Leak ruined plaster, what do I do?

Ahleckz

Hello.
A recent leak has caused the plasterboard to get ruined and is covered in mould in my washing machine room.
I think the plasterboard all needs ripped down and allow the room to dry out (fan heater for a day?) and then get new plasterboard up. A part of the ceiling was also removed whilst the plumber was in to investigate the leak.

I'm assuming that this task is beyond me, so who should I phone? A builder? Joiner? Plasterer? Should I remove the affected plasterboard and begin drying out before I phone? I don't want to make unnecessary work (and further price) for the tradesman but want him in and out as quick as possible (as it'll be cheaper).

Can post some pictures if that helps?

Thanks!

bryanb

Hvve you got insurance on the building?

Ahleckz

Unfortunately not.

This episode has taught me a valuable lesson and will be buying once everything is fixed.

macman

Assuming you have cured the leak, all you need is a plasterer to make good. If the underlying structure is still saturated, then it may need more work of course-impossible to tell without stripping the plasterboard first.

princess_loki

if i were you i would get the plasterboard off (very carefully) and leave the room a few weeks to dry out. during this time you could get a few people in to quote.

if you get someone in now to quote and say you want the job done quick then they may do a quick job and you could end up with damp coming through all the new stuff...

if you get all of the old stuff off and when they come to do the work the room is clear then it shouldnt take too long. also - take a look at prices for plasterboard and plaster in a diy store so you have an idea of material costs (they will also use mesh tape stuff and nails so allow a bit for that).

make sure you get a written quote, mobile and landline telphone number too!!!

Ahleckz

Right, I'll have a go at taking off some of the plasterboard and then set up a fan heater to try and hurry up the drying process.
I assume it's a bigger job than just simply screwing in replacement plasterboard once the underwall has dried out?

macman

Using a fan heater is really not a good idea. Let it dry out naturally using airflow not heat.

princess_loki

macman wrote: »

Using a fan heater is really not a good idea. Let it dry out naturally using airflow not heat.

or - does anyone you know have a dehumidifier? don't put it on the full setting - just medium - they work really well in a situation like this.

really the best thing is to get all damp plasterboard out asap

Yorkshire_Bred

Now is the plasterboard on a stoothing wall or is it dot and dabbed?

How badly damaged is the plasterboard?

As you seem unsure I would seek advice from a plasterer before ripping everything out! you may save yourself some time and money!!

Ahleckz

After having some dinner and thinking about it I think it's best just to get a plasterer to come round and see what he says. Hopefully be able to sort that out tomorrow.

The plasterboard is beyond repair, it literally comes off the wall in pieces when touched. I was hoping I could just scrub it (to remove the mould) with bleach and repaint, but that's really not going to do it.

Don't know what stoothing and dot and dab is I'm afraid! Never had to deal with plaster/plasterboard before.