Replacing drywall around a shower becomes necessary if damage is present.
Drywall, alternatively called gypsum board or sheetrock, is a product made from gypsum plaster and construction-grade paper. It is the most widely used material for walls and ceilings in modern homes and is very durable in most parts of the home. The bathroom, since it has more moisture than other parts of the home, tends to be somewhat problematic for drywall, frequently causing water damage, peeling and bulging. Proper preparation is key to preventing these problems.
Water Damage
Drywall in the bathroom, particularly in the areas surrounding the tub and shower, is prone to water damage. This water exposure leaves the room open to mold growth, which has the potential to cause health problems if left unchecked. Water exposure will create telltale signs, including bulging in the drywall, discoloration and softening along the surface. These problems generally appear with water stains along the ceiling or buckled flooring. The water source -- a leaky pipe, for example -- must be repaired and dried properly before any drywall repairs are attempted.
Loosening
Loosening occurs when the drywall pulls away from the studs, which will result in blisters or bulges along the surface of the drywall. This problem is most often present along the seam where two sheets of drywall are joined together and wherever joint compound and tape are located. The most common reason behind blistering is improper application of compound or tape and usually indicates that there isn't enough compound between the tape and drywall, according to the Askthebuilder website.
Repairs
When drywall has pulled away from the studs, re-securing the drywall is usually preferable to replacing the piece. The first step of this process requires locating the studs on either side of the bulge. Drilling screws through the drywall into the studs is the simplest method for repairing loosening. The nail head is covered using a layer of drywall compound. If the bulging is located on the ceiling, add some 2-by-4 boards between the joists above the bulge.
Replacing Drywall
In the event of severe water damage, replacing the drywall is preferable to repairs. Replacing pieces or whole sheets will take care of any mold or bacterial growth present in the bathroom. For damage to small areas, a partial replacement will save time and money. Partial replacements require using a drywall saw to cut a square out of the drywall which is slightly larger than the damage. The new piece of drywall is anchored into the hole with 3-inch anchor blocks and screwed into place and topped with a layer of drywall compound. A second layer of compound is applied after the first layer has dried. Once both layers are dry, sand until smooth.
Related posts
Bulging in drywall is usually indicative of an underlying problem.Drywall, also called gypsum board or sheetrock, is a construction material made from gypsum plaster and thick paper. It is the pro...
Drywall soffits above cabinets require well-made framing.Covering soffit space above upper cabinets requires you to treat the box as a drywall cabinet. You want all surfaces to have a smooth finis...
When a shower contains drywall, either surrounding the shower tiles or in place of shower tiles, the wall boards usually consist of a strong water-resistant material. Water-resistance, however, do...
Anyone with the right tools can make damaged drywall look like new.Removing wallpaper from drywall often results in minor damage to the drywall. It leaves small indentations, exposed gypsum (the c...
Cracks may appear above doors.It's not uncommon to find cracks in drywall above doors or above and below windows, because in these areas, the wall structure is slightly weaker. When the contractor...
