Did you know that a typical new house in the US contains more than seven metric tons of gypsum? This mineral, after all, is the chief component of drywall, also known as sheetrock.

Drywall, in turn, is the primary material that serves as a building’s wallboards. And while the term makes it sound as if it’s only on walls, it’s also on ceilings.

Because it makes up a massive chunk of your home, it’s vital to know when you need drywall repair services. Otherwise, you may end up with collapsed sections of ceilings or walls.

Don’t worry, as we’re here to enlighten you on the signs that your drywall needs repairs. So, keep reading, as you don’t want to risk your family’s health and safety by putting off calling the pros for help.

Water Stains

Drywall, made of gypsum, wood fiber, pulp, and paper, is durable and even fire-resistant. Manufacturers also treat it to protect it against water intrusion and damage.

However, water can still seep into and ruin drywall after prolonged exposure. That can happen through leaky plumbing pipes.

Unfortunately, the average US household has leaks that waste about 10,000 gallons of water a year.

If your home has faulty plumbing pipes, water leaks can seep into and stain your drywall. If you catch it early, you might only notice round spots that appear darker than the surrounding area. If not, you’re more likely to see yellow, brown, gray, or even black markings on the surface.

Look up “drywall repair near me” online as soon as you see those ugly marks on your walls or ceilings. Contact a plumber to find and address the leak source, too. If you don’t fix the defective pipes, they’d keep leaking and ruin the new drywall.

Mold Growth

Molds are species of fungus made up of tiny organisms and are everywhere; the air, soil, and even water. They grow in many colors, like white, green, purple, blue, orange, and black.

Outside, molds play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, such as plants. Indoors, they can cause severe damage to home structures and furnishing.

Molds usually don’t affect drywall in good condition. However, they can grow on and destroy the material if it becomes damp.

Thus, if you have water-damaged drywall, you may also notice fuzzy molds. The fungi may only be growing on the surface, but they may also be growing from within the wallboard. Either way, call a drywall service company to inspect the problem immediately.

Sniffles and Allergy-Like Symptoms

In small amounts, molds and mold spores are often harmless to people. However, if abundant, they can pose health risks, especially to folks with allergies. Prolonged exposure can even cause non-allergic people to develop allergies to them.

Mold allergy or sensitivity symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing. Some people may also develop skin redness and itchiness.

If you or a family member exhibits those signs, you may have molds growing all over your home. That includes areas with drywall, as this material is rich in nutrients that feed fungi. So, to be sure, contact a drywall company offering inspection and repair services.

Soft or Spongy Spots

Drywall softens when exposed to moisture for long periods. The sheetrock doesn’t even need direct contact with the source of the dampness for it to become mushy. For instance, prolonged exposure to humid air may be enough for the wallboard to become damp.

The longer that happens, the softer the drywall gets, and it can soon feel spongy to the touch. If that’s how your sheetrock feels now, don’t delay calling repair professionals. Otherwise, the affected areas can start to crumble and disintegrate.

Now, remember that your ceiling can also consist of gypsum boards. If they start to break apart due to moisture damage, they can collapse and put your family at risk of injuries. Don’t let that happen by investing in drywall services and repairs ASAP.

Unevenness or Warping

Drywall exposed to moisture for long periods can expand since it absorbs the water. The longer that occurs, the more swollen it becomes. In time, that can make the material bow, warp, and appear uneven.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may only have to remove and replace the damaged section. However, if the adjacent boards have also warped, you need to get rid of them and install new panels.

Peeling Paint

Warping in drywall can introduce air between the material and the paint covering it. That can then separate the finish from the surface, causing bubbles to form. As a result, the coat can start to peel or flake away.

The same problems can happen if you have wallpaper. Moisture from damp drywall can also cause it to unstick and curl away from the wall.

Call a drywall repair company as soon as you notice those signs. They can minimize the damage by replacing only the affected sections.

Hollow-Sounding Walls

Suppose you were arranging furniture and accidentally bumped it onto a wall. If you heard a hollow sound, you most likely have damaged drywall.

Hollow-sounding walls are common indications of drywall damage caused by termites. These pests love to feed on cellulose, which drywall is rich in, making it a perfect food source. Moreover, the critters can bore away and create tunnels inside the panels.

If you have termite-damaged walls, the first thing to do is work with a pest control company. They first need to remove the insects invading your home. After that, call a drywall contractor to replace all pest-damaged gypsum panels.

Schedule Drywall Repair Services Without Delay

And there you have it, the many signs indicating the need for drywall repair services.

Just remember that if the root of the problem has to do with water leaks, you must address those first. Then, once you’ve dealt with those issues, you can start the drywall repair process.

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