Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) Certification Practice Test

Which is a common characteristic of water-damaged drywall?

1. It becomes rigid

2. It stays intact

3. It swells and crumbles

4. It dries quickly

The correct answer is: It swells and crumbles

Water-damaged drywall typically exhibits a characteristic of swelling and crumbling due to the absorption of moisture. When drywall comes in contact with water, the paper surface can begin to deteriorate, and the core can swell, resulting in a compromised structural integrity. This is because drywall is composed of gypsum, which retains moisture. As this moisture is absorbed, the material weakens, leading to crumbling and a breakdown of the surface layers. The other options describe characteristics that are not aligned with the behavior of water-damaged drywall. Rigidness and staying intact would imply that the drywall has maintained its structural integrity, which is not the case after water exposure. Similarly, drying quickly is not typical; instead, wet drywall tends to take a prolonged time to dry out thoroughly, depending on the extent of the water damage and the environmental conditions. Recognizing the swelling and crumbling nature of water-damaged drywall is essential for effective assessment and restoration efforts.