Any source of water damage (roof leaking, pipes leaking, floods) requires immediate reaction in order to fix or even replace “suffered” walls. Such urgency relates to material of which most of the walls are done – sheetrock. The specific quality of gypsum (a mineral used in sheetrock producing) is high absorption due to porous structure. As a result, high humidity will lead to mold occurrence, that is highly dangerous for tenants. Additionally, in case the water affected drywall for a long time, the structural integrity of it will be lost. A few simple steps, proposed by Excellent Plumbing, will save time and help to address the unpleasant issue with water damage.
DETECT THE PLACE
First of all, the source of water flood should be identified. This is the only way to stop the waterflood. But please, take into account that leaking place can differ from, for example, a place where the pipe is broken. Actually, water may move on and get far away from the source of the problem. In case the place of origin is not obvious, please contact professional plumbers for help. The risk of disregarding this step may lead to soon returning to the problem.
ASSESS THE DAMAGE
First of all, the source of water flood should be identified. This is the only way to stop the waterflood. But please, take into account that leaking place can differ from, for example, a place where the pipe is broken. Actually, water may move on and get far away from the source of the problem. In case the place of origin is not obvious, please contact professional plumbers for help. The risk of disregarding this step may lead to soon returning to the problem.
REMOVAL OF DAMAGED WALL
Sometimes it will be enough to remove the water and clean surfaces, so no help from the third parties will be needed. But in case the water affected walls for a long time repair works can be required. For walls that changed their qualities (became sagged, softened or crumbled) the only decision is a replacement. Otherwise, the wall may turn out to be not only useless due to damage and a high portion of destruction, but rather dangerous. In case a small part of the wall was damaged or it still looks secure, the option of partial replacement of the damaged field can be chosen.
REMOVAL OF DAMAGED WALL
Please note, that water flood happened can relate to dangerous types of it (Graywater with chemicals and dirt or blackwater with chemicals, dirt, and human waste). So the additional measures for personal safety are required and masks and goggles should be used during dealing with wet walls. Another important thing to remember is the necessity to remove the water from the damaged place ASAP and give 2 days (or better full 48 hours) to let it fully dry out. You may also use a dehumidifier or just a fan in order to make the process of drying better. When the damaged placement is dry, please contact electricians in order to check whether some wiring in the walls was damaged.
In the case of a basement flood, it is necessary to consider as spoiled distance equal to 6 inches up from waterline and mark it for removal. The result should look like a continuous line on each wall. In case you plan to replace a wall section only, mark the required zone with little additional space in a square/rectangle before removal. You may also prepare some tarp in order to protect other stuff from probable dust and other debris, that may occur during wall removal.
In order to deal with gypsum walls by cutting it along the marked lines you may apply sharp knife, but please remove baseboard trim firstly and only the wet part of the wall. In case you found insulation wet it should be removed as well. In case you found wet insulation higher than the marked area it should be removed also together with extra sheetrock.
FINALLY, REPLACEMENT
When places damaged\destroyed by water has become dry, cleaned and removed, if necessary, it is time for a replacement. Actually, the replacement of insulation and walls may require specific knowledge and skills, so in most cases, professionals are asked for such task completion. Excellent Plumbing always ready to do help you with leaking problems. We not only identify the place correctly but make necessary repairs and help with the removal of flood consequences even in difficult cases.
We are ready to help in this and other services. Just contact us 847-868-1800 and save your time and money with us!
