5 Signs of Drywall Damage

Drywall is an important part of any home. When it’s looked after and repaired properly, your drywall can last for decades. Problems with drywall can spell big problems for homeowners, which is why it’s best to spot any signs of damage early and call in professionals to repair the damage. [/caption]

Sometimes, you can take care of the smaller issues yourself but for more complex damage, you’re going to need a company such as Kelowna Drywall. 

Here are five signs of drywall damage to look out for, and how to avoid them. 

1.Water Leaks

Water and drywall don’t mix. Not only can water damage the drywall, but it can also start to develop mold and bacteria that can be very harmful to your health. If the leak is getting inside the drywall, it can even start to compromise your insulation. 

Not all leaks are noticed straight away and can occur in areas you can’t see. If this is happening behind your drywall then you might notice it bulging or cracking in certain areas. 

If you notice these signs, contact a professional company immediately so they can inspect the damage and remove and dangerous areas. The wall will then have to be repaired or replaced. If a lot of moisture has gotten into the walls and insulation, you may need to have it dried out before the drywall is replaced, to prevent the further growth of mold and to prevent the moisture from warping the drywall over time. 

It’s hard to prevent this from happening, as you can’t see pipework hidden behind the walls. Ensure that all plumbing that you can access is sealed and secure and check your walls regularly. Spotting damage early can save you a lot of money. 

2.Damage To Fastenings

Over time, it’s natural for drywall to shift slightly due to age and moisture content. When this happens the drywall can buckle, causing the joints to become loose. If the nails aren’t firmly hammered into the stud work, or the boards have been sealed together with tape (common in many properties), then you can get uneven walls. In extreme cases, some panels might even drop off. 

To prevent this, try and keep the moisture levels in your home down with a de-humidifier. If you notice loose nails or tape, replace them immediately. If a section of drywall expands a lot, then replace that section before it pushes others out of position. 

3.Poor Construction

Sometimes, damaged drywall isn’t down to any of the conditions inside your home, it’s down to poor workmanship. Cracking in the drywall is a sure sign that substandard materials were used, or the job was rushed. 

You need to get cracks in the wall and ceiling looked at immediately. A professional will be able to tell you if the cracks are due to the house settling of a wider problem. 

4.Cracks

If there was a problem when your drywall was installed dreaded cracks can form. These can come from various reasons such as temperature changes and settling of the house. Cracks tend to occur close to doors. corners, windows, and doors. Pretty much anywhere there is a seam. Ignoring cracks will only get bigger and can even weaken the structural integrity of your home.  By not ignoring cracking in your drywall you can avoid more expensive and inconvenient repairs.

5.Everyday Damage

Damage to drywall is very common. Kids and pets, moving furniture or some ill-advised DIY can all cause cracks and holes to appear in drywall. 

The best way to prevent this is to try and be a little more careful, but that’s easier said than done. When you damage the wall, even if it’s just a little, then patch it up as soon as possible to prevent the wall from weakening further. You don’t want a patch job to become a replacement. 

When To Call In The Experts

As you can see from this list, some of the main causes of drywall damage can’t be avoided, but they can be minimized by keeping a watch out for any signs of damage and acting quickly. Ignoring a problem, or hoping it will go away can cost you a lot of money further down the line, so don’t put it off. 

Kelowna Drywall has a range of repair insulation and installation services that can deal with any drywall situation. If your problem goes beyond your level of DIY experience, or you need a second opinion, then our team can help. We have decades of experience looking after all types of drywall and there’s practically nothing we haven’t seen.