Research shows that the risk of damage from natural hazards due to climate change is steadily increasing. More than half of the buildings in the US are situated in areas prone to natural hazards according to available data. Floods are the leading cause of property damage in the US. In Florida, one of the most frequent hazards is flooding. It can happen at any time of the year.
Water damage due to flooding needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Companies like Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. in Gulf Stream, Florida aim to do precisely this. Water damage worsens the longer floodwater is left standing within a building. When materials like drywall are exposed to moisture, they get damaged, compromising the structural integrity. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. explains when drywall may need to be replaced after flood damage
.png)
Why Is Drywall Used?
Drywall is used to construct walls and ceilings and create architectural design features like eaves and arches. It is made of gypsum. In commercial buildings drywall is used to cover steel beams and columns. Plaster was used for these purposes earlier. Drywall replaced plaster because its use reduced construction time, cost less, and required less labor. Drywall is also easier to repair. However, even though it is durable, drywall is susceptible to water damage. When exposed to moisture drywall grows mold easily. Drywall may need to be replaced after flood damage depending on the extent of the damage.
How To Spot Wet Drywall?
- Brownish spots or stains
- Discoloration of walls
- Drywall that feels moist to touch
- Bulging, sagging, or crumbling of drywall
- Musty smell
- Mold growth or greenish or black spots
- Peeling or bubbling of paint and wallpaper
How Can The Drywall Be Checked For Moisture
Drywall can be checked for moisture after flooding by methods like the following:
Non-penetrating Moisture Meter: Water close to the surface of the drywall can be detected by a moisture meter.
Invasive Means: Baseboards can be removed and a screwdriver used to poke a hole in the wall. Wet drywall will be soft.
Testing The Interior: A moisture meter that penetrates can be used to detect water within. A larger hole can be made and moisture checked in the wall studs and insulation.
Effect of Water On Drywall
The structural integrity of the drywall is compromised by exposure to water. The longer it is exposed to water, the more the water damage. Mold growth begins within 24 to 48 hours of water damage according to FEMA. This also depends on temperature, humidity, whether the drywall was mold-resistant, etc. Mold growth will be best handled by a professional service that does mold removal and mold remediation, like Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc.
Can Drywall Be Salvaged After Water Damage?
If the dampness is minimal, drywall can be dried out. If the moisture has not permeated into the drywall towels, natural air, and sunlight exposure can be used to try drying it out. The best way to dry the material is the use of dehumidifiers and high-volume fans. A moisture meter can then be used to check for residual moisture after cleaning and drying are done.
Drywall Replacement
Any mold growth would necessitate drywall replacement. This is because mold can cause health issues. Drywall affected by mold should be removed and replaced by trained professionals. This is because there is a risk of spores spreading and this can be better prevented by trained experts. Water damage restoration professionals or mold remediation experts would also follow all safety precautions when dealing with mold. In Gulf Stream Florida, Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. is a full-service contracting company that also provides water damage restoration and mold removal services.
More severe water damage caused by greywater (Category 2) and blackwater (Category 3) will require the affected drywall to be replaced. Any flood damage caused by contaminated water is best dealt with by experienced professionals who are trained and certified.
Sections of the drywall can be replaced instead of entire drywall panels being replaced if only certain areas are affected by flood damage.
.png)
As contractors who are licensed, insured, and trained in their areas of expertise, Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. provides flood damage restoration in Gulf Stream, Florida. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. can be relied on to respond swiftly as they understand that flood damage is stressful for the occupants of a building. The company can be reached via phone number (561) 316-3989 or by email at suncoastcpr@gmail.com.
