The condition of your office’s drywall can either add to or take away the structural integrity of your commercial building. Painting over drywall is typically the final step in most remodeling projects. Before you proceed to that step, check that your drywall is ready to accept paint or any other decorative wall treatment you have in mind. Certain situations such as after a fire, age-related wear and tear, water damage may require repairs or replacement of your drywall.
What is Drywall?
Drywall has other common names. It’s also called sheetrock, gypsum, wallboard, plasterboard, and gyprock. Panels are constructed of plaster with a front and back paper coverings. The plaster mixture contains additives including an infusion of gypsum crystals. The blend might or might not contain fiberglass material. The manufacturing process results in a hardened material sturdy enough to be appropriate for many building material construction use.
Fire Exposure to Drywall
A certified fire inspector is trained to determine the condition of drywall that has been exposed to fire. Calcination to drywall can happen when it comes in contact with temperatures of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It may start to decompose and turn to powder. The board may weaken, crack, and fall apart. It’s vital to ensure the safety and performance of drywall in adjacent rooms indirectly exposed to extreme heat from a fire too. A professional drywall installation company can determine if your drywall panels are stable or require replacement.
Drywall and Smoke Damage
Drywall absorbs odors and smoke is an odor that is difficult to remove from panels. You’ll likely want to paint over your panels. After exposure to smoke from a fire or tobacco, painting over them without putting them through a restoration process will be a waste of time. You may not detect a smoke smell; then again, it could linger on for years if left untreated. Consult with a licensed drywall installation and restoration company for recommendations before painting the panels.
Drywall Deterioration Due to Water
Flooding, heavy rains, roof leaks all affect the longevity of drywall panels. The risk for mold there also increases. Catching the panels soon after any heavy rain event may save your panels.
Check for Moisture – Use a non-invasive drywall moisture meter. It won’t damage the drywall because it doesn’t go into the drywall.
Determine the Amount of Moisture – Use a pin-type moisture meter if your non-invasive meter indicated moisture. If any wet insulation is present, have it removed.
Fix the Source – Be sure to inspect where excess moisture exists. Find the true source. If there are leaky pipes, roof leaks, etc. fix the source to avoid the problem recurring.
A professional is the best person to remove any moldy insulation; otherwise, you can unknowingly spread the fungus throughout your business environment.
Mold: A Health Hazard Lurking in Drywall
According to the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coughing, eye irritation, stuffy nose are just some of the symptoms of allergic mold reactions. On a more severe side, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if exposed to mold can develop lung infections. Remove mold, no matter how small.
Replacing Drywall Contaminated with Mold
When it forms on the surface of your drywall, you really need a specialist to determine the severity.
Mold is harder to remove from drywall that’s not coated with paint. One way to clean black mold is to use a mold fogger.
Another way to remove mold is use natural ingredients. Baking soda and vinegar cleaning solutions are usually effective. The problem is you really don’t know what is inside your drywall until you have it look at by an expert.
Why Hiring an Experienced Drywall Installation Services Provider is Your Best Option
Several things can go wrong when it comes to installing drywall yourself. First, for any do-it-yourselfer, drywall installation is time consuming. Second, you’ll need several tools to get the job down right. Among them are a hammer, hand sander, pry bar, hacksaw, knives for trimming, electric stud finder, drywall saw, drill, ladder, level, hand sander, sanding sponge, utility knife and inside corner tool/knife, drywall tape, nails and screws for drywall, and enough joint compound. You’ll also need leftover paint to match the wall after you complete the repair. Small repair kits are available in hardware stores, but in some cases, you may need more than one kit to complete the job.
A professional drywall expert will inspect the drywall with the correct tools and determine what is needed either a repair or replacement. Drywall specialists base quotes on the materials needed and the time it takes to complete the job.
Repair vs. Replacement: Popped Nails
The decision to repair or replace drywall comes down to inspection. Common simple situations reflect minor damage. For example, in the case of popped nails. This is when drywall nails loosen over time and bulge out away from the wall studs. You’ll want to have them repaired as soon as possible. Inspection by a pro is recommended because if there’s mold, it may have spread. In that case, replace the panels.
Recycling Drywall
Drywall recycling companies cater to the commercial construction industry. If you work in the remodeling, home manufacturing, building materials or related industries, you may be able to recycle your used drywall. It’s important to note that recycling firms won’t pick up drywall infected with mold or if it contains asbestos. Professional drywall installation handlers wear respirator masks, goggles, and rubber gloves when touching infected drywall. With extreme caution, they place the bad building materials in plastic bags and then seal the bags tight.
Drywall repair and replacement is hassle-free when you use professional installers. Your local Philadelphia PA drywall installation services provider is American Painting and Decorating who has served the industry for more than 20 years. In addition to drywall installation services, we offer painting, pressure washing, and wallpaper removal. We’re bonded, licensed and insured. Satisfaction guaranteed.
At American Painting and Decorating we listen to your needs and assess your situation. We want you to make an informed decision without any pressure. Call (484) 854-0433 now, or fill out the easy Request My Quote! form today.
