction of materials and objects. Destructive processes with water include wood rot, metal rust, and mold growth. Drywall is a building material that is susceptible to water damage during flooding. It is made of gypsum board. Drywall is a building material used in residential and commercial properties. The material is strong enough when dry but is porous and will absorb water if exposed for long periods of time. Drywall is most susceptible to water damage when exposed to water for an extended period. In this article, SERVPRO of Central & West Plano explains why drywall should be replaced after flood damage. 

SERVPRO of Central & West Plano is a locally owned and operated company that provides water damage restoration in Hunters Glen, TX, and surrounding areas. Their highly trained water damage restoration technicians use the latest specialized equipment for water extraction and to dry buildings affected by water or flood damage. SERVPRO of Central & West Plano ensures rapid restoration of residential and commercial properties to a preloss condition.

Signs of water damage to drywall

• Soggy or damp areas that may be moist or soft to touch
• Bulging or sagging of drywall
• Loose bolts and screws around drywall
• Brown or dark discoloration or marks along where water leaked on the drywall
• Peeling or bubbled appearance of wallpaper
• Blistering or softening and chipped paint
• Moldy spots or patches
• The musty odor from trapped water in drywall

When should drywall be replaced?

The drywall should be thoroughly inspected if flooding or water damage is suspected. 

Drywall is slightly wet 

If the drywall is just slightly damp, it may not need to be replaced. However, quick drying of drywall is essential. Pointing a fan at the drywall will help dry it after turning off the water source. Opening a window will allow air to circulate and help dry the drywall.

Wet or soggy drywall

Drywall is porous and therefore absorbs water. The longer it is exposed to water, the more water it will absorb. If the drywall exposed to flooding begins to sag or buckle, it means that it has absorbed a lot of water. Deformed drywall should be removed as it may collapse and is a safety risk. Wet drywall is also an ideal environment for mold growth. Water damage restoration experts recommend that wet drywall be replaced within 48 hours, as mold growth is likely on surfaces left wet for more than 24 to 48 hours.

Mold growth

Water damage can seem insignificant, especially if the drywall doesn't look wet. However, mold growth can occur later. There may be tiny black spots or larger patches on the surface, or a musty odor. If mold growth is suspected, hiring a water damage remediation professional is the best way to remove and replace the drywall. The personnel is trained to work in harmful surroundings and have protective equipment. Technicians at SERVPRO of Central & West Plano use specialized equipment to speed up water damage restoration without any compromise on safety and effectiveness. 

For some people with time and DIY skills, replacing drywall may be easy. However, when water damage is due to flooding and the water causing it is considered contaminated, or if there is a possibility of mold growth, a water damage restoration company should be called. Trained technicians can remove and replace drywall without compromising safety. They ensure that the building structure is secure. SERVPRO of Central & West Plano is a trusted leader in the water damage restoration industry. Their expert team provides tailor-made solutions that follow the industry's best standards for commercial and residential water damage restoration. Whatever the size of the disaster and irrespective of the time of emergency, property owners who need water damage restoration in Hunters Glen, TX, can reach SERVPRO of Central & West Plano on the number (945) 348-5804.