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How to fix a Water Damaged Wall in Florida

Water Damaged wall

 

A water damaged wall is problematic for reasons beyond diminished aesthetics. A wall with water damage is also likely to be laden with harmful mold. If you are even slightly suspicious your wall has been damaged by water, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from the professionals for a thorough repair. Let’s take a quick look at the best approach to fixing a water damaged wall in Florida.

1. Time is of the Essence

The clock starts ticking immediately after the water damage occurs. If you do not get the ball rolling on the repair of your water damaged wall in Florida, it is only a matter of time until potentially deadly mold sets in along with mildew and other unsavory particles. Furthermore, the mineral that comprises the vast majority of the drywall used in the United States is quite porous. This mineral, referred to as gypsum, is extremely absorbent so it will gradually lose structural integrity after water exposure.

2. Pinpoint the Leak Location

The source of the water must be identified before the water damage can be properly addressed. If you do not act quickly, the water will eventually move from the leak site to other parts of the wall and your home, causing significant damage, often in unexpected areas. However, identifying the exact location of the leak on your own might not be as easy as anticipated. There is no shame in asking our Florida plumbers to help find the leak location and address it in the proper manner. Unfortunately, if you do not identify the source of the leak, it is only a matter of time until the problem recurs in the future.

3. Gauging the Extent of the Damage

It might be possible to repair your water damaged wall in Florida if there is not an abundance of water present. The duration of water saturation also plays a part in whether a repair can be performed. If the drywall is heavily saturated, it will crumble upon contact. It is also possible for water-laden drywall to sag. If there is heavy saturation, it will be necessary to replace the entirety of the wall. However, if the drywall is firmly connected to the studs and the damaged space is minor, it might be possible to remove a small part of the wall prior to patching it.

4. Remove the Wet Drywall

The true water damage gurus don safety equipment, typically in the form of masks and goggles, when dealing with a water damaged wall in Florida. If the basement floods, it will help to use a device such as a laser level to mark half a foot above the waterline throughout the room in question. If the area designated for repair is small, mark a rectangle or square around the water damaged wall so it can be cut out. A tarp should be put in a position to collect all debris and dust.

The next step is to remove the drywall with a utility knife. Eliminate the baseboard trim prior to removing the wet drywall. If the insulation is wet, it must be removed as well. If the insulation is wet above the line where the cutting was performed, it will be necessary to remove even more drywall. However, the area will need at least two full days to dry out. It will certainly help to use dehumidifiers and fans to facilitate drying. At this point, it is prudent to reach out to a licensed electrician to gauge the extent of electrical damage to your home’s switches and outlets within the water damaged wall to determine if they must be replaced.

5. Replace the Drywall and Insulation

Once the affected portions of the wall are completely dry and analyzed by an electrician, it will be necessary to replace the drywall and insulation. However, the average Florida homeowner is not exactly familiar with the nuances of drywall and how it should be installed. Do not hesitate to reach out to a licensed contractor to perform the replacement on your behalf.

6. Recognize the Subtleties of Fixing a Water Damaged Wall in Florida

If you are tempted to replace your water damaged wall in Florida on your own, do not give in to temptation. The analysis of your water damaged wall in Florida along with the repair/replacement is a job for the professionals. If you were to poll those who attempted this project on their own without professional assistance, you would find the vast majority regret the decision.

The subtleties of repairing water damaged walls are of the utmost importance. As an example, plenty of those who attempt a DIY repair forget to turn off the power. The power transmitted to the electrical outlet must be turned off at the circuit breaker. Once the power is off, it is time to remove the outlet. Furthermore, most people are uncomfortable cutting molding and removing the baseboard. The removal of the baseboard requires the use of a hammer and chisel along with considerable effort. The moral of this story is fixing a water damaged wall in Florida is a job for proven professionals.

Conclusion:

Fixing a wall damaged by water is crucial for several reasons, with mold being the primary one. However, this is not a DIY task. From turning off the power supply to cutting and removing the baseboard - numerous factors come into play. This is where hiring water damage restoration specialists can be helpful. For best results, only a licensed contractor should be entrusted with the job.

Call Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Restoration Team to Fix Water-Damaged Wall

Whether you have a water damaged wall in Florida or another plumbing problem, we are at your service. Give us a call at (561) 245-7435 to learn more about our Florida plumbers and schedule a service call.

 

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