Does Wet Drywall Always Need to Be Replaced?

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

We do not recommend that homeowners attempt to self-diagnose water or mold damage.

How to Tell if Drywall Is Water Damaged

If your home has water damage, the building material and contents will need to be evaluated by a professional who has experience with water damage. We recommend working with us at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago, and Warrenville to determine the extent of the damage and the best path towards recovery.

You can begin to understand the extent of the damage to your property by:

• Looking for watermarks: Water will stain affected areas, leaving a high-water mark on walls or round, pooling shapes on the ceiling. Any drywall with visible signs of water damage will need to be replaced.

• Feeling for moisture and texture: Drywall should always dry. Any walls or ceilings that feel wet to the touch will require replacement.

• Looking for hidden signs of moisture: Hidden leaks or water damage that has been given time to dry can be especially difficult to diagnose. For example, the evidence of small floods may be seen under the carpet or behind baseboards. If it’s easy to pry up or remove a section of material, you may do so to check for signs of current or pre-existing damage.

We do not recommend that homeowners attempt to self-diagnose water or mold damage. You may put yourself in harm’s way or inadvertently create a bigger problem.

Does Wet Drywall Need to be Replaced?

Whether wet drywall needs to be replaced depends on the source of water and the amount of time it has been wet. An experienced restoration professional at SERVPRO will evaluate the drywall and determine if it needs to be removed or can be dried and returned to its normal condition.

What to Do If You Find Water-Damaged Drywall in Your Home or Business

• Identify the source of the damage: The cause of the damage may be obvious (storm flooding) or more difficult to diagnose. If you know the leak originates with your plumbing or appliance, turn off the water at the unit or at the water shut-off valve. 

If you’re unsure where the water or leak originated, don’t fret. Contact a remediation professional, like us at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville. We can assist you in mitigating the damage and taking the steps necessary to prevent future damage.

Remember, it may not just be you flooring that is affected—materials like drywall, cabinets, and behind drywall (beams, joists, insulation, and more) are often damaged, too. Any materials damaged beyond repair (like wet insulation) will need to be removed, disposed of, and replaced.

• Dry the space: Some materials (like carpeting) may be dried using the principles of rapid structural drying.

Ensure Proper Drywall Replacement

After a water damage event, trust SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville for professional water remediation, rapid structural drying, and, if needed, full-service reconstruction. Utilizing the experience and expertise of your local pros at SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville can save you considerable time and help ensure you and your family stay safe when it comes to mold.