Making determinations on when to remove drywall is an important step in mitigation
1. Determine the source of the water
Walk the jobsite and speak to the homeowner regarding the source of the water damage, as this will help determine if the drywall needs removal.
Examples are:
- Toilet overflow
- Drain back up
- Washing machine overflow
- Water Supply line break
- Sump Pump Overflow
2. Determine the length of time the drywall was exposed to water
In speaking with the property owner, ask when the water damage happened.
Typically the damage is only a day or 2 in progress, however, often times it may have been going for several days, weeks, or even months.
Examples:
- Short term- Often water damage happens overnight, or while no one is home (they are at work, school, or even the store)
- Long term - Weekend vacations, Longer term vacations, Vacant home as they are selling and have moved, or seasonal owner
3. Investigate if there are other materials behind the drywall
Examples:
- Double Layer of Drywall
- Paneling
- Insulation
4. Inspect behind base trim
No matter what the source is, how long the current water damage has been going on, it is important to take a look behind Base trim for drywall that has base over it.
- On occasion, you may find mold growth which may have already been there.
- There may have been a previous water loss that wasn't dried properly, or a leak the property owner did not know about.
5. Confirm what needs to be removed
After inspecting as outlined in Steps 1-4,
Drywall should be removed in these cases:
- If drywall is right against another layer of drywall, or paneling, it usually needs to be removed
- If there is wet insulation behind and there is no way to remove it from the other side
- If the water has been sitting for over 48 hours it should be at least opened up to explore
- If this was a CAT 2 loss(ex.Toilet overflow with no debris, Sump pump failure, etc.)
- If this was a CAT 3 loss(ex. Toilet overflow with debris, sewage from drain back up)
- If mold is present and the water came into contact with it.
6. Discuss with homeowner before proceeding
As always, be sure to write out a complete scope of work that you plan to do and walk the job with the homeowner to explain your reasoning for removing drywall
