Water damage to your drywall can happen for various reasons; a screw that pierces a pipe when installing shelves on a wall, a pipe that freezes due to cold, or a water leak from the roof. You have to know how to find the leak and repair it, but then you have to check the condition of the materials affected by this leak. An exterior wall is quite critical because it contains thermal insulation, usually mineral wool, which soaks the water. There are two fundamental reasons that you should have your walls repaired after water damage — the two possibilities being: mold and risk of collapsing.
Molds – What are they and How are they Dangerous?
The word “mold” is commonly used to refer to any mushroom that grows on wet food or building materials. Molds often have the appearance of a stain and are of various colors. In some cases, molds are invisible but have a musty smell. If no action is taken to stop growth, mold can lead to the deterioration of air quality and health problems.
Mold can grow in areas of the home that are moist or wet due to water leakage, flooding, or high humidity due to daily activities such as cooking or showers. They can appear on wood, paper, fabrics, drywall, and insulation. They can be hidden inside walls and above ceiling tiles.
People who live in homes with mold and moisture are more likely to have the following symptoms:
- irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- a cough and mucus buildup (phlegm)
- wheezing and shortness of breath
- aggravation of asthma symptoms
- other allergic reactions
How can you tell if there is a problem?
In most cases, it is not necessary to measure the actual concentration of mold in indoor air or to determine the particular species of mold. Just find the mold and fix the problem. Molds are not all easy to find. It is important to inspect all damp areas of the home, especially areas with water damage, for mold.
Inspect your home for signs of mold or wet areas. Be on the lookout for stains or discolorations on floors, walls, window panes, fabrics, or carpets. See if you smell like “wet earth”.
Contacting Southland Services to check for problems should be your way of action if you have the slightest hint of mold.
Molds are not all easy to find. It is important to inspect all damp areas of the home, especially areas with water damage, for mold.
The risk you might be taking if the water damage is extreme.
Gypsum is the material used to fabricate Sheetrock, which is vulnerable to water. It can lose strength if exposed to water for long periods, and it can be damaged to the extent that it can completely fall with the slightest contact. You need to call the experts at Southland Services to inspect your walls for water damage and have them repaired on a priority basis to risk any accidents that may cause minor or major injuries.