If you know anything about drywall, you know that moisture is its number one enemy. When moisture gets into drywall, it starts to lose its structural integrity and becomes soft and weak. Also, when drywall takes on too much moisture, it runs the risk of developing mold, which is unsightly and dangerous to your health. At Architectural Interior Restorations Inc., we are experts in drywall installation and repairs, and today we’re discussing things you can do to protect your drywall against moisture.

Protecting Drywall from Moisture

This post is part of a comprehensive commercial drywall guide.

Visually Check for Moisture

If you own or manage a building, you should make it a regular habit to visually check for signs of moisture in and around your building. Although mold often grows within walls, there are certain signs you can look for to identify it on the surface. Look for peeling paint, discoloration, yellow, brown, or black spots, and warped textures.

Physically Check for Moisture

After you’ve conducting a visual inspection, perform a physical inspection to further check for signs of moisture. By pushing on your drywall, you can determine if it feels soft and spongy, which is a strong sign there is moisture inside. You can also check for a musty smell as mold and mildew will give off a certain odor. If possible, you could also remove outlet covers or light switch plates to get a better look and smell.

Check for Uncommon Water Causes

Finally, it’s a good idea to be aware of all causes of water damage, not just common causes like floods. Some uncommon causes can be harder to detect, and if left unnoticed, can lead to worse damage. Check around skylights or crawl spaces for signs of leaks, as well as around toilets and sinks. Other areas to keep an eye on are the flooring and wallpaper. Loose flooring can collect moisture between the adhesive and concrete, and that dampness can spread up the walls. Additionally, wallpaper can sometimes grow mold due to condensation from humid indoor air.

If you find signs of moisture in your drywall and need repairs or new drywall installed, contact the experts at Architectural Interior Restorations at (216) 241-2255 or request a quote online. We are a top-quality drywall contractor in the Cleveland area and we look forward to working with you.