Many homes throughout the U.S. use drywalling as an inexpensive and effective indoor walling solution. It’s easier to handle, quick to install, and less messy than brick-and-mortar walling. However, drywall is vulnerable to impact breakage and water damage because of its porous plaster and paper makeup. Luckily, this damage only requires a patch, sanding, or stain removal. But in more extreme cases, large sections of drywall may need to be replaced by a professional contractor.
This article will explain some signs and how to tell if your drywall needs to be replaced.
Whether it’s excessive humidity, downpours, or tropical storms, moisture can be a big problem for homeowners in large parts of the U.S. Burst pipes and leaky fixtures are other hazards for which homeowners should watch out. No matter the source, too much moisture can wreak your drywall. Extensive discoloration, bulging, sagging, damp smells, and mold indicate that your drywall may have suffered water damage. Once you find the moisture source, you will want to remove it immediately and then have your drywall replaced.
Cracks in your wall are a good indication of a misplaced seam. While they can be patched over, it does not solve the underlying structural problem. This kind of cracking frequently happens when a seam is placed above the corner of a window or door, creating a weak point that becomes vulnerable to the expansion of the frame. To solve the issue, you will need to have problematic sections of drywall removed and replaced so that the force from the frame is dispensed correctly.
Drywall is made of plaster and paper, making splintering uncommon. But when plywood panels have been used as a substitute, splintering along edges and joints can signify significant damage. This is caused by settling, water damage, or rot. It can also indicate aging materials. When this sort of damage happens, older and substitute forms of drywall should be replaced with something more durable. Remember that swapping or patching plywood panels is not usually recommended.
Bumps and bulges in your walls can indicate swelling caused by water damage or exposure to excess humidity. As mentioned above, water damage is normally accompanied by discoloration. If no discoloration is present, the bump or bulge in your wall may come from a range of causes, from untidy patchwork to the house settling. Reworking unsightly patchwork is not recommended, so you will need to replace the panel and any drywall necessary.
If you notice a few small holes in your drywall, you may not need to replace it as it can be easily patched. But a patch may not be the best fix when it comes to larger holes. In addition to being difficult to repair correctly, large holes can undermine the integrity of the drywall. There’s no set rule, but if a hole is larger than five inches, consider replacing your drywall.
Our Gainesville-based team brings years of experience to our clients, so we can tackle every aspect of a home renovation project, from demolition to design, electrical work, and HVAC. The comprehensive services of Elite mean homeowners can work with one skilled team to get high-quality results on time and within budget. Whatever your project, from kitchen renovations to new additions, we bring the same skill and dedication to every aspect of construction.
Get a free quote from Elite Construction and Renovation when you need your drywall replaced and want to work with an experienced construction contractor in Atlanta, GA.
