3 Signs It’s Time To Replace the Drywall in Your Edmonton Home

Drywall is an inexpensive and versatile building material that lends itself to various means of finishing. Savvy homeowners hire drywall services in Edmonton to install and finish the material because it is the best way to ensure a flawless finish. However, even a pristine finish will not last forever. Drywall will eventually need replacing, but how do you know when your drywall needs replacing? Drywall installers explain there are at least three signs it is time to replace the drywall in your Edmonton home: cracks, discolouration, and deterioration. 

1. It’s Cracking

Not all cracks are a sign that it’s time to replace your drywall. Some cracks result from settling. If an installer does their job correctly, it should minimize the number of settlement cracks. 

If you live in an older home, settlement cracks are less likely. If your drywall starts to show signs of cracking, you should have the house assessed for structural or foundational problems. Drywall usually won’t crack without cause, so when it does, you must get to the bottom of it.

A drywall professional can help you diagnose potential issues because they are familiar with interpreting cracks. If cracks are severe or represent potential crises, you will probably need to have the drywall removed until professionals can correct the underlying issues.

2. Discolouration

Drywall discolouration is often the result of moisture damage, and it is likely irreparable. Discolouration is not the only sign of moisture damage; you may also notice sagging or bulging in specific areas. In addition to physical changes to the drywall surface, you may also notice an odour of mildew and mould.

While drywall will need replacing if exposed to water and moisture damage, it is more important to identify the cause of the damage and to make any necessary home repairs. For example, replacing a stained sheet of drywall is pointless if you do not also fix the leak that caused the stain.

You can work with a construction service to make all essential repairs and replace the damaged drywall. Hiring a professional gives you confidence in the end product, knowing the repairs meet all codes and safety standards.

Also, hiring a professional will save you time and money. Pros know precisely what they need to do to replace a sheet of drywall, and they can do it without risking injury to the homeowner or damage to the property.

3. Deterioration

Drywall does not do well when exposed to the elements. Older sheets of drywall may become susceptible to deterioration, and newer sheets — exposed to stressors like moisture — can also begin to deteriorate. 

You cannot fix a deteriorating sheet of drywall; it requires a replacement. You can tell a sheet is deteriorating if it is bubbling or bulging on the surface, becoming soft to the touch, or sagging. You want to contact a professional at the first sign of drywall damage.

Sheets of drywall are large and heavy. If they break away from the wall, they can cause bodily harm. It is better to remove sheets that are only beginning to show signs of deterioration than to leave them up and wait for problems to worsen.

Drywall is an excellent building material, but it is fragile and does not last forever. When the material seems damaged, it is better to remove it and replace it than leave it and try to fix it.

Have you noticed discoloration, cracking, or bulging of some of the drywall in your home? If so, contact Handyman Connection and schedule a property inspection with a licensed, experienced contractor or drywall installer. The professionals will assess your home in person and offer potential solutions for your drywall problems.