Fire sprinkler systems play a crucial role in protecting lives and property when fires occur, but when they malfunction and misfire, the resulting water damage can be incredibly costly. One of the most overlooked types of water damage caused by faulty fire sprinkler systems is the destruction of drywall.
Because drywall is susceptible to absorbing water, high levels of moisture and humidity exposure can cause it to deteriorate. Replacing drywall can be costly, both in material and labor costs, and it can cause a major disruption in business operations, which can also be incredibly costly for businesses.
While regular fire maintenance and inspections can help reduce the likelihood that a fire sprinkler-related incident will damage the drywall in your facility, there are situations where a fire sprinkler can continue to discharge water after it has extinguished a fire. In this sense, something designed for safety can result in costly damages.
Whether the water damage was caused accidentally or due to a fire sprinkler that continued to run after successfully putting out a fire, the problem requires swift action and the correct preventative tools, like the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Device.
This guide will explain why drywall is so susceptible to water damage and how to stop the water flow at the source before it can wreak havoc on your building’s infrastructure.
Why Drywall Is So Vulnerable to Fire Sprinkler-Related Water Damage
Sheets of drywall are composite materials that usually consist of gypsum, various additives, and a paper covering that sandwiches the core materials. These materials ensure it is lightweight and cost-effective but also make it highly susceptible to water damage.
When exposed to water, the paper exterior and gypsum interior soak up water quickly, which can cause them to swell, discolor, and eventually deteriorate. Since drywall is used to construct interior walls and ceilings in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and residential buildings, it tends to be used in environments with overhead or wall-mounted fire sprinkler heads.
If the issue is not addressed quickly, wet and damaged drywall can also present the perfect environment for the growth and spread of mold and mildew. Not only can this compromise the structural integrity of walls and ceilings by spreading to the wood they are attached to, but it can also pose a health risk to those occupying the building.
Since fire sprinklers are designed to provide effective fire protection over large areas, water damage caused by them tends to impact significant amounts of drywall, especially if water flow isn’t stopped quickly. In many cases, this water damage can become severe very quickly, which only highlights the importance of having tools on hand that can deactivate a fire sprinkler head quickly.
Since the Shutgun is an affordable, easy-to-use, and handheld device that can deactivate a sprinkler head quickly, it is recommended that one be kept with every fire extinguisher. This ensures one will be within reach when required, helping to mitigate water damage to drywall and other structural components, as well as inventory, electronics, and more.
How You Can Mitigate Drywall Water Damage Caused by Fire Sprinklers
When a sprinkler system malfunctions or discharges, acting fast to minimize drywall damage is incredibly important. Here are the key steps to take:
Stop the Flow of Water Fast
Unsurprisingly, the first thing you will want to do is stop the water flow as quickly as possible. Rather than shutting off the building’s main water supply or waiting for first responders to address a fire sprinkler head that shouldn’t be running, a Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Device gives you the power to solve the problem quickly and without assistance.
Specialized Shutgun Tools can help you address specific types of fire sprinkler heads, like the Concealed Head Shutgun or the Institutional Shutgun. To ensure you are prepared for anything, you can also invest in the Sheared Head Shutgun, designed to deactivate damaged sprinkler heads.
Assess the Damage
Once you have shut off the sprinkler, inspect the affected areas. Look for signs of swelling, sagging, or discoloration in your drywall. It’s important to remember that this damage can remain difficult to see, especially since water can seep into the drywall.
Remove and Replace Damaged Drywall
In most cases, soaked drywall isn’t worth salvaging. Instead, cutting away and removing damaged sections is safer and more cost-effective. This also helps you remove damage that is more difficult to see.
Dry and Dehumidify the Area
It’s important to thoroughly dry the area, which is usually accomplished with industrial fans and dehumidifiers. Even if you believe you have removed all of the damaged drywall, this step helps cover any moisture that was missed and prevents the spread of mold. If the environment remains wet and humid, mold can begin forming days after the initial event.
Final Words
Drywall water damage caused by faulty sprinklers can be costly, but it will only get more expensive if you do not take the appropriate actions to mitigate it. Investing in a Custom Shutgun Case can make sure that you have the correct number and type of tools to respond to fire sprinkler issues while performing regular maintenance on your fire sprinkler system can help reduce the likelihood that an incident will occur.
If your drywall becomes damaged, act quickly to ensure the water source has been stopped, the damaged materials have been replaced, and the environment is thoroughly dried. If you want to learn more about the Shutgun and order your own, click the link below: