Wet drywall in Sioux Falls

What happens when drywall gets wet?

If you recently experienced flooding or other water damage in Sioux Falls, you might be concerned about your drywall — and rightfully so. Wet drywall can be dangerous.

Avoid the horrors of house mold in Sioux Falls by learning what to do if (God forbid) your drywall gets wet.

What Happens when Drywall Gets Wet

While drywall is generally pretty sturdy, it can lose its structural integrity if it’s exposed to water damage for too long.

When wet, drywall becomes soft and weak. Depending on the extent of the drywall damage and the weight of the water, the drywall panels can actually tear away from their fasteners and crash to the floor — causing you to lose your entire wall or ceiling.

Typically, though, you can take care of wet drywall before such a catastrophe occurs. You’ll want to act fast to make sure you’re not dealing with mold removal in Sioux Falls next!

What to Do with Wet Drywall in Sioux Falls

Whether you’re dealing with a flood in Sioux Falls or a leak in your home, you should check your drywall immediately after water damage occurs.

Even if the situation doesn’t seem bad, drywall can hold moisture for a long time — meaning your house is at major risk for mold. (Plus, insulation loses its R-Value when wet, so if nothing else, it’s a potential liability.)

Here are the five steps to dealing with wet drywall in Sioux Falls.

1. Look for Visible Signs of Wet Drywall

Check for areas that bubble or droop, soft spots in the wall, and sagging depressions around the fasteners on your ceiling fan. These are all red flags for wet drywall.

If you spot any of them, you may want to remove furniture and valuables from the surrounding area in case the wall or ceiling collapses.

2. Check Your Drywall for Moisture

If you suspect there’s water pooling on the other side of your ceiling, create a drain hole by poking the drywall with a nail or other small punch. Capture the water with a bucket.

To test for wet drywall, either use a non-penetrating moisture meter or remove the baseboards and poke holes in the drywall using a screwdriver. If it’s soft, it’s wet (and needs to be taken care of).

3. Check the Interior of the Wall or Ceiling

Don’t just stop at the drywall — check everything behind it as well.

Either use a penetrating moisture meter or make a larger hole in the drywall to see if there’s moisture on the studs. If you see insulation, inspect the moisture content — especially if it’s fiberglass or cellulose.

4. Remove the Wet Drywall

Before attempting any DIY drywall removal, make sure you absolutely know what you’re doing.

If you don’t, not only will your work look amateurish, you could accidentally cut into important wires, pipes, or whatever else is on the other side of the wall. Make sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes from potential drywall debris.

To remove drywall, cut into the wall two feet up and remove the wet insulation. For more tips on cutting out damaged drywall, read this article.

Even if the damage doesn’t see too bad, don’t take the situation lightly. Wet drywall in Sioux Falls is the perfect breeding ground for mold — and it can sprout within days if you don’t do anything.

5. Get Mold Removal in Sioux Falls

If you’re too late and mold has already started to grow, you need to get it taken care of ASAP. When not removed by a trained professional, mold can spread to the rest of your house and cause serious health issues for your family.

If you’re think you may need mold removal services in Sioux Falls, please call us at INTEK. We offer free inspections and estimates, so there’s no commitment involved.

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