Generally speaking, wet drywall will take three days to dry out completely, but the actual answer varies from case to case and depends on numerous factors. In some situations, you will be able to let the drywall dry out on its own, but you may wonder how long it will take.
Grab a room fan to dry small damp spots. If the area that is wet is a small one, then it is possible to use a standing oscillating fan to try it out. Place one or more fans in front of the damp spot and turn them to their highest setting. This helps dry the wall and also gets moisture out of the air.
To recap, this is how to dry out damp walls
Follow up by removing moldings, baseboards, and wallpaper. Open windows and doors to help speed up the drying process. Use fans to move air around the damp walls. Also use dehumidifiers, which can help remove moisture from the air and walls.
It takes around 3-5 days to completely dry wet drywall, so patience is key, but you should be seeing consistent progress.
Make the room as airtight as possible by taping plastic sheeting over doorways and windows. Fire up the equipment, keep a close eye on the dehumidifier's collection well, and regularly check progress with your moisture meter. On average, it takes three days to completely dry wet drywall.
While small amounts of water damage may not seem like a big deal at first, mold and mildew can quickly grow on the drywall's damp areas. Mold can potentially cause severe health risks such as headaches, fatigue, and respiratory disease for anyone inside your home.
So, Does wet drywall always mold? Well, Once drywall comes in contact with water, there is only a tiny timeframe available to salvage it before the mold or mildew begins to set in the wall. Some mold spores can germinate after just 12 hours of drywall being in wet conditions.
mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.
Additionally, if left untreated, water damage on walls can cause the surface to crack, peel or buckle. This can create both cosmetic and structural issues. Water damage can also give host to mold and mildew. That's why repairing water-damaged drywall in a timely manner is best.
Water Damage
A big question homeowners often ask is “does wet drywall always need to be replaced?” and the answer is almost always yes.
Penetrating damp is the process of moisture moving from the exterior wall of a building to the interior. It occurs when outside moisture like wind-driven rain impacts a building's wall. Building materials like brick are porous. They soak up rain to saturate the wall with penetrating damp.
Yes, mold growth can occur even after a leak has been fixed. While addressing the source of moisture is a critical step in preventing mold growth, it doesn't guarantee that mold spores won't take root. Mold spores are ubiquitous in the environment and can remain dormant until they come into contact with moisture again.
Usually, when plaster is taking too long too dry it is because of a damp issue. Moisture gets trapped in the wall and won't allow the plaster to dry. You may need to call a specialist to take a look and assess the problem.
Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air. This can help to reduce condensation on walls and prevent mould and mildew growth. However, dehumidifiers will not necessarily dry out damp walls. If your walls are damp, you may need to use a combination of a dehumidifier and a fan to help dry them out.
If it is only a small amount and you can get the wall completely dry (as in a moisture meter deems it safe) then it is possible to salvage drywall with a coat of spackle and paint. However, if there is more water involved and the drywall is deformed or severely stained you may never be able to get the moisture out.
It takes about 72 hours for any affected areas to completely dry-up; this only applies to a room to room basis. Larger areas affected by water damage need longer drying times. Regardless of how large an area was affected, you need to follow specific protocols to restore your home's interior quality completely.
Within the first 24 hours of a leak or flood, mold development, damage to floors, walls, and electrics, and even structural issues can occur. This is why it's always best to quickly hire a water cleanup pro near you for a consultation and repair.
Mold From Water Leaks
Leaking water doesn't just happen when something big like a pipe bursts. Something as simple as a dripping faucet going unnoticed for months can cause a leak. While the water damage won't always be apparent. It can still cause mold to grow inside walls or under flooring.
Any water leak carries the risk of mold growth, but that doesn't necessarily mean that mold growth is certain. The chance of mold depends on many factors, such as the severity of water damage, how quickly it was cleaned up and dried, and the extent of surfaces affected.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Mold inside your walls is a sure sign of moisture intrusion. Mold also leads to the deterioration of insulation, studs, and drywall. Some types of mold can be hazardous to your health.
Use Borax To Scrub Away The Mold.
You'll want to use 1 cup of Borax for every gallon of water you use. Take a vacuum and remove as much freestanding mold as you can. Then scrub the mold with your Borax solution until the signs of it disappear from the drywall.
Mold discovered on the interior walls of a rental is an environmental hazard that can cause concern among tenants. Not only does it look unpleasant, but exposure to toxic mold is a health hazard that could cause health problems such as respiratory issues, rashes and chronic fatigue.