Does All Wet Drywall Need to Be Replaced?

Part of the reason drywall is used as a construction material is because of its ease of use. If part of the wall has been damaged, the entire thing does not need to be replaced. The damaged part can be cut, removed, and replaced by a brand-new piece in no time at all for a very low price.  

• It Needs to Be Replaced If… 

If the drywall has been wet for more than two days, it automatically needs to be replaced. After two days, the drywall will be so saturated, and the materials so weakened, that it cannot function as a proper wall anymore. This is usually the case for homes that have been flooded for extended periods of time. Homeowners in southern states know this because flooding happens frequently in those areas. In states like Minnesota and North Dakota, flooding isn’t really a big issue, but basement equipment can malfunction and flood at any time, so contact a specialist if it’s been over 48 hours. 

Sometimes, moldy drywall can be restored if the mold growth isn’t too severe. This, however, can only be determined by a specialist. If you try any DIY methods of mold removal, you might end up missing some spots. Even if only a bit of mold is left, as long as there’s moisture and something to eat, the mold will survive and spread. Because some of the binder used in drywall is made of organic material, it’s very easy for mold to survive on it.  

• It Doesn’t Need to Be Replaced If… 

As long as the wall hasn’t been wet for more than 48 hours, drying out wet drywall is something you could do yourself. Still, it would be wise to contact a specialist just to make sure the drywall won’t be presenting delayed issues. Even moldy drywall can be fixed if the specialist determines it. 

Unfortunately, most homes suffering from wet drywall need to get the walls replaced. The only thing that can save your walls is acting fast, but many problem signs aren’t detected until it’s too late. As convenient as drywall is, it doesn’t stand a chance against water damage, so in the fight against wet drywall, the best methods homeowners should use to win are preventative.