Homeowners tend to face a variety of complications when it comes to maintaining their properties, and one of the most common issues is swollen drywall. Although it is an eyesore, it can also point out structural and other serious issues. Plus, such problems occur in regions that experience high humidity. Identifying the root cause of the problem can lead you to fix it such as fix the water damage or carry out mold removal and save yourself from expensive repairs down the line. Follow below for some potential causes along with signs to help you both prevent and fix them in the future.
What Are The Causes Of A Swollen Drywall?
Fixing a swollen drywall is not that complicated when compared to identifying the reasons that trigger it. Before diving into the fixes, it is important for you to understand and be familiar with the causes to prevent such issues from taking place.
Water Damage And Mold Growth
Water damage tends to be one of the most common reasons for swollen drywall. It is often the case that the water pipes tend to leak, causing the water to travel and enter different areas of the house. At the same time, floodwater also happens to be a major culprit in regions that experience extreme weather conditions.
Regardless of the situation, you need to keep in mind that water needs to be extracted immediately and should not stand for days. Standing water is the actual reason behind swollen walls. With time, the moisture will penetrate through the cracks and damage, especially in old homes, and will add to the troubles.
In addition to that, poor drainage also affects the walls, especially when the roof drainage is choked and the water backs up to eventually end up inside the house. If you live in a region that is prone to extreme weather conditions, you should consider purchasing insurance.
Plus, you should also keep a close eye on the weather forecast to prepare yourself for the upcoming weather. If possible, invest in a motor that helps remove water from the property quickly to protect the furniture and other expensive items.
Structural Issues
Structural issues are also a reason contributing to swollen walls. With time, the structure of homes tends to shift or become weaker due to external factors. As a result, cracks and damage can take place, causing moisture and water to leak inside.
There is nothing much you can do about it as it is natural, but you need to keep a close eye on the signs ^ symptoms. Some people tend to fix the swelling without determining the root cause. This adds to the troubles later on when there is no other option but to tear down the wall.
Cosmetic fixes are temporary and will need permanent solutions. To ensure the walls do not swell with time, you will need to either consult a home remodeling expert or a structural engineer to fix it permanently.
Poor Installation
The process of drywall installation takes place in multiple stages, and choosing an amateur for the task can result in poor job and bulging.
Over-tightened screws can lead to bulges. On the other hand, if you don’t use enough fasteners or use adhesives that aren’t strong enough, they can cause the drywall panels to loosen. To prevent such a situation from taking place, you should always choose a licensed or certified expert.
There may be some “experts” who offer services at lower rates. But you should make sure to put in your research and find someone who takes their job seriously.
Plumbing Problems
Leaking pipes behind walls can create a serious issue if they are not fixed immediately. The most common problem when renovating homes is that homeowners tend to ignore or neglect the plumbing system entirely. As a result, the walls tend to leak and lose their finish once the water starts to penetrate.
This is why it is important for the plumbing system to be inspected and replaced if necessary. If ignored, the moisture can lead to mold growth. This will slowly and steadily damage the drywall and also put the health of your family at risk. In this case, you will also need to hire a mold remediation Bethesda expert apart from a plumber.
Termite Or Pest Infestation
Pests like termites can damage anything made of wood in the house. In the beginning, you may not be able to notice them, but when the termites eat through the wooden frame and walls, the drywalls lose their structural support and start to bulge or sag.
Plus, rodents and other intruders can also find warm places to give birth to their offspring in the winter season. They can chew through the walls, compromising the overall integrity of the drywall. This not only results in expensive repairs but also allows bacteria and allergens to enter the house.
How To Fix A Bulging Drywall?
Now that you are know the common causes of a bulging drywall, it is important to understand the ways you can fix and prevent it.
The first thing to do is to is assess the damage. You will need to closely inspect the leakage and extent of the issue. A swollen area that is soft means it’s water damage. On the other hand, if the swollen area is firm, the cause may be improper installation or structural issues.
Moreover, you should also look for mold or discoloration because it occurs due to moisture problems. If the issue seems complicated, you will need to contact an expert for help. But keep in mind, if the symptoms have grown or existed for a while, you might have to replace the entire drywall as well.
A drywall that is significantly damaged will not be able to hold on much longer, even if repaired. So, instead of spending your money on expensive repairs, you should opt for replacement.
Choose A Quality Professional
Your drywall repair or replacement will only be as good as the professional you choose for the task. Most people tend to choose inexperienced individuals, having been tempted by their rates. You should always and only consider those who have undergone extensive training and certifications for repairs and replacements.
Certified individuals tend to be a lot more expensive than inexperienced ones, but they surely get the job done right. Plus, these individuals also offer a guarantee for their job and will replace or fix any issues if they pop up in the future.
Conclusion
That’s it! Make sure to perform regular inspections and watch out for signs of water damage. Always hire a water damage restoration Silver Spring expert for such tasks to save the structure and other items.
