How to Check for Bad Sheet Rock

Drywall, sometimes referred to as sheet rock, is a material that's nailed or screwed directly to the wooden studs in a wall. Drywall is made of cellulose material and is dry and crumbly. Poor quality drywall can lead to problems, ranging from bad hanging, to horrible smells, to the leaching of chemicals into your air. Fortunately, if you think there's a problem, you can check your drywall for signs and symptoms.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the area around the drywall. Metal parts, such as the copper fittings found in air conditioning units, will be discolored if your drywall is putting out gases. There will also be a smell, which is likely to be unpleasant at best, sickening at worst.
- 2
  Carefully examine the surface of the sheet rock. If the sheet rock is falling apart and crumbling, edges will be rough and there will be loose spots where the wrapping sinks in. Termites can eat the cellulose material and will leave small trails in the drywall like humped tunnels.
- 3
  Make a fist and bang firmly but gently against the drywall. Drywall that's crumbly or hollow will cave in. If it is hung poorly, it will flap when you slap a fist against it. If dust falls out or if damage results, then your drywall isn't strong enough.

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