Water-damaged drywall can be repaired in most cases, but it ultimately depends on the magnitude of the damage. If the damage is minor, such as a small stain or discoloration, it can usually be repaired with a simple patch and repainted. However, if the drywall has become soft or brittle, it will need to be replaced. If only small sections of the drywall are damaged, you can use a joint compound to repair these areas.
If the section is bubbling, scrape with a spatula to remove the damaged part. Then apply the compound to the affected area. In some serious cases where serious water damage occurs, you may need to call on a professional contractor to repair the source of the leak or the damaged walls or ceiling. Because the outside of drywall is made of paper, it is a porous material that can be damaged by water.
In addition, if the water damage to the drywall was due to the accumulation of wastewater, immediately consult certified professionals to have it repaired. Sometimes, the amount of water damage your property has suffered is simply too great to manage on your own. If your drywall has suffered water damage, you must first go to the water source and remove any standing water. Water damage can be due to natural phenomena, such as heavy rains or natural floods, but it can also be due to internal problems, such as broken pipes, accumulation of wastewater and leaks.
Some signs that walls are damaged by water include cracked paint or bubbling wallpaper, soft-touch drywall, musty odors, and water rings or stains (often light brown). Water will encourage mold to form, which can occur within 24 hours of the initial water damage, so avoid this. Irregularly shaped spots that look yellow or brown are water spots, which are usually the result of a slow water leak. If the water damage is due to a leak or a broken pipe, resolve that problem first to prevent water from continuing to enter your property.
Knowing all this, it's in everyone's best interest to have a restoration professional help a restoration professional in the event of water damage. In addition, if left untreated, water damage to walls can cause the surface to crack, peel off, or bend. For professional restoration and reconstruction of water damage to drywall, call your local PuroClean office. If the drywall only shows water stains but is not structurally compromised, they can be repaired by cutting the damaged part.
If there is a slow leak in a pipe, inadequate sealing around doors or windows, or even if the gutters become clogged, more gradual damage can result.
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