Water damage on your drywall is nothing to take lightly. Your drywall is a very porous material that when excessive water damage is left untreated, could lead to mold, structure deterioration and costly repairs. Leaky or busted water pipes, or failing appliances relying on water to function, could lead to water damage on floors and walls which in turn could cause to drywall damage. If left to fester, mold can set in; adding to health risks and property catastrophes.
L.W. Winslow Painting has prepared some pointers in dealing with water or mold damaged drywall.
– Locate the Contaminated Area. If mold has already set in, it will possess a distinctive odor. One can generally detect the pungent smell mold has. Look in the areas you feel may have been subjected to water damage. Begin your search near any water-based appliances, pipes, water-based fixtures, or any areas you feel might have experienced leaks with rainstorms.
– Remove Damaged Drywall – Where there are treatments you could attempt for minor mold conditions or water damage, it is a better investment to remove the infected drywall. You don’t have to repair the entire wall, or even the whole sheet of drywall if just a portion is in need of replacement. Simply trace a squared, or rectangle extended out 4 inches or so around the designated area, and cut out the corrupted drywall. If mold is present, be sure to wear protective gear, and cut your outlined drywall with a utility knife. If you should discover the drywall thought to be mold free has mold creeping into it, continue cutting out additional drywall until you are positive no more mold is around. If the area discovered has wood behind the drywall, and has minor mold, sand the wood down until no mold is seen. Bleach down the wood to ensure the mold has been distinguished. Ensure the wood is dried before patching up.
– Seal the Drywall Hole. Cut out a piece of drywall to fit the removed area. It should fit into place snugly. Remember you can always trim it down. Apply drywall tape around the entire seam to secure it in the fitting. Spackle the taped area.
Professional Water Damage Restoration & Drywall Repair in Amagansett, East Hampton, Southampton, Wainscott, Bridgehampton, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, Watermill, Westhampton & The Hamptons New York
L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc can come and assess the situation, and give you the best advice from an experienced expert. Replacing drywall can be a daunting task, and can come with unexpected dilemmas. Call L.W. Winslow Painting, Inc. to replace any water damage or drywall issues you may come across.