Many homes in the northeast use drywalling as a cheap and efficient indoor walling solution. Drywalling is also simpler to manage, faster to build, and less messy than conventional brick and mortar walls. Unfortunately, drywalling is vulnerable to impact breakage and is susceptible to water damage due to its brittle plaster and paper make-up. Fortunately, such damage often involves only patching, sanding or stain removal, but in more severe situations, large parts of drywall can need to be replaced by a licensed home improvement business. Here we’re going to take a look at how to tell whether your drywall needs more than just a patch.
Visible Holes:
Small holes and medium-sized holes may be patched, but the patchwork will almost always remain partially noticeable. If this kind of irregularity is not desirable, the panel would have to be replaced. In situations where a hole or several holes affects the structural integrity of the plasterboard, patching is sadly no longer a choice.
Water Damage:
Not all water damage would include the removal of drywall panels. Depending on the size of the area affected by the damage, and also the extent of the damage, the drywall may easily be dried and repainted. Discoloration of the panel may suggest a leak or a source of moisture that needs to be attended to but is not a cause of concern in and of itself. If the leak is caught early enough, the drywall can be saved. Significant damage is apparent from the obvious bulging, cracking, and, in extreme cases, the collapse of the drywall. Since water damage usually affects a wide area, it would almost certainly be necessary to repair the damaged drywall if the damage is severe.
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Cracks:
Cracks are a clear sign of a misplaced seam. Again, although they can be patched, this does not fix the underlying structural problem. This kind of cracking also occurs when the seam is positioned above the corner of a window or door. This creates a weak point that is vulnerable to the expansion of the frame and also to the opening and closing of the door or window. In order to really fix this problem, the troublesome parts of drywalling would have to be removed and replaced in such a way that the force from the frame is adequately dispersed-a task often best left to the professionals.
Splinters:
Since drywall is made up of plaster and paper, splintering is not usual. However, when plywood panels have been used as a replacement, splintering along edges and joints can be a sign of serious damage to the hold. This damage can be caused by sedimentation, water damage, or rot. It can also simply mean aging materials. Ideally, when this kind of harm happens, older and alternative types of drywall should be replaced with something more durable. Also, keep in mind that the patching of plywood panels is not recommended. Mold-resistant drywall will be required in the case of basement walls.
Bump and Bulges:
Bumps and bulges can signify swelling caused by water damage or exposure to excess moisture. As mentioned above, the damage to water is generally followed by discoloration. If there is no discoloration, the bump or bulge can have a variety of reasons, ranging from unclean patchwork to house settlement. Unsightly patchwork is not recommended, so it would be appropriate to repair the plate.