Drywalling can be a terrific walling solution if you want to add more rooms to building interiors or want to divide certain parts of a building. These walling products are very beautiful, they are quick to install and they are quite affordable.
Drywalls are, unfortunately, a little bit more vulnerable compared to concrete walls. They are more likely to break upon impact and theta re more susceptible to water damage.
It can sometimes be difficult to spot a leak in your drywall because these absorbent materials are usually covered in a layer of thick paint. This type of damage should be repaired as soon as you possibly can or it can result in mould growth inside your walls, discolouration, the paint can start to peel or the walls can start deteriorating.
How To Tell If A Drywall Is Wet
Drywalls are usually coated in a layer of thick paint which can make it difficult to detect moisture, especially if the leak is on the inside of the wall. Here is a quick look at different ways to detect moisture in these types of walls.
- Discolouration
- Mould Growth
- Musky Scents
- Moisture On The Floor
Water will often result in discolouration on your walls. The paint can appear lighter, darker or you might start to notice brown or black patches on the paint surface. This type of disoclouration usually doesn’t just clear up by wiping down the walls.
You can also keep an eye out for mould growth. This type of growth is especially likely to occur in humid areas like your bathroom, kitchen, attic, or in crawl spaces. Mould can be difficult to detect because it often grows underneath the paint or wallpaper layer. You will need to look closely at the joints of your walls or at the base of the wall and check if you can spot any discoloration or black fungus-like marks.
Moisture inside walls usually causes materials to start to deteriorate and all sorts of bacteria and microbes can start to grow in moist conditions. These growths and deteriorating materials can produce musky or mouldy odours.
You can also check the floors for moisture seeping through the subfloor below or coming out at the area where the floor meets the wall. This joint area is usually quite vulnerable to mould growth but you might also simply see some moisture or discolouration on the floor.
What Causes Water Damage In Drywalls
A number of different factors can cause water damage in your drywalls. Here is a quick look at some of the most common causes of these challenging problems.
- Leaky Water Pipes
- Flooding
- Roof Leaks
- Natural Disasters
Water pipelines or drain pipes are often built into the walls to create a seamless and beautiful interior and exterior wall. Leaky plumbing is the most common cause of water damage to drywalls. This usually happens if the plumbing lines are very old, if the plumbing wasn’t installed correctly, or if your home water supply suddenly receives a powerful surge of water pressure.
Local flooding or accidental flooding when you forget a tap open is also a common cause of water damage. If your building interior floods then you should get these spaces cleaned and dried as quickly as possible.
Roof leaks can also allow lots of water to seep into your home. This type of damage is usually quite extensive because your entire wall can be damaged as water pours down from the ceiling.
Flooding from natural disasters like hurricanes can also cause a lot of damage to drywalls. This type of issue usually cannot be prevented but you should take care to dry off and restore your walls properly when these natural disasters strike.
If you notice any signs of water damage in drywalls then it is very important to get a professional to come and check things out. The source of water will first need to be eliminated so you can avoid future damage. Next, the walls will need to be repaired. This sometimes involves replacing the damaged drywall or parts of the wall. We Fix Walls is a great company to trust for any type of drywall repairs you might have in your home. Give these professionals a call whenever you see signs of damage or for any other types of wall fixes you might need.
