Understand What Causes Drywall Damage

As a building material for interior walls and ceilings, drywall offers many advantages: It is inexpensive, easy and convenient to work with, and relatively sturdy. Nevertheless, drywall can be susceptible to damage. As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to pay attention and to call drywall services in Red Deer for repairs as soon as you see any signs of damage. You need to act immediately because drywall damage only gets worse with time. Here are some common causes of drywall damage.

Cracks

If the drywall is installed incorrectly in the first place, it can cause cracks. Drywall cracks can also form with exposure to moisture. Whatever the cause, you need to have a drywall professional come and patch any cracks that you see. A drywall crack may seem simple on its face, but there may be complex problems happening out of sight that could negatively affect the foundation of your home. In addition to calling drywall services in Red Deer when you find a crack, you also have to inspect the interior of your home frequently to look for them. A crack that is not readily apparent can still be damaging. Make sure you look for cracks in the ceiling in addition to the walls. Ceiling cracks are more likely to form where moisture is present.

Leaks

Early signs of water leaking into the drywall include dark or discoloured areas that may feel moist or wet to the touch. This is a serious problem that requires attention right away. Drywall is porous, meaning that it can absorb water. The more water it absorbs, the less stable it becomes, and it could break apart completely. Repairing a water leak in the drywall often requires removing the entire panel and replacing it with a new one. It is important to act quickly before the leak starts affecting multiple panels.

Cracks in the drywall can be the result of leaks, but they can also be the cause. For example, if a crack forms in drywall due to improper installation, it could allow water to get in. Leaks can also occur due to a plumbing problem, roof damage, or improperly sealed doors or windows. Whatever the cause of the leak, it is important to repair it before attempting any drywall work. Otherwise, the damage is likely to recur.

Termites

Termites are insect pests that feed on wood. Most homes are built with a wooden frame, meaning that termites can cause extensive damage to the most basic structure of your home. Termites don’t eat drywall primarily, but they may derive some nourishment from the cardboard that covers each sheet of drywall. Termites may also make holes through drywall trying to get to the wood behind it. In either case, if termites undermine the wooden structure behind the drywall, it could buckle from lack of support.

In addition to pinholes, signs of termite infestation may include paint bubbling, baseboards crumbling, and walls that sound hollow when you knock on them. The signs of termites can be subtle at first, but it is important to pay attention to any indication of an infestation. The fewer termites there are on your property, the easier they are to deal with and the less damage they may end up doing to your home.

What attracts termites to your home? Wood, obviously, but water also draws them. Therefore, cracks in your drywall could lead to leaks, and the wet drywall could attract termites. Any one of these causes may be present alone, or they could all be present to contribute to your drywall damage.

Call Handyman Connection for Drywall Services in Red Deer

Drywall repair can be relatively simple if you catch the problem quickly enough. Otherwise, resolving the problem may require more extensive home renovations in Red Deer. In either case, Handyman Connection technicians can help you. Learn about all our services in more detail.