In times of heavy rain showers, water leakage leads us to asking when to replace water damaged sheet rock. However, before settling into the option of immediately replacing it, there is a series of assessments one must do to know if the sheetrock is indeed beyond repair. Once done, this test will either save you from fishing out extra bucks or spending a terribly wet day.
Is Sheetrock Ruined If It Gets Wet?
Sheetrock, as a type of drywall, cannot stand too much exposure to water. Over time, the water damage will affect its structural integrity and will eventually be susceptible to other risks such as sagging, bulging, huge discoloration, and mold growth. However, the weight of the damage still depends on the length of exposure and might not automatically mean that the sheetrock is ruined.
Is The Water Damage Sheetrock Beyond Repair?
To repair or replace is always the question when it comes to wet sheetrocks. Before coming to a conclusion, one must first determine the extent of the damage through a series of tests. Who knows, it might be more than just an unrepaired vent or loose tile. However, one thing’s for sure — this guide will be helpful enough to lessen your woes.
Assess the size of the water leakage
Did you come to your home with a leak on the ceiling? Or with a dripping drywall near your windows?
The amount of the water leakage is directly linked to how the sheetrock needs a dire replacement. If you think you cannot curb the damage any longer by containing the water leaks, then this equates to purchasing new sheetrocks.
Know how old is the water damage
Notice any sign of rust on metal fixtures and buildup of mold and mildew as these can be tell-tale signs of the age of water damage. Knowing how long the water damage has existed will help you avoid the worst case scenario and will surely determine whether the water seeping in the sheetrock needs a little fixing or is already beyond repair.
Are Irreparable Sheetrocks Covered By Home Insurance?
If your assessments tell you that your sheetrock is beyond hope, then it is high time that you get a new one. You can try to check with your home insurance coverage and see if it includes policies like replacing water damaged sheetrock or other affected items. However, it is important to note that there are two types of insurance coverage.
1. Dwelling coverage
This kind of insurance coverage aids to pay for damage that is caused by covered perils. A few of which are the accidental ripping of a steam or bulging of automatic fire protection. When it comes to dwelling coverage, water damages caused by rain, plumbing leaks, and overflow of water fixtures are also involved.
This coverage also includes mold issues but only as a result of water damage caused by the mentioned perils. Oftentimes, homeowners insurance policies exclude this particularly if it stems from lack of maintenance or neglect.
2. Personal property coverage
If the covered risks resulted in any drenched belongings, this kind of coverage will help in alleviating your problem as it will pay for the water damage. However, this will likely apply to a deductible which is an important part of several kinds of insurance coverage.
This is also further divided into two types of personal property coverage: the replacement cost and actual cash value. The former policy reimburses the property damage by paying you the amount it will take to buy a new item. The latter, on the other hand, gives a reimbursement by factoring in depreciation.
Now, this is where it gets a little tricky: there is a certain coverage limit in terms of reimbursement. It is better to consult your homeowners’ insurance policy provider or lawyer to know what you will get for your damaged items.
When Do You Need a Property Damage Lawyer?
In times where your insurance company is acting in bad faith and does not stick to their insurance policies, then this calls for the intervention of a property damage lawyer. This type of attorney specializes in guiding their clients to know what the policy covers and if the insurance settlement offers fit your needs.
The same case also applies to the carelessness of the landowner and neighbors. They can assist you in preparing your claim as they are equipped with necessary knowledge in real estate and property. When a lawsuit becomes the best option, they can, of course, represent you in court.
Conclusion
We feel the safest when we are merely sitting cozily in our homes. However, there are unavoidable mishaps that occur in our everyday lives, and one of which is caused by water damage.
A simple wet sheetrock may not immediately cause a problem, but as part of living conditions, one must look around and try to spot the hints of dampness. This is so you’ll get to know when to replace water damaged sheet rock and avoid a forehead-creasing situation.