While it may be nicknamed The Sunshine State, Florida is the host to weather that is not always predictable or stable. Between the upcoming Florida rain and hurricane season, your drywall may be in danger of being destroyed this summer. What exactly can happen to drywall? How do you prevent damage to your drywall? What are the future precautions to take? As always, we are here to help.
What is Drywall?
Drywall is a specialized panel board made of gypsum plaster that is pressed between two thick sheets of paper, and it is very popular in Florida homes. Drywall can also be called plasterboard, wallboard, gypsum board, or sheetrock. Early versions of drywall included materials such as plaster and wool felt paper. While the drywall itself is being made, the plaster is mixed with materials such as fiber, plasticizer, foaming agent, starch, or agents such as mold or fire resistant materials. Drywall can be applied to a new house in the span of two days.
Drywall and Water Damage
Drywall is especially vulnerable to water exposure. It can be strengthened against water with covalent waterproofing, but if the waterproofing is damaged, then the wall will eventually be damaged as well. When drywall is affected by water, it stains, swells, and disintegrates, much like thick paper. Mold is not much of a worry when it comes to the gypsum material, however mold can have supported growth in the paper backing. Specific boards, called greenboards or cement boards, can be used in specific rooms that usually have high moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
Drywall and Rain
Drywall can become alarming when wet. Some experiences include entire ceilings falling down from the weight of water. If drywall were meant to be near water, it would be called wetwall. Unfortunately, drywall is similar to paper when it becomes wet. After rainfall, the excess moisture in the wall can also be a cause for mold.
Prevent Leaks Before They Begin
Take necessary precautions before the rain falls; clean out your gutter so the rain can get off of your roof instead of collect on it, and try to catch the location of leaks before they have the chance to make extensive damage. After water damages have been repaired, a professional can stabilize drywall for future protection.
Restoring Drywall After Water Damage
Here at Accutech, we can professionally remove water and restore the wall to its rightful state. The basic idea of drywall restoration is to isolate the water damaged area, cut out the wet drywall, and point a fan directly at the area around the hole to remove any excess moisture. The process may have to be repeated after twelve hours. The replacement drywall can then fill in the hole with a new back board, tools, and drywall tape. We can do these steps for you to save you time and a possible excess amount of money on extensive repairs.
Contact Us Today
In the midst of rains and thunder storms and hurricanes, you can be rest assured knowing that if anything happens to your drywall, we can take care of it. Our experts here at Accutech specialize in water removal services. Our experience and professionalism can help you restore your drywall and house after heavy rain or flooding. We even take the appropriate precautions to ensure that mold will not grow in the place of the area we restore. We operate thoroughly and accurately. Call us today for any service at all regarding water removal, mold, fire smoke, or any of our other offered services. We are open 24 hours a day so call anytime.