Assessing and Dealing with Specific Damage Assessing Water Damage to Drywall

Water Damage Cleanup: Understanding the Extent of Drywall Damage

When flooding or water damage occurs, drywall is one of the most commonly affected building materials. Determining the extent of drywall damage is crucial for proper cleanup and restoration.

After a flood, the amount of drywall to remove depends on the severity of the water damage and how long the drywall was exposed to moisture. If the drywall was only exposed to water for a short time, it may be possible to dry it out and save it. However, if the drywall was submerged in water for an extended period, it will likely need to be removed and replaced.

Assessing Drywall Damage

• Inspect the drywall for visible signs of damage. This includes checking for discoloration, warping, or bubbling. If there are any visible signs of damage, the drywall will likely need to be removed.
• Touch the drywall to feel for moisture. If the drywall feels wet or damp, it will need to be removed.
• Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of the drywall. A moisture meter can help you determine if the drywall is wet enough to require removal.

Removing Damaged Drywall

• Turn off the power to the affected area.
• Remove any furniture or other objects from the area.
• Cut away the damaged drywall. Use a utility knife or a saw to cut away the damaged drywall. Be careful not to cut into any electrical wires or plumbing pipes.
• Dispose of the damaged drywall. Wrap the damaged drywall in plastic and dispose of it in a dumpster.