Drywall water damage can be one of the biggest nightmares for homeowners.
Water damage in the drywall can be caused by a fire, electrical issues, and plumbing issues that can cause cracks in the drywall.
Homeowners often ignore and underreport this issue in their houses. They think they can prevent this by using fans and dehumidifiers to dry the walls.
To their surprise, the issues only get worse.
The best way is to schedule a drywall inspection. And then later address the issue.
Why I Need A Drywall Inspection?
Discovering Plumbing Issues
You may think again if you aren’t worried about the plumbing issues in your house.
Damaged plumbing is a concern for countless American homes. Not to mention, a mere leak can annually cost up to 200 dollars.
Hold your horses if you rush to get your house’s drywall done. This can make it challenging to fix damaged plumbing issues.
Water damage can be a leading issue of these plumbing issues.
Thus, it is best to consider a drywall inspection. This can help in detecting plumbing issues before you make any commitments.
Finding Faulty Wiring
In any house, bad electrical wiring is not uncommon.
And this is one of the issues that will make you face further issues.
A drywall inspection report will highlight the condition of the lighting and outlets. It will also tell whether they operate properly.
You might also be worried about drywall inspection costs. So, it is better to know there are many affordable options available.
So, don’t keep pushing the drywall inspection to later.
Evaluating Structural Integrity
Drywall inspection saves the whole house from tumbling down. This will be your biggest homeownership nightmare.
Things can go wrong fast, mainly when shoddy materials are used in construction.
A drywall inspection can help evaluate whether the builders used good building materials.
Accessing the Building Codes
To your surprise, many contracted companies may make mistakes while building your home.
This could be as minor as an out-of-place doorframe or as serious as improperly built foundations.
When your house doesn’t follow the building code, it can cost you a lot of time, effort, and money.
Thus, drywall inspections are beneficial in this case. They can determine the issues in your house due to shoddy buildings.
What Are Drywall Inspection Requirements?
Drywall inspection requirements can vary based on location and building codes. The following are some of the common elements involved in drywall inspections.
Pre-Inspection
Before installing the drywall, framing, electrical, and plumbing are usually inspected.
This ensures that they meet the code requirements and are correctly positioned.
At this stage, you can make any necessary adjustments and corrections.
Drywall Installation
While installing the drywall, the following are the features that are usually inspected:
- Use of the proper fasteners and proper placement of drywall panels.
- Intervallary attachment to framing elements.
- Seam taping and mudding to produce a smooth surface.
- The use of corner beads for sharp corners.
- If necessary, proper installation of access panels.
- Adherence to required regulations for soundproofing or fire resistance.
Safety and Accessibility
Inspectors will verify that the electrical outlets, fixtures, and switches are accessible and properly installed.
Additionally, they ensure the drywall obstructs no utility or safety features.
Final Inspection
After installing a drywall, the inspector conducts a final inspection.
This ensures that the drywall’s every aspect meets quality standards and code requirements.
Documentation
Inspectors may require documentation or plans that show the location of the electrical and plumbing. This may also include fire-rated assemblies and soundproofing materials.
How To Check for Water-Damaged Drywall?
Look for discoloration, water stains, or soft spots on the wall
Look for discoloration, visible stains, and blemishes on your wall’s surface.
Whereas the discoloration is not always consistent. Instead of an even spread, you may see splotchy patches or streaks running down your walls.
This usually indicates the leaking pipes behind the drywall.
The color of water stains caused by drywall may appear as discolored patches. This ranges from yellowish brown to dark brown.
These stains are an indication of water seeping into the wall.
Likewise, looking for your wall areas with soft spots would be best. Upon touching, these areas feel damp or spongy.
Check for Signs of Mold Growth
To check for mold growth, you may visually examine the drywall’s affected areas first.
Look out for fuzzy and discolored patches in places that have experienced water exposure or areas that are staining.
Catching sight of visible patches isn’t enough for recognizing signs of mold. It is often lurking in crawl spaces or hidden behind the walls.
You may also look for musty odors that are still there even after cleaning efforts.
Furthermore, individuals going through respiratory issues or allergic reactions near affected walls are also a sign of mold growth.
Mold spores can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions, such as nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and asthma attacks.
Remember not to touch these areas without appropriate safety measures like goggles and dust masks.
Observe Swelling, Warping, or Sagging of the Drywall
Drywall undergoes physical changes like warping, swelling, and sagging when it absorbs water:
These often are visible to the naked eye.
You should keenly see such physical changes to detect water damage on your drywall.
You must address such issues immediately to prevent further damage, such as mold development, increased structural instability, and potential collapse.
Role of Drywall Inspection for Water Damage
Drywall inspection is a critical component. It helps in maintaining your property’s structural integrity and health.
Detecting and addressing water damage early can prevent more extensive and costly issues. These issues may include mold growth and structural stability.
The key to safeguarding your home from the effects of water intrusion are vigilance, regular inspections, and prompt repairs.
Are you a homeowner or a property manager? Then, you must invest in drywall inspection for water damage.
This preserves the quality and longevity of your space. This also ensures the well-being of its occupants.
Ready to protect your home investment and ensure its safety and quality? Contact Pro Spect today to schedule a comprehensive home inspection and gain peace of mind!
