Signs You Should Replace Your Home’s Drywall

Drywall is a popular option for homeowners looking to quickly and affordably renovate their homes. Created by layering wood, plaster, and paper, these sheets of wall finish provide a room with a clean and seamless appearance that’s easy to customize. However, as a trade-off, several different things can damage this material, which means a professional carpentry service in Cumming, GA may need to replace more often than you’d expect. These are some of the signs you should replace your home’s drywall instead of fixing it.

Large Cracks or Holes

One of the benefits of installing drywall along the interior of your home is that you can effectively patch it with carpenter’s putty. Unfortunately, this only works if the hole is small. When the damage to your drywall is a bit larger, you can’t cover the area in a way that leaves the surface looking as smooth as it once did. Should you notice any larger cracks snaking their way across the walls or accidently slam your doorknob through the wall behind it, replacing the drywall is probably the better option.

Water Damage

Prevalent water damage is also a common reason to replace your drywall. Because drywall materials are incredibly sensitive to moisture, direct exposure to water can quickly soften and weaken their structural integrity. This can cause them to develop wood rot or mold, which can begin negatively affecting your health if left to flourish. For this reason, you should immediately act upon signs of water damage, such as dark stains, leaks, and collapsing materials.

Splinters Near the Walls

You may find large plywood splinters if there’s a problem you need to address. This only occurs with drywall products that use plywood panels, but it’s something to be aware of if you aren’t sure what yours is made from. These splinters begin to form when the paneling has suffered some form of damage, whether it’s water damage or the house settling and putting extra pressure on the walls. These things will fray the edges of the drywall and leave splinters on the floor.

A Hollow Sound

If your walls sound hollow when you knock on them, this is also a telltale sign you should replace your home’s drywall. Drywall may seem thin, but it’s actually quite solid and sturdy in the proper condition. If you notice your walls produce a hollow sound when you knock on them, it could be an indicator of damage underneath the surface. In some cases, this could indicate insect or water damage, as both will eat away at the interior before breaking through the other side. Either way, it’s often best to cut out a section of the wall to properly inspect the situation.