Astonishingly, North Americans install an estimated 3.9×109 square meters of drywall yearly. The material is an essential finishing product in commercial construction.
Like all good property managers and business owners, commercial drywall repair is a cornerstone of effective property maintenance. If your drywall fails, it could lead to water infiltration, bulging, loose nails, rot, mold, or even wall or building collapse.
Read on to learn how to spot the signs your drywall needs repair or replacement—before it’s too late.
Holes
Holes form in drywall surprisingly often. A renter might slam a door too hard, or an office worker might trip and fall into the wall.
You can patch small to medium-sized holes using a joint compound and repaint the wall afterward. However, if it seems like the hole might endanger the wall’s structural integrity, it’s best to call in the professionals to assess the damage and suggest appropriate repairs.
Leaks
If you have a pipe leaking nearby or behind your drywall, it’s likely already comprising the wall.
Water weakens drywall. It can cause the drywall to rot, or health-endangering mold may form on it. Joints may come loose, and cracks may develop.
If you suspect a water leak, call the plumber to fix it as soon as possible. Then, contact a local painting company to assess the damage to the drywall.
Discoloration
If your commercial property is located in an area with high humidity, you might notice some discoloration of your drywall. When left unchecked, it can lead to mold, mildew, and rot—just as a pipe leak may cause.
If you live in a dry climate and notice discoloration, it could be a sign of serious water infiltration, such as a leaking roof.
When you cannot remove the source of moisture, your drywall will need to be replaced.
Popping Nails
If you notice the nails popping out of your drywall, it’s a sign the building is shifting. The foundations and internal structure of older buildings, or those in extreme climates, twist and move over time, and your drywall moves with them.
A few nails here and there can be hammered back in, but if there is a lot of popping nails, replacement might be required.
Cracks and Splinters
You will typically notice cracks along the seams of the drywall. This could be where the panels join or meet a window or door frame. Try repairing minor cracks with a joint compound. If the cracks keep appearing, you might have the replace the section.
Splinters usually indicate either water-damaged drywall (leading to rot) or drywall that’s aging and needs replacement.
Commercial Drywall Repair: Catch Issues Early to Save
Commercial drywall repair does not usually cost the earth. This makes it easy to address issues when they are small. If you wait until you have enormous cracks or water damage, you could have a much more substantial problem.
One way to do this is to schedule regular building inspections with a drywall contractor. CoreCom serves business owners and property managers across the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas, specializing in everything from multi-family to industrial properties.
Reach out to our team today for a quote.