Softness in drywall - small fix or major problem?

[herb fellows]

Radhak, from the few patches I have done, if the area is not too big, the california patch is a winner. USG's got a video on how to do it. http://www.usg.com/rc/videos/joint-c...r-video-en.wmv

Not an uncommon occurrence when installing windows in florida is for the dumb a$$ installer to put screws through the pan (lower sill plate), especially on vinyl windows this leads to future leaks and voided warranties. You may want to check for screws in the bottom piece and see where they are located.

Radhak, from the few patches I have done, if the area is not too big, the california patch is a winner. USG's got a video on how to do it. http://www.usg.com/rc/videos/joint-c...r-video-en.wmv

The link seems to be broken?

[herb fellows]

Radhak, from the few patches I have done, if the area is not too big, the california patch is a winner. USG's got a video on how to do it. http://www.usg.com/rc/videos/joint-c...r-video-en.wmv

Not an uncommon occurrence when installing windows in florida is for the dumb a$$ installer to put screws through the pan (lower sill plate), especially on vinyl windows this leads to future leaks and voided warranties. You may want to check for screws in the bottom piece and see where they are located.

here is the youtube link, I like this, never heard of it before, thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Kfw8M-a0pE

[radhak]

Wow, so many posts and so much information within 24 hours of asking! Thanks a ton Everybody - for your insight and for taking the time to post!

Now that I know what to look for and how to go about it, I am going to give this a up-close-and-personal look.

I'll post updates as soon as I get to it - hopefully today/tomorrow.

[toolguy1000]

Radhak, from the few patches I have done, if the area is not too big, the california patch is a winner. USG's got a video on how to do it. http://www.usg.com/rc/videos/joint-c...r-video-en.wmv

Not an uncommon occurrence when installing windows in florida is for the dumb a$$ installer to put screws through the pan (lower sill plate), especially on vinyl windows this leads to future leaks and voided warranties. You may want to check for screws in the bottom piece and see where they are located.

can't seem to get the link to work. is there another link?

[chopnhack]

Sorry guys, I didnt test the link and it was a truncated web address - its fixed and its really worth watching. The video is from the makers of Sheetrock brand wallboard.

[Raffi]

Sorry guys, I didnt test the link and it was a truncated web address - its fixed and its really worth watching. The video is from the makers of Sheetrock brand wallboard.

Great video, learned a lot from it thanks!

I've used these and was happy with the results:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5-7iKCLNl8

[chopnhack]

Any progress Radhak? I know you keep pretty busy with travel and all, just curious as to the source of the problem.

[radhak]

Actually, I was out of home for the weekend so could not do anything with this.
Plan to attend to this by the coming weekend.

Thanks for looking out for me (and keeping me alert), Chopnhack!

[chopnhack]

No pressure Rad, I know you travel and you have kids so life gets busy. Let us know what you find when you get to it.

[radhak]

Update :

Finally I cut into the wall to take a peek. At first look does not look too bad, unless I am mis-reading something.

At the end of a very wet weekend, the insides are fully dry. I can't even feel moist air inside. I am unable to determine if that insulation there is discolored or rotten because of moisture, or simply degenerated due to age.





I don't see anything like mold; that dark stain is all that looks funny. I don't see too many of that stain.

I now have to follow whatever MPC has suggested in his detailed email, like cutting to the closest studs around, then go hunting for a replacement piece of drywall.

I do recall now that I used to have a sprinkler head right under this window in the backyard garden that must have poured a lot of water on the other side of the wall. I stopped it last year (because I don't need water around this area after I got it paved). Maybe that caused the softness? Of course I have to worry how the moisture got in, albeit might be a very minute opening/hole somewhere?

[chopnhack]

I am sure you know your house better than I do, but from that picture it looks like you have a block wall, which is fairly common in Florida. I hope that is not a 110v line (14g?) running through the back of the wall like that! Typically they are supposed to use a stand off and attach it to a furring strip, not uncommon to see them run off of the 1x3 at the bottom when they run horizontal.

As for the source of the leak, the sprinkler is the likely culprit, but check that window pan carefully. The sprinkler can drive water through a masonry wall over time, especially since its repeated and typically over a 20-30 minute water time x times per week. Inspect the wall on the outside with a flash light, sometimes there are hairline cracks that allow the water in.

As for the repair, fur off of the block wall and shim flush with the existing, you may want to use a pressure treated wide board (1x3 or better) to allow you to catch both sides of the repair. If you just fasten the patch, the joints will move and crack fairly easily. Block walls can be tricky to fur properly so take the time to shim it well.

[radhak]

I should have clarified : that's the TV cable.

I am not aware of the terminology, but this is some masonry of sorts, and could very well be block-wall.

It rained very hard and all of last night, and I don't see any moisture now. I am fairly convinced it was the sprinkler. I shall examine the outside today.

Thanks for the repair tips - will be very useful, I'm sure.

[BigguyZ]

I don't see anything like mold; that dark stain is all that looks funny. I don't see too many of that stain.

That black stain is mold. You're going to want to cut out the drywall until you don't see any more black stuff. Even if it's not wet, you might find that the mold has spread. I'm not alarmist about mold- but better safe than sorry.

[JimD]

It's hard to tell depth but if the "insulation" is thin, 3/4 to 1 inch thick, it could be a board product I have seen as "hemasote" or something like that. It seems to be pressed recycled paper and it has an appearance like the pictures with some darker splotches. I worked with it some making bulletin boards at a former church.

I didn't realize when I commented before that you are in Florida. Due to termite risk, a lot of homes have concrete block walls, often covered by brick and/or stucco. Concrete block does not easily allow space for wiring and plumbing so furring strips to create a little space for this and allow easy fastening of drywall would be expected.

To patch, you may want to just attach new furring strips surrounding the hole (on both sides, have to slide into position) attaching them to the block with construction adhesive. After the adhesive sets, you can just put screws into it to attach drywall.

If the insulation is a pressed paper product I would replace with foam board in the area you patch. You can glue that to concrete block with construction adhesive too. The foam board is both better insulation and more water resistant.

Jim

[Raffi]

That black stain is mold. You're going to want to cut out the drywall until you don't see any more black stuff. Even if it's not wet, you might find that the mold has spread. I'm not alarmist about mold- but better safe than sorry.

Agreed. Cut more out till you don't find andy of that black stain. Spray the area with a mixture of bleach and water to be safe.

You could point a sprinkler at your window and let it run, then check to see if it is leaking inside.