SERVPRO: The usual suspects behind drywall damage in offices

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog discusses the reasons behind drywall damage in commercial buildings and its impact.

Drywall damage in commercial buildings

With its fire resistance and fireproofing qualities, drywall is a very popular element in commercial buildings. Like most things, drywall is also susceptible to damage, which must be addressed immediately for aesthetic and safety reasons. SERVPRO of Grapevine discusses drywalls and the common causes of drywall damage in commercial buildings.

What is drywall?

Drywall is a building material used to cover framing on walls and ceilings. Gypsum, a naturally-occurring, eco-friendly mineral, is mixed with other materials to create a slurry. This slurry is sandwiched between two layers of paper and dried. The paper type and thickness, along with the chemicals in the slurry, determine the type of drywall.

This dried layer is screwed onto the framing structure, the joints between drywall panels are taped to hide the gap, and then mud is applied to smooth the transition and patch the screw holes. Once the mud dries, it’s sanded to a fine finish and the wall is textured or painted.

The impact of drywall damage

In an office space, damaged drywall can cause some serious damage in many ways:

• Structural issues are inevitable when damaged drywall goes unrepaired for a long period.
• Health issues are a possibility due to musty odors and dangerous mold growth.
• Wire exposure is likely when the holes and cracks in the drywall grow larger over time leading to numerous safety hazards.
• Energy efficiency is significantly reduced as cracks and holes in drywalls will lead to loss of insulation. Higher utility costs can prove to be detrimental to a business.

Causes of drywall damage in commercial buildings

Drywall damage can be cosmetic or substantial. Either way, it must be repaired immediately. Even minor damage can ruin the aesthetics of an office and lower its value. Whereas substantial damage to a drywall can threaten the integrity of the structure making it a safety concern. Holes, nails, bubbles, and dents are all signs that a commercial drywall needs some attention.

• Plumbing Issues – A large bubble in drywall or a damp odor indicates a plumbing issue. Plumbing issues are one of the leading causes of drywall damage in commercial buildings. 
• Wear and Tear – Shifting and shuffling furniture such as desks, filing cabinets, and chairs can lead to dents, marks, and cracks in drywall. Moreover, aging drywall or damaged drywall with dents and cracks must be repaired and maintained to prevent further damage. 
• Severe Weather – Storms, hail, high winds, and heavy rains can lead to drywall damage. This can be worse if there are pre-existing structural issues and flaws in the building that have not been addressed yet. 
• Foundation Settling – The foundation is likely to settle over time leading to cracks in the drywall. It is possible to cover up these cracks with a paint job but severe damage may require more extensive repairs. 
• Termites – Office buildings in certain areas may be more susceptible to termite damage. Unaddressed, termites can seriously jeopardize the integrity of drywalls and pose a safety concern to the employees and customers. If termites are detected, building managers must immediately call a pest control company as well as a professional team to take care of the drywall issues.

Why SERVPRO?

Faster to Any Size Emergency

No matter where and how big the disaster is, SERVPRO can reach across 1,700 US and Canadian franchise locations and help its customers swiftly. The vast network of resources available to SERVPRO enables it to act immediately and efficiently. The water damage timeline showcases the various stages of damage and the extent of restoration work it needs. A 24X7 emergency response gives SERVPRO the ability to arrest any disaster quickly and save huge amounts of money, time, and energy. 

Advanced Technology 

SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

Certified Professionals

The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in commercial damage restoration and other restoration services. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For commercial damage restoration services, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com