8 Most Common Causes of Drywall Damage
Numerous commercial buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area utilize drywall to construct their interior walls. Drywall is a sturdy building material, but it can incur damage over time, no matter how diligently maintenance best practices are followed. Read on to learn more about the potential causes of drywall damage.
1. Scratches or Dents
One of the most common causes of drywall damage is scuffs and cracks, attributed to normal wear and tear. As people move around the building, incidental contact such as bumping into walls, hitting the wall with a chair upon standing, or connecting with the wall when re-arranging office furniture can result in drywall damage. Any action leading to contact with the wall poses a potential risk for drywall damage. If you notice any scratches or dents, getting them repaired quickly can prevent further damage.
2. Water Damage
Water can cause serious damage to your drywall. Common causes of water damage include burst or leaky pipes and roof damage. If your drywall is wet or appears to be bulging, contact a professional right away to assess the damage.
3. Removing Fixtures
Another common cause of drywall damage is the removal of fixtures from the walls. For example, if you are taking down a mirror or cabinet held up by screws or anchors, it can leave behind small holes or damaged spots on the walls. Most of these little holes can be fixed easily, but sometimes, the damage is a bit more extensive, and you might need to have a new section of drywall installed.
4. Termites
Termites are a significant problem for any building owner, and they can cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. They can dig into drywall, leaving tiny visible pinholes in the walls. If you see any of these little pinholes, tap on the wall and listen for a hollow sound. Additionally, check for bubbling paint or deterioration of your baseboards which are also signs of a termite infestation. It is important for an exterminator to eradicate the termites before you have the drywall damage repaired.
Other Pest Damages
Termites are not the only pests that can cause damage. Carpenter ants have the potential to cause significant damage to your drywall, as well as the remaining structure of your building.
Rodents are another major pest that can cause significant damage to every aspect of your building. They are capable of chewing through drywall and electrical wires. It is important to contact an exterminator if you see signs of rodent damage to prevent further harm to your drywall and the remainder of the building.
5. Accidental Impacts
Accidents happen. The doorknob might slam into the wall a few too many times, heavy furniture can scrape against the wall during moves, or new equipment installation can knock something out of place. No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Getting your drywall patched or repaired quickly is the best way to ensure that no further damage occurs.
6. The Foundation is Settling
The foundation of a building is built to be sturdy, but will likely settle over time. If this happens, there is a chance that the drywall will be damaged. The damage will be most apparent in the ceiling and near the corners of the walls. The cracks will get bigger over time, so it is important to get them repaired quickly. Cracks in drywall have the potential to become a safety hazard if the drywall is not repaired. In some cases, it may be best to replace your ceiling or walls instead of simply repairing them, depending on the extent of the damage
7. Bad Installation
With proper installation and care, drywall is supposed to last for years. However, if it is not installed correctly, a lot of issues can arise. A screw or nail could pop, possibly because of missing studs or too many fasteners, or the materials can warp because of water damage. This could become a bothersome eyesore.
If the person who installed the drywall used a low-quality joint fastening tape, the tape can begin to lose its grip over time, leading to a buckling effect that will damage your drywall.
Other potential damages can occur to your drywall if it is not properly installed. It is important to trust experts to install drywall correctly.
8. Furniture Marks
Furniture can leave little scuffs on your drywall that look unattractive. Usually, you can get rid of the scuffs with a damp sponge and a coat of paint, but over time, it can cause minor damage to the drywall. The best way to prevent damage to your drywall is to try to keep some space between the wall and the furniture.
Final Thoughts
No matter how careful you are, your drywall may get damaged over the years by these common causes of damage or by something else. If you start to see holes, bubbling, discoloration, scuffs, or stains in your drywall, it is time to get the drywall repaired or replaced. The experts at Magnum Drywall have over 30 years of experience in this industry, so we will install your drywall with the care needed to ensure it lasts for years. If you need drywall repairs in the Bay Area, contact Magnum Drywall today. After installation, we can paint the walls and ceiling, or install custom acoustical panels.