What to do About Water Damaged Drywall

Practically every home will have some water damage. Water damage can produce peeling paint, unsightly discoloration, or ruined drywall. If water damage is not correctly handled, it can produce more serious issues like mold growth and musty smells in your house. Homeowners must know what to do in the case of a water damaged drywall.

Causes of Water Damage
One main cause of water damage is busted or leaky water pipes. When there is a cold snap in Rochester, many residences suffer from having water pipes freeze and burst.

Another reason for water damage, particularly during the summer is condensation. When the air is humid and warm, condensation that gathers on cool surfaces like toilet tanks and water pipes.

All year long, there is rain and snow which could create water damage due to improper soil damage, a leaky roof, clogged gutters, old siding, or declining window caulking.

Source of Water Has to Be Repaired or Stopped
The first step to fixing water damage is to be sure that the water source has been completely dealt with. This may involve having your plumbing replaced or repaired. If condensation is the source of water, pipes may be insulated.

Running a dehumidifier or AC might lessen humidity enough that condensation doesn’t gather. If water is seeping in from outdoors, the reason for the leakage will have to be detected and dealt with. When the source of water has been repaired, space must be dried completely.

If There’s Mildew or Mold, Remediate or Remove It
The next step is to detect whether there is any mildew or mold present. Usually, if water has been in the residence for some time, there will be mold or mildew. If any mold or mildew is present, space must be cleaned.

It might also have to be treated to stop the mildew or mold from spreading or returning, and the affected drywall might need to be removed. Once these initial steps have been performed to make sure that no more damage comes from continued mildew, mold, or moisture.
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Fix Water Damaged Drywall
If drywall needs to be moved to dry the interior of the wall, to remove mold, or to get to the pipes, you should contact a home painter to do the work. After removing the drywall, it has to be patched and given plenty of time to dry.

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