When a flood or leaky pipe causes water damage or exposure to your walls, you may or may not think you need to replace the drywall. This can be dangerous if the wrong decision is made. Harmful fungus and mold often develops on water damaged drywall and later, you and members of the household will be exposed to the spores and could become very ill. However if there isn’t truly a need, why spend money to replace something that doesn’t need replacing? Disaster Services understands this prospective all too well and that is why we will share what a professional looks for in drywall damage and what meets the requirement for drywall replacement versus some minor treatments.
Drywall with Mold
Drywall is made of gypsum, covered by a thin cardboard like paper to create drywall which is used as a building material in home and commercial buildings throughout America. Both the paper coating and the gypsum is a prefect living environment for molds, fungus and even mildew that can develop under certain conditions. More often than not, water is the trigger for these harmful growths to occur on the drywall. In most cases it is always best to replace drywall if exposed to water. However, the Gypsum Association has put together a list of considerations wherein you may not need to replace the drywall and simply treat it.
Can Water Damaged Drywall Be Saved?
When deciding whether or not the drywall requires replacement, the following list of requirement must be met.
1. The source of the water or moisture damage has been identified and eliminated.
2. The water or moisture that was exposed to the drywall isn’t contaminated from things such as sewages drains.
3. The wet drywall was thoroughly dried within 24 hours of exposure to the water.
4. The structural integrity of the drywall is sound.
What Kills Mold on Drywall?
Under these conditions drywall can be saved and treated with either bleach or a product designed to prevent and kill mold or mildew growth. However, in most cases you will find that the drywall usually needs to be removed and replaced. Flood or leaks come without warning and unless the homeowner or someone was at home the moment the flood or leak appeared, the drywall in most cases needs to be removed and replaced. Drywall removal and replacement can be a rather quick process. For those facing the disaster of a flood rather than a minor leak most likely you will have to replace your drywall. On the other hand, in the case of leaks there is usually time for you to save the dry wall and treat it. However if the water was from a sewage drain the water will hold a lot of contaminates that will get stuck on the pores of the drywall. Severe or serious mold can be born from those contaminates. In this case, it is much better to be on the side of caution.
Flood & Water Damage Restoration in Baytown, Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas
Disaster Services hopes we were able to help properly assess whether you should replace or keep and treat your drywall that has been exposed to water or moisture. If you find that your drywall didn’t pass your test and you need drywall repair services, contact Disaster Services today and we will help repair your damaged drywall.
