Determining the Severity of Wet Drywall Drywall can be affected differently when the problem occurs allows multiple variables to factor in. Wet drywall situation analysis to determine of it would be better to remove or repair the damaged area.
What Helps Determine Whether to Repair or Replace
Extent of Water Exposure:
If the drywall has only been exposed to a small amount of water for a short time, it may still be dried out and salvaged. Pro-tip: Time is of the essence, if left wet for longer than 48 hours there’s a huge chance that mold will grow and you have to replace it12.
Type of Water:
The difference between clean water (from a pipe leak), and polluted waters (like that from sewage) can make all the variation. This can cause health hazards due to the water being contaminated and using new drywall for a full replacement124.
Condition After Drying:
In most of the cases, you should be fine to keep drywall that has dried without showing visible damage and no mold growth.drywall repair (ad) However, if it is soft to touch or crumbles easily upon press replacement 35
Drying Process and Techniques
Quick Drying: The only way to fully save wet drywall and reduce the chance of mold growing, is for it to be dried out as quickly as possible with high-powered industrial fans or dehumidifiers. The removal of baseboards can also help increase the airflow and speed drying14.
Upon completion of drying, inspect the goods to make sure there is no feeling or mold on it. If there is mold, especially a significant amount or from contaminated water, replacement is necessary25.
Conclusion
So the bottom line is, wet drywall does not necessarily need to go but it depends on where and how much water has come in contact with that area of the home as well as what type of category damage comes from. But sometimes moving quickly can be the difference between saving your walls and having to replace them.